Rating of the best FM tuners (radio tuners) for 2020

Thanks to FM-Tuners, the user can expand the radio frequency range and enjoy good, high-quality music or listen to your favorite radio program without interference. These devices can be equipped with additional functions, have different capabilities or have a specific purpose. The rating was made up of popular radio tuners for 2020 from various companies, with their own pros and cons.

FM tuners: general idea, selection criteria for devices

FM tuners can be classified into several categories:

• Control: manual, digital, automatic, with the help of microprocessors;
• Types of radio tuners by placement method: built-in, free-standing, portable;
• What devices are there by the type of element used when creating a circuit: lamp, transistor;
• By sound quality: Stereo, Monaural and Hybrids;
• According to the range of received radio signals: long-range, medium, short, state or regional ultra-short waves.

How to choose the right device? The first thing to pay attention to is the range of captured radio frequencies, an indicator of sensitivity and selectivity.

The quality of the transmission of sound waves depends on the installation of the antenna.

Recommendations for the selection of devices regarding their design:

• Stand-alone boards like ISA or PCI are good for inventors. The first one (ISA) is used for personal computers, in the motherboard, in the form of a 62- or 98-pin connector.

There is a ready-made sound card that combines an FM tuner.

• A TV tuner is used for a TV that also has an FM tuner.
• To listen to MP3, view information from DVD or CD discs on a computer or plasma from a specific radio wave, you can use an external device that connects to the USB port.

A popular appearance FM tuner that works independently of the computer. It is attached with Velcro to the monitor.

• Portable radio tuners are mainly used by young people, connecting speakers to them so that the music “spreads throughout the district”.

Tips when buying a radio tuner:

1. Carefully study the product description and visually view the presence of all connectors and buttons, if possible, check the operation of the device;
2. Read customer reviews for your favorite model and take note of the positive and negative aspects of the device;
3. When choosing a module, you need to view its technical characteristics and capabilities (for example, is there a playback of multimedia files);
4. Which company is better? This question is asked by many who first encounter such a purchase.In order not to make mistakes when choosing, the sales consultant will answer all your questions, give a comparative analysis of several companies, and which one is better to buy - the choice is yours.

The more expensive the device, the better it is made, the transmission of sound and the range of radio waves are the highest. The budget models are primitive, but they do their job well, but the service lines and the warranty for them are not as great as for the premium category.

Rating of quality premium FM tuners for 2020

Multifunctional devices from different companies that provide excellent sound transmission, close to the original recording. All of them are equipped with a display that displays the necessary information. The case is made of metal according to the latest fashion trends. The best manufacturers of this steel category:

• Rotel;
• "VINCENT";
• Onkyo;
• "NAD".

Model "T11 Black" from the manufacturer "Rotel"

The device can reproduce analogue FM music and make stereo sound. The built-in memory capacity allows you to store up to 30 presets for each of the bands. The liquid crystal screen transmits information about melodies (genre, name), the name of the received programs (ratings and their operating frequencies), transmits the traffic situation and much more.

Free-standing construction on anti-vibration feet. Body material - metal, facade - aluminum. The brightness of the display can be adjusted depending on the lighting level (7 options are available). The device is configured using buttons or remotely (the control panel is included in the kit).

Specifications:

A type:	stereo
Parameters (centimeters):	43/7,3/33
Net weight:	4 kg 300 g
Setting the radio frequency in the range:	10 Hz-15 kHz
Tuner Compatibility:	RDS, DAB, DAB +
Antenna:	FM / DAB
Entrance:	linear, RCA
Output signal:	1 in
Number of radio stations:	30 pcs.
FM Channel Separation (dB):	40/37
Power consumption:	10 watts
Sensitivity (dBf):	22.2; threshold - 27.2
Noise Ratio (dBf):	63 - mono, 60 - stereo
FM harmonic coefficient (%):	0.2 - mono, 0.3 - stereo
By price:	28,300 rubles

• The ability to update the tuner software by connecting it to a complex computer automation and control system such as AMD or Crestron;
• Build quality;
• Opportunities;
• Remote control;
• You can listen to the radio anywhere;
• Compact;
• Sound transmission;
• Easy to customize;
• Lightweight;
• Appearance.

