Tuner (radio)

A radio tuner receives radio broadcasts and converts them into audio-frequency signals
which can be fed into an amplifier driving a loudspeaker. FM tuner, AM tuner, DAB
tuner, etc. are types of radio tuner dealing with transmissions using different methods of
modulation. The term tuner is used both for part of a radio receiver which also contains
an amplifier section and for a boxed piece of equipment to be connected to a separate
amplifier.

The simplest tuner consists of an inductor and capacitor connected in parallel. The
capacitor is usually made to be variable (although the inductor can made variable it
requires a more complex mechanism and is rarely used). This creates a resonant circuit
which responds to an alternating current of one frequency. In general, radio makers will
use a rule of thumb of 1.5 picofarads per metre wavelength. Common inductance values
are 4.1 milliHenries for long wave, 370 microHenries for medium, and 130 nanoHenries
for VHF (FM) between 88 and 108 MHz. In a superheterodyne radio the capacitor that
tunes the "tank" will be ganged with another; this alters the local oscillator to provide a
constant intermediate frequency. Combined with a detector, also known as a
demodulator, it becomes the simplest radio receiver, often called a crystal set. Standalone
audio stereo FM tuners are sought after for audiophile and TV/FM DX applications,
especially those produced in the 1970s and early 1980s, when performance and
manufacturing standards were among the highest. In many instances the tuner may be
modified to improve performance. A growing hobby trend is the electronics specialists
that buy, collect and restore these vintage FM or AM/FM audio tuners. The restoration
usually begins with replacing the electrolytics (capacitors) that age over time. The tuner
is outfitted with improved tolerance and better sounding upgraded parts. Prices have
increased relative to the increasing demand for the older audio tuners. Those with the
most value are the best sounding, most rare (collectible), the best DX capable(Distance
Reception)and the known build quality of the component, as it left the factory.

Most of the top end audio tuner models were designed and manufactured to receive only
the FM broadcast band. As FM became more popular, the limitations of AM became
more apparent, and the primary listening focus, especially for stereo and music
broadcasting. The bulk of tuners made for the market, however, were AM/FM design,
especially in the 1980s and 1990s. Few companies even manufacture dedicated FM or
AM/FM tuners now, as these bands are most often included in a low cost chip for A/V
systems, more as an afterthought, rather than designed for the critical FM listener. The
FM aficionado must really look to the classic tuner models and either rebuild or upgrade
the unit to satisfy demanding FM listeners. A few 1970s tuners feature now-deprecated
Dolby noise reduction for FM broadcasts.

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