>Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass.
2: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
3: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
4: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
5: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
Shootout #5 (posted 9/25/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Yamaha CT-7000
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass.
2: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs.
3: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
4: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
5: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
6: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
Shootout #6 (posted 10/06/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-917
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass.
2: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
3: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs.
4: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
5: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
6: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
7: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
Shootout #7 (posted 10/14/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-X1
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
4: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
5: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
6: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
7: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
8: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
Shootout #8 (posted 10/18/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Revox B260
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
4: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
5: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
6: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
7: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
8: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
9: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
Shootout #9 (posted 10/25/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-7500
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
4: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
5: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
6: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
7: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
8: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
9: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
10: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
Shootout #10 (posted 11/01/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Pioneer TX-9800
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
4: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
5: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
6: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
7: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
8: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
9: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
10: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
11: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
Shootout #11 (posted 11/08/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-815
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
4: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
5: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
6: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
7: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
8: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
9: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
10: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
11: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
12: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #12 (posted 11/13/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Tandberg 3011A
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
4: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
5: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
6: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
7: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
8: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
9: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
10: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
11: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
12: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
13: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #13 (posted 11/20/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Magnum Dynalab FT-11
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
4: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
5: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
6: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
7: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
8: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
9: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
10: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
11: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
12: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
13: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
14: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
15: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #14 (posted 11/26/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Luxman T-117
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
5: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
6: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
7: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
8: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
9: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
10: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
11: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
12: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
13: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
14: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
15: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
16: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #15 (posted 12/05/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Fanfare FT-1A
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
5: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
6: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
7: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
8: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
9: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
10: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
11: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
12: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
13: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
14: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
15: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
16: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
17: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #16 (posted 12/20/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-717
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
6: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
7: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
8: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
9: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
10: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
11: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
12: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
13: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
14: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
15: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
16: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
17: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
18: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #17 (posted 12/23/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Technics ST-9038
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
8: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
9: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
10: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
11: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
12: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
13: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
14: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
15: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
16: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
17: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
18: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
19: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #18 (posted 12/27/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Naim NAT 01
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
8: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
9: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
10: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled off.
11: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
12: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
13: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
14: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
15: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
16: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
17: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
18: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
19: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
20: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #19 (posted 12/31/02): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sumo Charlie
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
8: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
9: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
10: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
11: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
12: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
13: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
14: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
15: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
16: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
17: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
18: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
19: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
20: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
21: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #20 (posted 01/09/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Pioneer F-91
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
8: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
9: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
10: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
11: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
12: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
13: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
14: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
15: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
16: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
17: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
18: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
19: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
20: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
21: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
22: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #21 (posted 01/13/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Technics ST-8077
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
8: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
9: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
10: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
11: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
12: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
13: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
14: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
15: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
16: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
17: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
18: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
19: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
20: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
21: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
22: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
23: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #22 (posted 01/23/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-217
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
8: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
9: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
10: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
11: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
12: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
13: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
14: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
15: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
16: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
17: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
18: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
19: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
20: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
21: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
22: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
23: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
24: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #23 (posted 01/28/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Nikko Gamma V
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
8: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
9: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
10: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
11: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
12: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
13: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
14: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
15: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
16: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
17: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
18: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
19: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
20: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
21: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
22: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
23: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
24: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
25: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #24 (posted 02/06/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
8: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
9: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
10: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
11: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
12: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
13: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
14: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
15: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
16: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
17: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
18: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
19: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
20: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
21: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
22: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
23: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
24: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
25: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
26: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #25 (posted 02/14/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Pioneer TX-9500II
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
8: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
9: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
10: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
11: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
12: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
13: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
14: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
15: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
16: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
17: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
18: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
19: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
20: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
21: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
22: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
23: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
24: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
25: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
26: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
27: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #26 (posted 02/20/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Marantz 2130
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
8: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
9: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
10: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
11: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
12: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
13: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
14: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
15: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
16: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
17: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
18: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
19: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
20: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
21: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
22: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
23: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
24: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
25: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
26: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
27: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
28: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #27 (posted 03/07/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-8300
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
4: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
5: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
6: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
8: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
9: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
10: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
11: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
12: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
13: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
14: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
15: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
16: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
17: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
18: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
19: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
20: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
21: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
22: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
23: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
24: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
25: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
26: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
27: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
28: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
29: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #28 (posted 03/11/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Philips AH-6731
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
8: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
9: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
10: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
11: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
12: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
13: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
14: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
15: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
16: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
17: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
18: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
19: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
20: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
21: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
22: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
23: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
24: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
25: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
26: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
27: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
28: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
29: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
30: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #29 (posted 03/26/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. SAE Mark VI
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
8: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
9: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
10: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
11: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
12: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
13: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
14: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
15: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
16: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
17: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
18: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
19: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
20: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
21: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
22: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
23: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
24: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
25: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
26: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
27: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
28: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
29: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
30: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
31: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #30 (posted 04/08/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Pioneer F-90
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
8: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
9: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
10: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
11: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
12: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
13: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
14: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
15: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
16: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
17: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
18: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
19: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
20: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
21: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
22: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
23: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
24: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
25: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
26: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
27: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
28: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
29: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
30: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
31: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
32: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #31 (posted 04/12/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Magnum Dynalab MD-108
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
8: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
9: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
10: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
11: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
12: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
13: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
14: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
15: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
16: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
17: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
18: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
19: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
20: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
21: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
22: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
23: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
24: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
25: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
26: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
27: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
28: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
29: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
30: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
31: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
32: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
33: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #32 (posted 04/25/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-D99X
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
8: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
9: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