• Interference: high sensitivity to extraneous vibrations (walking near the device);
• There is no complete shutdown of the display.

Model "STU-1 Black" from the manufacturer "VINCENT»

A stationary device from the "Hi-Fi" line in a black case with a large display. The legs have an anti-vibration effect, which is an additional guarantee of high-quality sound transmission. The tuner is created using transistor-tube technology, which enhances musical perception by combining the dynamics and pressure of transistors with the refinement of tubes. Switching stations and tuning - push-button or using the remote control.

Specifications:

A type:	RDS hybrid tuner
Dimensions (centimeters):	43/9,5/34
Weight:	5 kg 500 g
Setting range:	FM (MHz): 87-108;
	AM (kHz): 522-1611.
Audio DAC:	40 pcs.
Antennas:	FM / AM
Frequencies:	30 Hz-15 kHz
Output (analog):	RCA
Food (maximum):	10 A / 2200 W
Signal to noise ratio (mono):	FM: 70 dB;
	AM (dB at 80% mod): 50.
Frequency Response (Hz):	30-15000
Sensitivity:	mono 5 dBf - FM;
	65 dBf / m - AM.
Output power (2 per Ohm: W):	class-A: 8: 60;
	8: 200;
	4: 400;
	2: 700
Manufacturer country:	Germany
Lamps (2 pcs.):	6N16
Average price:	69,500 rubles

• Functional;
• Value for money;
• Accurate sound;
• Simple setup;
• Appearance.

• Dear: not everyone can afford it.

Model "T-4030" from the manufacturer "Onkyo"

The device with good reception of radio waves goes on sale in 2 colors: black or silver. The front side is equipped with a minimal set of buttons, display and volume control.For additional settings, you can use the control panel. Preset stations are shown on the display with 8-character precision. The chassis is anti-resonant, rigid, and prevents vibration. For weak signals, the "FM mono" mode is provided.

Principle of operation: the analog signal of the FM tuner is fed to the RCA outputs, for DAB - to the digital outputs. Signal shaping - vector linear.

Specifications:

A type:	DAB / FM tuner
Size (centimeters):	43,5/10,2/30,7
Net weight:	4 kg 900 g
Fixed settings:	40 pcs.
Received frequencies (MHz):	87,5-108,0
Frequency range:	20 Hz-15 kHz
Signal to noise ratio (stereo):	60 dBA
Separation of stereo channels:	40 dBA
Harmonic distortion:	0.01
Connection (one by one):	analog output, digital optical and coaxial
Front Panel:	made of aluminum
Battery:	Free Memory Back-Up
How much is:	about 19,000 rubles

• Good sound;
• The brightness of the screen is adjusted;
• Device with Auto Standby function;
• Intuitive setting;
• Affordable prices;
• RI control system.

• If the antenna is installed poorly, there is interference.

Model "С427" from the manufacturer "NAD"

The device has an RS232 control interface, a display, the necessary control buttons and volume control. You can connect the device to complex installations, for example, the Smart Home system. The volume of memory allows you to store almost fifty radio channels. RF Front End technology allows for better reception of frequencies in the border ranges with a minimum level of noise and distortion. A 24-position rotary knob is used to quickly select stations or peresets.

Specifications:

A type:	FM / AM stereo tuner
Dimensions (centimeters):	43,5/9,63/31,5
Weight:	4 kg 500 g
Number of channels:	2 pcs.
Storing stations in memory:	40
Antennas:	FM, AM, RS232
Output:	RCA, 3.5mm trigger
Frequency range for playback:	20 Hz-15 kHz
Signal to noise ratio (mono / stereo in dB):	65/60
Distortion factor (mono / stereo in%):	0,4/0,8
Sensitivity:	24 dBA
Supply voltage:	230 V
Receiving frequency (FM / AM):	87.5-108.5 MHz / 522-1629 kHz
Manufacturer country:	Great Britain
Average cost:	35,000 rubles

• Remote control capability;
• Simple connection and setup of the device;
• High-quality assembly;
• Purity of sound;
• RDS support;
• Retains all preset information when off.

