Is Low Power FM a Rebirth of FM Radio,New DaySequerra

Barry2013 said:

Good to hear from you.
I have had a FM tuner in my systems for at least 20 years and went all the way through the Naims up to the 01 before swapping to Magnum Dynalab, Had a lovely 108 before the current 109 both of which I prefer to the 101. It is of course a newer model and a hybrid design but I find it has a more musical sound.
As indicated in my last post the Day Sequerra is intriguing but whether it is better than the 109 is the $64k question!

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You must upgrade 109 to 109 Signature Barry. A huge jump in sound quality and the upgrade (new output Tracc mk2 board with teflon caps and “new Telefunken” tubes) is very reasonably priced.

Marcus said:

You must upgrade 109 to 109 Signature Barry. A huge jump in sound quality and the upgrade (new output Tracc mk2 board with teflon caps and “new Telefunken” tubes) is very reasonably priced.

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Thank you Marcus
Yes the upgrade is tempting and as you say not overly expensive.
Thinking about it!

Barry2013 said:

Thank you Marcus
Yes the upgrade is tempting and as you say not overly expensive.
Thinking about it!

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Hi Barry...just checked and read that UK has formally extended FM through 'at least' 2030. So that is roughly 7 years of listening if they go thru year-end 2030, let alone beyond.

Any thoughts on Magnum Dynalab FM models you feel are best bang for buck? Also, where would you say the Sequerra Ref FM comes out in comparison with the various models of MD...competitive with its flagships or not? Particularly saw they have a Sequerra FM Ref 25th Anniversary upgrade.

Not necessarily interested in spending so much...just really trying to learn about FM and Internet Radio if the focus is on best sound available, and then next rung down...best bang for buck in the entire pecking order of MD's lineup. Thanks!

LL21 said:

Hi Barry...just checked and read that UK has formally extended FM through 'at least' 2030. So that is roughly 7 years of listening if they go thru year-end 2030, let alone beyond.

Any thoughts on Magnum Dynalab FM models you feel are best bang for buck? Also, where would you say the Sequerra Ref FM comes out in comparison with the various models of MD...competitive with its flagships or not? Particularly saw they have a Sequerra FM Ref 25th Anniversary upgrade.

Not necessarily interested in spending so much...just really trying to learn about FM and Internet Radio if the focus is on best sound available, and then next rung down...best bang for buck in the entire pecking order of MD's lineup. Thanks!

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Thanks Lloyd
Yes I am sure FM is going to be around for quite a few years and I get enormous enjoyment from listening to Radio 3.
I have the MD109 which I upgraded with a a set of Phillips NOS valves. Not overly expensive and it resulted in a significant improvement in the sound quality. The 109 is a very good buy in my experience and I can highly recommend it. They do come up for sale from time so you should be able to find one without too much waiting.
Prior to that I had a 108T which was an upgrade from a model lower in the MD range. Again, a significant improvement.
So you can be confident that the bangs for bucks works as you move up their range.
Where you are reception shouldn't be a problem, but I would expect a roof mounted FM aerial to notably improve the sound quality. I imagine interference could well be a problem where you are and that an external aerial would address that.
I have a Ron Smith FM 17 which is more than enough where I am. I think they are still in business and they are not expensive. Again, they do come for sale used from time to to time. If I remember correctly I found a 14 to 17 upgrade used on Pinkfish classifieds some years ago which proved to be a very effective upgrade. There are bigger and more expensive models for areas where reception is a problem, but I am sure you wouldn't need one of those. In addition, local authorities usually have planning rules about the size of aerials that are allowed, but you should be okay with a 14/17. Another option is to put the aerial in a loft/roof space. I don't have any experience of that. I imagine it is a viable option in many situations, but not as good as an externally mounted aerial.
I have seen both the Sequerra and the Marantz 10B, but have not heard them. The latter looks like a very efficient dust trap to me. They both have their fans and again come for sale from time to time. There was a Sequerra for sale in France recently on Shark for about £7k. The problem with both is the very limited number of people available to service and maintain them properly. Fraser cautioned me against the Sequerra which he reckoned was older and less good technology compared with the more modern MDs.
Hope that is helpful.
Best
Barry

I ´m on my second Day Sequerra and love it
My new anniversary version has new LED display and much better sensitivity and picks up anything
only indoor Magnum Dynalab antenna....

I had a fully upgraded Sequerra 12 years ago and it was great. I compared it side by side with a Naim NAT01. Sequerra was the best in sensitivity by far. Also you can check the reception with the scope and adjust ( but I was always adjusting it and became a bit obsessed...). I don't need to be more obsessed...
In SQ they were very close, just a bit more finesse for the Naim in my opinion. A more human restitution (some will say "vintage" ?).
In pure audiophile terms the Sequerra was the better (you know bass, highs, details...). Under the lid, the Sequerra is a beast. A tank. I loved both.
My 2 cents

Wow! Thank you! Very very helpful. I will continue to do a bit more homework on the Sequerra and the Magnum Dynalabs.

I think you should also look at Accuphase. These guys are very skilled in the art of making good tuners. It seems the 1200 is in the very top sounding ones, and technically it’s a top also. I also read Accuphase US importer has significantly lowered the prices, so maybe you can dig this path too. Personally when I decide to buy, I like this moment between the decision to buy and the final choice, exploring all the possibilities in my budget and successively reduce, eliminate and choose.

Good to know! Now that you mention it, I do recall reading that somewhere. Thank you!