10: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
11: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
12: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
13: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
14: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
15: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
16: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
17: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
18: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
19: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
20: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
21: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
22: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
23: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
24: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
25: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
26: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
27: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
28: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
29: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
30: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
31: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
32: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
33: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
34: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #33 (posted 05/01/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Yamaha T-2
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
8: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
9: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
10: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
11: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
12: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
13: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
14: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
15: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
16: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
17: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
18: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
19: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
20: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
21: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
22: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
23: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
24: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
25: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
26: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
27: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
28: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
29: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
30: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
31: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
32: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
33: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
34: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
35: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #34 (posted 05/05/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
8: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
9: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
10: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
11: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
12: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
13: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
14: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
15: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
16: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
17: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
18: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
19: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
20: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
21: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
22: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
23: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
24: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
25: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
26: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
27: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
28: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
29: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
30: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
31: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
32: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
33: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
34: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
35: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
36: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #35 (posted 05/08/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Realistoc TM-1001
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
8: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
9: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
10: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
11: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
12: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
13: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
14: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
15: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
16: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
17: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
18: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
19: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
20: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
21: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
22: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
23: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
24: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
25: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
26: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
27: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
28: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
29: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
30: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
31: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
32: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
33: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
34: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
35: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
36: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
37: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
Shootout #36 (posted 05/22/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Denon TU-600
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
5: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
6: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
7: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
8: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
9: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
10: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
11: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
12: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
13: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
14: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
15: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
16: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
17: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
18: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
19: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
20: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
21: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
22: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
23: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
24: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
25: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
26: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
27: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
28: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
29: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
30: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
31: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
32: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
33: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
34: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
35: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
36: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
37: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
38: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #37 (posted 05/22/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Revox B760
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
3: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
4: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
5: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
6: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
7: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
8: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
9: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
10: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
11: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
12: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
13: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
14: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
15: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
16: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
17: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
18: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
19: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
20: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
21: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
22: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
23: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
24: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
25: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
26: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
27: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
28: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
29: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
30: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
31: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
32: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
33: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
34: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
35: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
36: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
37: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
38: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
39. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #38 (posted 05/30/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-919
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
5: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
6: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
7: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
8: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
9: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
10: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
11: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
12: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
13: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
14: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
15: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
16: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
17: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
18: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
19: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
20: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
21: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
22: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
23: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
24: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
25: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
26: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
27: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
28: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
29: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
30: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
31: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
32: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
33: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
34: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
35: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
36: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
37: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
38: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
39: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
40. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #39 (posted 06/09/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sony ST-J88B
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
5: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
6: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
7: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
8: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
9: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
10: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
11: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
12: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
13: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
14: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
15: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
16: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
17: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
18: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
19: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
20: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
21: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
22: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
23: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
24: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
25: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
26: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
27: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
28: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
29: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
30: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
31: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
32: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
33: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
34: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
35: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
36: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
37: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
38: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
39: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
40: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
41. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #40 (posted 06/10/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Nakamichi ST-7
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
5: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
6: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
7: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
8: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
9: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
10: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
11: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
12: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
13: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
14: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
15: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
16: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
17: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
18: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
19: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
20: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
21: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
22: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
23: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
24: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
25: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
26: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
27: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
28: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
29: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
30: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
31: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
32: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
33: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
34: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
35: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
36: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
37: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
38: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
39: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
40: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
41: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
42. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #41 (posted 06/20/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood L-07TII
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
5: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
6: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
7: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
8: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
9: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
10: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
11: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
12: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
13: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
14: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
15: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
16: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
17: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
18: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
19: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
20: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
21: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
22: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
23: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
24: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
25: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
26: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
27: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
28: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
29: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
30: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
31: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
32: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
33: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
34: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
35: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
36: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
37: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
38: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
39: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
40: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
41: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
42: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
43. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #42 (posted 06/23/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Onkyo T-9090II
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
5: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
6: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
7: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
8: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
9: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
10: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
11: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
12: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
13: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
14: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
15: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
16: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
17: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
18: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
19: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
20: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
21: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
22: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
23: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
24: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
25: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
26: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
27: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
28: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
29: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
30: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
31: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
32: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
33: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
34: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
35: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
36: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
37: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
38: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
39: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
40: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
41: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
42: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
43: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
44. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #43 (posted 06/30/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-X701
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
5: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
6: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
7: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
8: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
9: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
10: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
11: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
12: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
13: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
14: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
15: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
16: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
17: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
18: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
19: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
20: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
21: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
22: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
23: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
24: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
25: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
26: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
27: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
28: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
29: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
30: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
31: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
32: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
33: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
34: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
35: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
36: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
37: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
38: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
39: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
40: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
41: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
42: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
43: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
44: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
45. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #44 (posted 07/14/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Meridian Model 104
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
5: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
6: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
7: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
8: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
9: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
10: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
11: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
12: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
13: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
14: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
15: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
16: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
17: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
18: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
19: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
20: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
21: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
22: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
23: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
24: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
25: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
26: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
27: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
28: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
29: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
30: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