• Not identified.

Best digital FM tuners for 2020

The review was made by top-class models, the price segment of which has huge differences. The products from the following companies are presented to your attention:

• "DSPPA";
• Denon;
• "Inter-M".

Model "PC-1008R" from the manufacturer "DSPPA"

Built-in device with autonomous search system and digital setting. It displays the signal intensity using a special scale, saves settings when turned off, and can be controlled remotely (suitable for a computer, controlled by a PC-1014T timer).

Specifications:

A type:	AM / FM tuner
Parameters (centimeters):	48.3 - width, 8.8 - height, 34.5 - depth
Station memory:	40 pcs.
Net weight:	5 kg 400 g
FM signal:	87.0-108.0 MHz - tuning range;
	18 dB - sensitivity;
	76/60 dB - signal-to-noise ratio (mono / stereo, respectively);
	50 kHz - tuning step.
Output signal:	0.775V, stereo, unbalanced
Battery:	220-240 V, 50-60 Hz - AC;
	24 V - DC.
AM signal:	522-1620 kHz - tuning range;
	52 dB - sensitivity;
	40 dB - signal-to-noise ratio;
	9 kHz - tuning step.
Cost in the middle price segment:	21,000 rubles

• Suitable for PC;
• LED display;
• Autonomy;
• Audio output level indicator;
• Value for money;
• Choice of power supply: 110 V / 220 V AC or 24 V DC.

• Not identified.

Model "DN-300H" from the manufacturer "Denon"

The rack-mounted electronics automatically scan the frequency ranges. There is a mono mode, smoothing noise and a crystal master oscillator with phase locked loop. The vehicle memory stores a large number of radio stations and RDS broadcasts.The USB-A port is used for updates. The device is installed in a rack module, all the necessary mounting elements are included in the kit.

Specifications:

A type:	digital FM / AM tuner
Parameters (centimeters):	48.2 - width, 4.3 - thickness, 20 - length
Weight:	2 kg 500 g
Supports:	DAB / DAB +
Stores in the memory of radio stations:	40 pcs.
Outputs (2 pcs.):	XLR balanced out, RCA unbalanced out
Input resistance:	75 Ohm (for all antennas)
Output voltage:	2.2 kΩ (for FM)
Channel separation (dB):	more than 35 - FM; 60 - DAB / DAB +
Tuning step (kHz):	50 - FM, 9 - AM
Frequency:	MHz: 87.5-108 - FM, 174.928-239.200 - DAB / DAB +;
	kHz: 522-1629 - AM
Nonlinear distortion (coefficient,%):	less than 0.3 - FM, mono / stereo;
	max 1.8 - AM.
Nutrition:	from the network
Manufacturer country:	Japan
By price:	20,200 rubles

• There are automatic settings;
• Display backlight adjustment;
• Equipment;
• Remote control;
• Technical properties;
• A large number of radio stations;
• Value for money.

• Not identified.

Model "TU-6200" from the manufacturer "Inter-M"

Purpose: for installation on a table or an equipment cabinet (standard 19 ").

A digital tuner for professional and broadcast sound systems, provides radio reception and generates audio signals for further processing and amplification. The required radio channels can be found automatically or manually. The device operates in two modes: mono and stereo, which can be switched manually. Analog outputs with XLR 3pin (balanced) and RCA connectors. Open command system with the function of recording control programs.

Specifications:

A type:	FM / AM
Dimensions (centimeters):	48,2/8,8/28
Net weight:	4 kg 200 g
Power consumption:	7 watts
Signal to noise ratio (dB):	60 - mono, 50 - stereo
Connector:	RS232
Total Harmonic Distortion (%):	0.2 - mono, 0.5 - stereo, 1 - AM
Radio stations in memory:	40 pcs.
Management interface:	RS-232
Nutrition:	220 V
How much for the price:	30,200 rubles

• Instant tuning of the tuner to a radio frequency;
• Multifunctional;
• High-quality assembly;
• Clear sound;
• Several modes;
• Autonomy and manual configuration;
• Simple connection.

