 | Revolution Power |
|
Home
/ FAQ
/ News Classifieds / Events |
General Asylum: REVIEW: Magnum Dynalab Etude Tuner by mikeuysal88@hotmail.com |
General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
68.108.197.29
Model: Etude Category: Tuner Suggested Retail Price: $1450.00 Description: Analog FM Tuner Manufacturer URL: Magnum Dynalab Model Picture: View
Review by mikeuysal88@hotmail.com ( A ) on August 09, 2006 at 04:54:37
IP Address: 68.108.197.29Add Your Review
for the Etude
IMHO Magnum Dynalab and Naim Audio manufacture the best tuners in the business. I am not sure about the new generation Naim tuner but the previous generation models NAT-01 and 02 are world-class units. The Etude has been part of my Naim-Audio centric system for about 10 years, purchased in Toronto, Ontario. The Etude has been powered up in my system for almost 10 years with very little down time, since my purchase with no problems - I mean zero. It has a very precise manually operated tuning mechanism. Locks on to the FM signal with great precision - no remote control. I use the $25 Ribbon antenna which was available from Magnum Dynalab - very effective for casual or critical listening.Instruments and vocals are transparent and you will hear very little of the sound effect as if someone is speaking to you from the other end of a pipe. I am sure audio engineers have a more technical description of this anomaly common with most tuners. At the time of my purchase for another $1000 Naim-Audio would have completely eliminated this effect but for $1000-1500 (when new) the Etude is an outstanding value. If you find a used one, grab it - you will be delighted. With good electronics and a strong FM signal, it does produce a 3D sound-stage with accurate imaging. Ever since I have added the REL B1 sub-woofer, I enjoy much more improved LF from FM broadcasts. The tone is on the warm-side and very pleasant to listen to jazz, classical and MPR/BBC news.
I think for about $600 or so Magnum will upgrade the internals - check out the Magnum website for details.
I would be curious if another Etude owner has tried out the Goddard FM antenna - retails around $60-70 which has rave reviews.
The internals of this unit is much better designed than the lower priced models from Magnum. I have heard gossip that ocassionally some of the cheaper models are less reliable (ex: the digital display rolling endlessly instead of locking to the signal) but I am NOT speaking from first hand experience. Personally the Etude has been a rock solid performer. Cheaper than but competitive with Naim Audio's legendary NAT-01 and NAT-02.
Highly Recommended. I will never sell. It is a classic. It is all about a simple and clean circuit design that is not so simple to achieve, otherwise anybody could do it.
Product Weakness: None. Maybe a remote and a more heavy duty removable power chord but these have never detracted from the listening experience. Product Strengths: Transparent yet somewhat rich, musical and warm sound. Mind you this is with Naim (olive) equipment which is not known for a 'warm' sound. Etude has a distinct and pleasant tone. Neither the Naim electronics or the Quead ESL-989s I use interfere with this tone. Friends frequently ask if they are listening to my CD player because of the clean, transparent sound.
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: Naim NAP-135 mono-blocks Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): NAC-52 Sources (CDP/Turntable): Naim CDSII / XPS Speakers: Quad ESL-989 Cables/Interconnects: Naim NACA5, banana plugs Music Used (Genre/Selections): classical, jazz, rock, r&b, new world Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 14 x 10 Room Comments/Treatments: Gik Acoustics - Base Traps Time Period/Length of Audition: Owned for 10 years. Before purchase auditioned a cheaper model for a week and was very impressed. Other (Power Conditioner etc.): CablePro power strip Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2010, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ Take5 ]