31: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
32: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
33: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
34: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
35: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
36: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
37: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
38: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
39: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
40: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
41: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
42: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
43: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
44: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
45: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
46. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #45 (posted 07/27/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Audiolab 8000T
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
15: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
16: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
17: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
18: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
19: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
20: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
21: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
22: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
23: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
24: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
25: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
26: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
27: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
28: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
29: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
30: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
31: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
32: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
33: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
34: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
35: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
36: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
37: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
38: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
39: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
40: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
41: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
42: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
43: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
44: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
45: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
46: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
47. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #46 (posted 08/04/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Carver TX-11b
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
15: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
16: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
17: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
18: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
19: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
20: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
21: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
22: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
23: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
24: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
25: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
26: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
27: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
28: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
29: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
30: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
31: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
32: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
33: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
34: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
35: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
36: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
37: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
38: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
39: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
40: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
41: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
42: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
43: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
44: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
45: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
46: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
47: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
48. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #47 (posted 08/08/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Pioneer F-99X
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
15: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
16: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
17: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
18: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
19: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
20: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
21: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
22: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
23: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
24: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
25: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
26: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
27: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
28: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
29: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
30: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
31: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
32: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
33: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
34: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
35: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
36: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
37: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
38: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
39: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
40: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
41: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
42: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
43: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
44: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
45: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
46: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
47: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
48: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
49. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #48 (posted 08/19/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. SAE 8000
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
15: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
16: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
17: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
18: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
19: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
20: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
21: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
22: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
23: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
24: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
25: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
26: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
27: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
28: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
29: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
30: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
31: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
32: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
33: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
34: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
35: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
36: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
37: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
38: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
39: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
40: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
41: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
42: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
43: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
44: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
45: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
46: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
47: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
48: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
49: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
50. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #49 (posted 08/23/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-1100
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
15: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
16: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
17: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
18: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
19: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
20: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
21: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
22: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
23: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
24: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
25: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
26: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
27: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
28: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
29: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
30: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
31: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
32: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
33: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
34: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
35: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
36: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
37: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
38: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
39: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
40: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
41: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
42: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
43: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
44: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
45: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
46: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
47: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
48: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
49: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
50: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
51. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #50 (posted 09/10/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. McIntosh MR 80
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
15: McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
16: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
17: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
18: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
19: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
20: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
21: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
22: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
23: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
24: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
25: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
26: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
27: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
28: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
29: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
30: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
31: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
32: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
33: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
34: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
35: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
36: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
37: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
38: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
39: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
40: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
41: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
42: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
43: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
44: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
45: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
46: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
47: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
48: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
49: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
50: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
51: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
52. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #51 (posted 09/13/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. NAD 4155
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
15: McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
16: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
17: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
18: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
19: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
20: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
21: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
22: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
23: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
24: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
25: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
26: NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
27: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
28: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
29: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
30: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
31: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
32: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
33: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
34: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
35: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
36: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
37: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
38: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
39: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
40: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
41: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
42: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
43: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
44: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
45: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
46: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
47: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
48: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
49: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
50: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
51: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
52: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
53. Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #52 (posted 9/26/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Revox B261
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
15: McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
16: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
17: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
18: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
19: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
20: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
21: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
22: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
23: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
24: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
25: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
26: NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
27: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
28: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
29: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
30: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
31: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
32: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
33: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
34: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
35: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
36: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
37: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
38: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
39: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
40: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
41: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
42: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
43: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
44: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
45: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
46: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
47: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
48: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
49: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
50: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
51: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
52: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
53: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
54: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #53 (posted 10/03/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Technics ST-9030
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
15: McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
16: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
17: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
18: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
19: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
20: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
21: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
22: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
23: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
24: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
25: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
26: NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
27: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
28: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
29: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
30: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
31: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
32: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
33: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
34: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
35: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
36: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
37: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
38: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
39: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
40: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
41: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
42: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
43: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
44: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
45: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
46: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
47: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
48: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
49: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
50: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
51: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
52: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
53: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
54: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
55: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #54 (posted 10/09/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sanyo Plus T35
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
9: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
10: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
11: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
12: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
13: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
14: Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
15: McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
16: Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
17: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
18: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
19: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
20: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
21: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
22: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
23: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
24: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
25: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
26: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
27: NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
28: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
29: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
30: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
31: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
32: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
33: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
34: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
35: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
36: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
37: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
38: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
39: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
40: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
41: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
42: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
43: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
44: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
45: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
46: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
47: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
48: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
49: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
50: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
51: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
52: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
53: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
54: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
55: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
56: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #55 (posted 10/18/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Meridian Model 504
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
10: Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
11: Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
12: Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
13: Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
14: Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
15: Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
16: McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
17: Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
18: Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
19: Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
20: Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
21: Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
22: Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
23: Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
24: Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
25: Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
26: Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
27: Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
28: NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
29: Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
30: Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
31: Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
32: Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
33: Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
34: Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
35: Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
36: Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
37: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
38: Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
39: Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
40: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
41: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
42: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
43: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
44: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
45: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
46: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
47: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
48: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
49: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
50: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
51: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