• Not identified.

Popular models of other FM tuners for 2020

The popularity of models in this category due to their simplicity, compactness and low price. The list of the best radio tuners includes models from the following companies:

• "Pro-Ject";
• Model with "Ali Express";
• "AVK".

Model "Tuner Box S2" from the manufacturer "Pro-Ject"

Analog tuner in a black casing with a large display and a minimal set of buttons. There is a signal level indicator and fine tuning, autonomous and manual program search. Selecting programs from memory, for each switch, takes 3 seconds. The equipment is connected to the line input and output on the amplifier, which comes in conjunction with a tuner from the same manufacturer.

Specifications:

A type:	tuner
Dimensions (centimeters):	10,3/3,7/11,2
Weight without power supply:	315 g
Radio tuning range:	87.5-108 MHz, step - 50 kHz
Frequency:	20 Hz-20 kHz
Memory cells:	99 pcs.
Signal to noise ratio:	50 dBA
Sensitivity (dB):	7 - mono, 17 - stereo / 75 ohm
Output:	Linear - RCA / Phono, Trigger: 2-pole coaxial, 2.5 mm - jack
Error:	+/- 1 dB
Average price:	12,000 rubles

• Large amount of memory;
• Inexpensive;
• Compact;
• Classic appearance;
• Simple connection.

• Not identified.

Model "RDA5807m" from the Chinese manufacturer

Purpose: for use in DIP package and TQFP.

FM tuner with RDS / RBDS support, automatic gain control and bass boost, digital adaptive noise reduction. It is assembled using a "5807M" (chip). It works at FM and VHF frequencies, has 2-channel sound and an interface for connecting to the IIC device that controls it. The module is powered from one of the proposed elements:

• Arduino controller;
• power supply unit;
• control microprocessor device.

Specifications:

A type:	radio module
Chip Model:	RRD - 102 Ver: 2.0
Frequency band:	50-115 MHz
Current consumption:	5 μA - minimum, up to 21 mA - operating mode
Output Load:	32 ohm
Battery voltage:	2.7-3.6V
Interchannel tuning step (kHz):	200; 100; 50; 25
Module size (centimeters):	1,1/1,1/0,2
Net weight:	1 gram
Cost:	114 rubles

• Universal;
• Functional;
• The internal structure is simple: you can do it yourself;
• Does not require special investments for installation.

• Not identified.

Model "RA-2077R" from the manufacturer "AVK"

Microprocessor-controlled radio tuner model with backlit keys and display. Search for radio stations digital. There is a liquid crystal output level indicator. Control can be carried out through a computer, timer and remote control.

Specifications:

A type:	AM / FM tuner
Dimensions (centimeters):	48,5/8,8/37,8
Display:	VFD
Net weight:	5 kg 200 g
Memory:	for 20 radio stations
Body color:	white
Manufacturer country:	China
Cost:	17100 rubles

• Appearance;
• Sound quality;
• Various control methods;
• Assembly;
• Technical properties.

• Not identified.

Output

The list of popular FM tuners for 2020 includes inexpensive, mid-range and premium devices, which, according to buyers, are consistent with price and quality. For comparison and comfortable viewing, the table contains the entire list of radio tuners.

Table - "The best radio tuners of 2020"

Model:	Manufacturer:	Tuning Range (MHz):	Memories (radio stations):	Average cost (rubles):
T11	"Rotel"	10 Hz-15 kHz	30	28300
STU-1	"VINCENT"	87-108	40	69500
T-4030	"Onkyo"	87,5-108	40	19000
С427	"NAD"	20 Hz-15 kHz	40	35000
"PC-1008R"	"DSPPA"	87-108	40	21000
"DN-300H"	"Denon"	87,5-108	40	20200
"TU-6200"	"Inter-M"	-	40	30200
Tuner Box S2	"Pro-Ject"	87,5-108	99	12000
"RDA5807m"	with "Ali Express"	50-115	-	114
"RA-2077R"	"AVK"	-	20	17100