52: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
53: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
54: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
55: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
56: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
57: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #56 (posted 10/22/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. B&K TS-108
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
10: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
11: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
12: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
13: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
14: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
15: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
17: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
18: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
19: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
20: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
21: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
22: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
23: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
24: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
25: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
26: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
27: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
28: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
29: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
30: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
31: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
32: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
33: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
34: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
35: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
36: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
37: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
38: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
39: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
40: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
41: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
42: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
43: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
44: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
45: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
46: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
47: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
48: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
49: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
50: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
51: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
52: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
53: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
54: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
55: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
56: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
57: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
58: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #57 (posted 10/28/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-417
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
10: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
11: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
12: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
13: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
14: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
15: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
17: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
18: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
19: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
20: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
21: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
22: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
23: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
24: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
25: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
26: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
27: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
28: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
29: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
30: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
31: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
32: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
33: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
34: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
35: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
36: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
37: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
38: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
39: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
40: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
41: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
42: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
43: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
44: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
45: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
46: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
47: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
48: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
49: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
50: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
51: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
52: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
53: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
54: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
55: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
56: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
57: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
58: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
59: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #58 (posted 11/09/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood L-1000T
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
10: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
11: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
12: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
13: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
14: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
15: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
17: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
18: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
19: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
20: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
21: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
22: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
23: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
24: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
25: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
26: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
27: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
28: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
29: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
30: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
31: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
32: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
33: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
34: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
35: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
36: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
37: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
38: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
39: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
40: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
41: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
42: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
43: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
44: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
45: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
46: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
47: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
48: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
49: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
50: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
51: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
52: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
53: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
54: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
55: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
56: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
57: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
58: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
59: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
60: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #59 (posted 11/17/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Accuphase T-109
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
10: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
11: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
12: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
13: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
14: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
15: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
17: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
18: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
19: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
20: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
21: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
22: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
23: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
24: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
25: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
26: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
27: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
28: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
29: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
30: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
31: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
32: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
33: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
34: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
35: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
36: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
37: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
38: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
39: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
40: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
41: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
42: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
43: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
44: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
45: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
46: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
47: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
48: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
49: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
50: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
51: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
52: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
53: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
54: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
55: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
56: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
57: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
58: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
59: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
60: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
61: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #60 (posted 12/01/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Sansui TU-S9
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
10: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
11: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
12: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
13: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
14: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
15: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
17: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
19: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
20: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
21: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
22: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
23: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
24: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
25: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
26: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
27: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
28: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
29: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
30: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
31: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
32: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
33: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
34: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
35: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
36: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
37: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
38: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
39: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
40: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
41: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
42: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
43: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
44: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
45: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
46: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
47: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
48: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
49: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
50: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
51: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
52: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
53: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
54: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
55: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
56: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
57: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
58: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
59: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
60: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
61: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
62: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #61 (posted 12/08/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Accuphase T-109V
Winner: T-109V
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
10: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
11: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
12: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
13: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
14: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
15: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
17: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
19: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
20: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
21: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
22: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
23: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
24: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
25: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
26: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
27: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
28: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
29: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
30: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
31: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
32: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
33: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
34: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
35: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
36: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
37: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
38: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
39: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
40: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
41: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
42: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
43: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
44: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
45: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
46: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
47: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
48: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
49: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
50: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
51: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
52: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
53: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
54: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
55: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
56: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
57: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
58: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
59: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
60: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
61: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
62: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #62 (posted 12/18/03): Kenwood L-02T vs. Onkyo T-4310R
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
10: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
11: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
12: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
13: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
14: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
15: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
17: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
19: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
20: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
21: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
22: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
23: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
24: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
25: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
26: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
27: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
28: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
29: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
30: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
31: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
32: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
33: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
34: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
35: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
36: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
37: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
38: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
39: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
40: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
41: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
42: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
43: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
44. -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
45: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
46: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
47: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
48: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
49: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
50: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
51: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
52: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
53: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
54: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
55: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
56: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
57: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
58: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
59: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
60: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
61: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
62: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
63: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #63 (posted 01/09/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kyocera T-910
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
8: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
9: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
10: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
11: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
12: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
13: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
14: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
15: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
16: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
17: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
19: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
20: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
21: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
22: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
23: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
24: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
25: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
26: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
27: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
28: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
29: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
30: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
31: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
32: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
33: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
34: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
35: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
36: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
37: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
38: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
39: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
40: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
41: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
42: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
43: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
44. -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
45: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
46: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
47: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
48: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
49: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
50: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
51: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
52: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
53: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
54: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
55: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
56: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
57: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
58: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
59: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
60: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
61: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
62: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
63: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
64: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #64 (posted 01/23/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-990D
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
8: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
9: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
10: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
11: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
12: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
13: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
14: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
15: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
16: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
17: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
18: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
20: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
21: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
22: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
23: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
24: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
25: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
26: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
27: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
28: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
29: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
30: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
31: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
32: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
33: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
34: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
35: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
36: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
37: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
38: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
39: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
40: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
41: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
42: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
43: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
44: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
45. -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
46: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
47: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
48: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
49: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
50: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
51: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
52: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
53: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
54: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
55: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
56: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
57: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
58: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
59: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
60: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
61: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
62: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
63: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
64: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
65: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #65 (posted 02/17/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Quad FM4
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
8: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
9: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
10: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
11: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
12: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
13: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
14: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
15: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
16: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
17: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
18: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
20: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
21: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
22: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
23: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
24: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
25: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
26: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
27: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
28: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
29: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
30: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
31: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
32: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
33: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
34: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
35: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
36: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
37: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
38: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
39: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
40: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
41: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
42: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
43: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
44: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
45. -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
46: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
47: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
48: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
49: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
50: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
51: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
52: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
53: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
54: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
55: Quad FM 4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
56: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
57: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
58: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
59: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
60: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
61: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
62: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
63: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
64: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
65: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
66: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #66 (posted 03/7/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-3300D
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
8: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
9: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
10: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
11: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
12: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
13: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
14: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
15: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
16: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
17: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
18: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
20: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
21: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
22: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
23: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
24: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
25: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
26: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
27: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
28: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
29: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
30: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
31: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
32: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
33: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
34: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
35: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
36: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
37: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
38: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
39: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
40: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
41: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
42: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
43: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
44: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
45: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
46. -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
47: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
48: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
49: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
50: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
51: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
52: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
53: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
54: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
55: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
56: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
57: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
58: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
59: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
60: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
61: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
62: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
63: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
64: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
65: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
66: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
67: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #67 (posted 03/23/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Magnum Dynalab FT-101 and FT-101A
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
8: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
9: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
10: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
11: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
12: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
13: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
14: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
15: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
16: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
17: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
18: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
20: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
21: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
22: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
23: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
24: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
25: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
26: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
27: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
28: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
29: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
30: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
31: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
32: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
33: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
34: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
35: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
36: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
37: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
38: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
39: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
40: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
41: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
42: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
43: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
44: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
45: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
46: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
47. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
48: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
49: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
50: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
51: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
52: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
53: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
54: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
55: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
56: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
57: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
58: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
59: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
60: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
61: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
62: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
63: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
64: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
65: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
66: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
67: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
68: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
69: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #68 (posted 04/20/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-5020
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
8: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
9: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
10: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
11: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
12: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
13: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
14: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
15: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
16: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
17: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
19: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
20: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
21: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
22: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
23: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
24: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
25: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
26: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
27: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
28: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
29: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
30: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
31: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
32: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
33: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
34: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
35: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
36: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
37: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
38: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
39: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
40: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
41: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
42: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
43: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
44: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
45: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
46: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
47: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
48. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
49: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
50: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
51: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
52: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
53: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
54: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
55: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
56: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
57: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
58: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
59: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
60: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
61: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
62: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
63: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
64: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
65: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
66: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
67: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
68: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
69: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
70: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #69 (posted 05/19/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Technics ST-G7
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
8: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
9: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
10: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
11: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
12: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
13: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
14: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
15: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
16: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
17: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
19: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
20: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
21: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
22: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
23: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
24: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
25: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
26: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
27: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
28: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
29: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
30: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
31: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
32: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
33: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
34: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
35: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
36: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
37: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
38: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
39: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
40: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
41: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
42: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
43: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
44: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
45: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
46: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
47: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
48: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
49. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
50: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
51: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
52: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
53: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
54: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
55: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
56: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
57: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
58: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
59: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
60: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
61: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
62: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
63: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
64: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
65: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
66: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
67: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
68: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
69: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
70: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
71: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #70 (posted 06/06/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Technics ST-8080
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
8: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
9: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
10: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
11: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
12: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
13: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
14: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
15: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
16: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
17: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
19: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
20: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
21: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
22: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
23: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
24: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
25: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
26: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
27: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
28: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
29: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
30: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
31: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
32: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
33: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
34: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
35: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
36: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
37: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
38: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
39: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
40: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
41: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
42: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
43: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
44: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
45: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
46: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
47: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
48: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
49: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
50. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
51: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
52: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
53: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
54: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
55: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
56: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
57: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
58: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
59: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
60: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
61: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
62: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
63: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
64: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
65: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
66: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
67: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
68: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
69: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
70: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
71: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
72: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #71 (posted 06/27/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Luxman T-115
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
8: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
9: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
10: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
11: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
12: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
13: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
14: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
15: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
16: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
17: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
19: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
20: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
21: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
22: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
23: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
24: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
25: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
26: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
27: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
28: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
29: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
30: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
31: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
32: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
33: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
34: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
35: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
36: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
37: -M- Onkyo T-9090 II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
38: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
39: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
40: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
41: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
42: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
43: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
44: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
45: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
46: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
47: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
48: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
49: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
50. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
51: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
52: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
53: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
54: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
55: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
56: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
57: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
58: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
59: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
60: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
61: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
62: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
63: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
64: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
65: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
66: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
67: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
68: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
69: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
70: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
71: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
72: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
73: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #72 (posted 07/13/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Onkyo T-4500
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
8: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
9: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
10: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
11: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
12: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
13: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
14: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
15: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
16: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
17: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
19: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
20: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
21: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
22: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
23: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
24: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
25: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
26: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
27: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
28: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
29: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
30: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
31: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
32: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
33: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
34: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
35: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
36: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
37: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
38: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
39: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
40: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
41: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
42: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
43: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
44: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
45: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
46: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
47: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
48: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
49: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
50: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
51. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
52: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
53: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
54: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
55: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
56: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
57: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
58: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
59: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
60: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
61: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
62: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
63: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
64: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
65: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
66: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
67: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
68: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
69: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
70: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
71: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
72: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
73: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
74: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #73 (posted 07/25/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Perreaux TU3
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH-6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
8: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
9: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
10: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
11: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
12: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
13: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
14: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
15: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
16: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
17: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
19: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
20: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
21: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
22: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
23: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
24: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
25: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
26: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
27: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
28: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
29: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
30: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
31: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
32: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
33: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
34: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
35: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
36: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
37: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
38: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
39: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
40: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
41: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
42: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
43: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
44: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
45: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
46: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
47: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
48: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
49: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
50: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
51: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
52. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
53: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
54: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
55: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
56: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
57: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
58: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
59: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
60: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
61: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
62: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
63: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
64: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
65: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
66: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
67: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
68: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
69: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
70: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
71: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
72: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
73: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
74: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
75: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #74 (posted 08/23/04): Kenwood L-02T vs. Restek Metric
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
8: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
9: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
10: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
11: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
12: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
13: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
14: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
15: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
16: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
17: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
18: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
19: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
20: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
21: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
22: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
23: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
24: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
25: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
26: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
27: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
28: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
29: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
30: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
31: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
32: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
33: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
34: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
35: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
36: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
37: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
38: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
39: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
40: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
41: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
42: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
43: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
44: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
45: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
46: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
47: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
48: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
49: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
50: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
51: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
52: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
53. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
54: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
55: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
56: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
57: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
58: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
59: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
60: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
61: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
62: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
63: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
64: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
65: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
66: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
67: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
68: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
69: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
70: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
71: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
72: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
73: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
74: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
75: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
76: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #75 (posted 01/04/05): Kenwood L-02T vs. Mitsubishi DA-F20
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Mitsubishi DA-F20 - Quick, punchy bass, open, lively midrange and extended highs.
8: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
9: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
10: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
11: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
12: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
13: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
14: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
15: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
16: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
17: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
18: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
20: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
21: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
22: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
23: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
24: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
25: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
26: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
27: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
28: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
29: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
30: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
31: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
32: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
33: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
34: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
35: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
36: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
37: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
38: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
39: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
40: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
41: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
42: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
43: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
44: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
45: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
46: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
47: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
48: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
49: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
50: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
51: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
52: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
53: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
54. -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
55: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
56: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
57: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
58: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
59: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
60: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
61: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
62: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
63: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
64: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
65: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
66: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
67: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
68: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
69: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
70: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
71: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
72: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
73: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
74: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
75: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
76: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
77: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #76 (posted 02/03/05): Kenwood L-02T vs. Kenwood KT-7300
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Mitsubishi DA-F20 - Quick, punchy bass, open, lively midrange and extended highs.
8: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
9: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
10: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
11: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
12: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
13: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
14: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
15: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
16: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
17: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
18: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
20: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
21: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
22: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
23: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
24: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
25: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
26: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
27: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
28: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
29: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
30: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
31: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
32: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
33: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
34: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
35: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
36: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
37: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
38: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
39: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
40: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
41: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
42: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
43: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
44: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
45: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
46: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
47: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
48: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
49: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
50: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
51: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
52: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
53: -M- Kenwood KT-7300 - Punchy bass, pleasant mids and highs. Slight loss of ambience.
54: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
55: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
56: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
57: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
58: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
59: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
60: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
61: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
62: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
63: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
64: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
65: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
66: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
67: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
68: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
69: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
70: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
71: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
72: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
73: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
74: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
75: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
76: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
77: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
78: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #77 (posted 02/13/05): Kenwood L-02T vs. Cambridge Audio T500
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Mitsubishi DA-F20 - Quick, punchy bass, open, lively midrange and extended highs.
8: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
9: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
10: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
11: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
12: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
13: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
14: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
15: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
16: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
17: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
18: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
20: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
21: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
22: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
23: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
24: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
25: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
26: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
27: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
28: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
29: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
30: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
31: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
32: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
33: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
34: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
35: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
36: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
37: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
38: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
39: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
40: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
41: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
42: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
43: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
44: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
45: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
46: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
47: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
48: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
49: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
50: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
51: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
52: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
53: -M- Kenwood KT-7300 - Punchy bass, pleasant mids and highs. Slight loss of ambience.
54: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
55: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
56: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
57: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
58: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
59: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
60: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
61: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
62: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
63: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
64: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
65: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
66: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
67: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
68: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
69: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
70: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
71: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
72: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
73: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
74: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
75: Cambridge Audio T500 - Bass light, midrange forward and lacks focus, highs OK.
76: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
77: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
78: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
79: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #78 (posted 03/13/05): Kenwood L-02T vs. Onix TU39
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Mitsubishi DA-F20 - Quick, punchy bass, open, lively midrange and extended highs.
8: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
9: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
10: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
11: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
12: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
13: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
14: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
15: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
16: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
17: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
18: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
20: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
21: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
22: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
23: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
24: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
25: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
26: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
27: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
28: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
29: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
30: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
31: -M- Onix TU39 - Dynamic, smooth, the midrange give up some "life" to others. Some added sparkle in the highs.
32: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
33: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
34: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
35: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
36: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
37: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
38: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
39: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
40: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
41: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
42: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
43: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
44: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
45: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
46: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
47: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
48: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
49: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
50: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
51: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
52: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
53: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
54: -M- Kenwood KT-7300 - Punchy bass, pleasant mids and highs. Slight loss of ambience.
55: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
56: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
57: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
58: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
59: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
60: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
61: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
62: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
63: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
64: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
65: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
66: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
67: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
68: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
69: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
70: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
71: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
72: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
73: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
74: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
75: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
76: Cambridge Audio T500 - Bass light, midrange forward and lacks focus, highs OK.
77: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
78: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
79: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
80: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #79 (posted 05/29/05): Kenwood L-02T vs. Hitachi FT-007
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Mitsubishi DA-F20 - Quick, punchy bass, open, lively midrange and extended highs.
8: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
9: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
10: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
11: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
12: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
13: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
14: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
15: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
16: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
17: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
18: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
20: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
21: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
22: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
23: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
24: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
25: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
26: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
27: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
28: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
29: -M- Hitachi FT-007 - Clean, balanced sound, but less dynamic than the L-02T.
30: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
31: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
32: -M- Onix TU39 - Dynamic, smooth, the midrange give up some "life" to others. Some added sparkle in the highs.
33: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
34: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
35: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
36: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
37: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
38: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
39: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
40: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
41: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
42: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
43: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
44: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
45: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
46: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
47: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
48: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
49: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
50: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
51: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
52: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
53: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
54: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
55: -M- Kenwood KT-7300 - Punchy bass, pleasant mids and highs. Slight loss of ambience.
56: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
57: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
58: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
59: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
60: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
61: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
62: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
63: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
64: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
65: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
66: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
67: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
68: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
69: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
70: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
71: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
72: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
73: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
74: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
75: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
76: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
77: Cambridge Audio T500 - Bass light, midrange forward and lacks focus, highs OK.
78: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
79: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
80: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
81: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #80 (posted 12/27/05): Kenwood L-02T vs. Linn Kremlin
Winner: L-02T
Rankings so far:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1: -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
2: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
3: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
4: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
5: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
6: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
7: -M- Mitsubishi DA-F20 - Quick, punchy bass, open, lively midrange and extended highs.
8: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
9: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
10: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
11: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
12: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
13: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
14: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
15: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
16: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
17: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
18: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
19: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
20: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
21: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
22: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
23: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
24: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
25: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
26: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
27: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
28: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
29: -M- Hitachi FT-007 - Clean, balanced sound, but less dynamic than the L-02T.
30: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
31: -M- Linn Kremlin - OK bass; articulate, precise sound; good high frequency. Midrange, bass loses some natural warmth.
32: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
33: -M- Onix TU39 - Dynamic, smooth, the midrange give up some "life" to others. Some added sparkle in the highs.
34: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
35: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
36: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
37: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
38: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
39: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
40: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
41: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
42: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
43: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
44: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
45: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
46: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
47: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
48: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
49: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
50: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
51: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
52: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
53: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
54: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
55: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
56: -M- Kenwood KT-7300 - Punchy bass, pleasant mids and highs. Slight loss of ambience.
57: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
58: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
59: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
60: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
61: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
62: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
63: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
64: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
65: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
66: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
67: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
68: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
69: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
70: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
71: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
72: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
73: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
74: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
75: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
76: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
77: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
78: Cambridge Audio T500 - Bass light, midrange forward and lacks focus, highs OK.
79: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
80: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
81: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
82: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
Shootout #81 (posted 02/12/06): Kenwood L-02T vs. Burmester 978
Winner: TIE
Final Shootout Rankings:
1 PLUS: -C- Accuphase T-109V - Very natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound, smooth extended highs.
1 (TIE): -C- Kenwood L-02T - Most natural sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound.
1 (TIE): -C- Burmester 978 - Natural, open and airy sound, good bass. Pinpoint imaging. Lifelike, three-dimensional sound with nice extended highs.
4: -C- Sansui TU-919 - The prince who could be king.
5: -C- Sansui TU-X1 - Very good sound top to bottom. Big soundstage, three-dimensional. Very slight diffuse sound.
6: -C- Audiolab 8000T - Good bass, natural but diffuse sound, sweet extended highs.
7: -C- Philips AH6731 - A very natural, neutral sound. Stereo separation best with a good signal.
8: -C- Revox B760 - Great bass, lifelike midrange and extended highs.
9: -M- Mitsubishi DA-F20 - Quick, punchy bass, open, lively midrange and extended highs.
10: -M- Kenwood KT-5020 - Great bass and midrange and extended, sweet treble. Again, why pay more?
11: -M- Kenwood KT-990D - Smooth, clean sound that always pleased. Why pay more?
12: -M- Meridian Model 104 - Excellent, natural sound, good bass, no to DX games.
13: -M- Meridian Model 504 - Good bass, excellent midrange with smooth, just-right highs.
14: -M- Kenwood L-1000T - Good bass, punchy midrange, sweet extended highs.
15: -M- Sansui TU-X701 - Great-sounding midrange, bass OK, softer highs next to the L-02T.
16: -M- Luxman T-117 - Very good-sounding tuner. No real faults, top to bottom. Not as three-dimensional as the L-02T and gives up some bass richness.
17: -M- Sansui TU-717 - Good bass and midrange with nice "depth" to the soundstage. More forward than the L-02T.
18: -M- B&K TS-108 - Very nice midrange, good bass and nice, extended highs.
19: -M- Technics ST-9038 - Very good bass, nice midrange, smooth treble.
20: -M- Magnum Dynalab MD-108 - Bass OK, very good imaging and realistic midrange, extended but forward highs.
21: -M- Kenwood KT-917 - Good bass, midrange and treble. A very pleasant sound but more one-dimensional when placed next to the L-02T.
22: -M- Sansui TU-S9 - Smooth, natural sound. A budget bargain.
23: -M- Kenwood KT-1100 - Quite tuneful, but flatter soundstage than the L-02T.
24: -M- McIntosh MR 80 - Good bass, lively midrange and pleasant highs. More one-dimensional than the L-02T.
25: -M- Sanyo Plus T35 - Good bass, laidback midrange and extended, pleasant highs.
26: -M- Technics ST-G7 - Very nice bass, articulate midrange, forward but nice upper range.
27: -M- Pioneer F-99X - Follows behind the big bass dogs but the midrange and treble are where it's at. Sweet, clean, quiet and to be copied.
28: -M- Kenwood KT-3300D - Very good bass, slightly diffuse light mids and pleasant extended highs. A laidback, nice listen.
29: -M- Pioneer F-90 - Great sonics with a slightly lighter sonic presentation than the top dogs. Upper midrange and treble are top-notch.
30: -M- Sansui TU-D99X - Good bass. Bass, midrange and treble work well together for a balanced sound.
31: -M- Hitachi FT-007 - Clean, balanced sound, but less dynamic than the L-02T.
32: -M- Sony ST-J88B - Good bass, pleasing midrange, slightly forward and sweet treble.
33: -M- Linn Kremlin - OK bass; articulate, precise sound; good high frequency. Midrange, bass loses some natural warmth.
34: -M- Restek Metric - Excellent imaging, bass and highs. Midrange gave up some to other tuners.
35: -M- Onix TU39 - Dynamic, smooth, the midrange give up some "life" to others. Some added sparkle in the highs.
36: -M- Perreaux TU3 - Nice balanced sound. Gives up some richness and dynamics to the L-02T.
37: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101 - Good all-around sound, treble very slightly forward.
38: -M- Kenwood L-07TII - Good all-around sound but loses some inner detail.
39: -M- Accuphase T-109 - Great bass, dry midrange, pleasant but slightly forward treble.
40: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude - A good, balanced sound, but slightly dry.
41: -M- Technics ST-8077 - Good bass, midrange OK. Nice treble presentation.
42: -M- Technics ST-8080 - Good bass, good midrange, forward highs but not unpleasant.
43: -M- Nikko Gamma V - Very good bass, good imaging, treble forward but not unpleasant.
44: -M- Kenwood KT-8300 - Good bass and dynamics, with a slightly forward upper midrange and treble.
45: -M- Onkyo T-4500 - Slightly lighter but a pleasing sound. Neutral, top to bottom, with nice highs.
46: -M- Onkyo T-9090II - Pleasant sound, good bass, but not as dynamic as some tuners. Great DX machine.
47: -M- NAD 4155 - Good, punchy bass. Light, articulate mids with well-mated highs.
48: -M- Pioneer F-91 - Very good bass punch and control, articulate midrange with forward highs. May be a good tuner for a large room.
49: -M- Pioneer TX-9800 - Rich bass presentation. Good midrange with a treble slightly forward that took away from the total picture.
50: -M- Tandberg 3011A - Good bass, midrange a little light, sweet treble. Very good imaging.
51: -M- Sansui TU-417 - A most pleasant sound, bottom to top. Needs good signals.
52: -M- Carver TX-11b - Punchy bass, clean highs and treble.
53: -M- Sumo Charlie - Punchy bass, good midrange, slightly rolled-off treble.
54: -M- Revox B260 - Rich bass and lower midrange. Good imaging. Three-dimensional. The highs are a little too much for my personal taste. The high rating reflects its other positive sound qualities.
55: -M- Yamaha CT-7000 - Warm-sounding bass, pleasant midrange and highs. Highs a little rolled-off.
56: -M- Sequerra Model 1 - Harmonically rich bass and lower midrange. Very seductive, but if you want accuracy, shop elsewhere.
57: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "NEW" - Good sound, natural midrange, treble nice, loose bass.
58: -M- Kenwood KT-7300 - Punchy bass, pleasant mids and highs. Slight loss of ambience.
59: -M- Onkyo T-4310R - Pleasant, inoffensive sound, good imaging. Good digital DXing tuner.
60: -M- Magnum Dynalab FT-101A - Pleasant light, airy sound. Lacks bass dynamics.
61: -M- Realistic TM-1001 - Sweet treble, pleasant mids, but the bass is not as full and dynamic as the big dogs.
62: -M- Yamaha T-2 - Very pleasant and listenable. This may be the cutoff tuner between the keepers and the also-rans.
63: Revox B261 - Punchy bass, pleasant enough but slightly forward mids and highs.
64: Pioneer TX-9500II - Clean, articulate sound. Lighter sonic presentation against the L-02T.
65: SAE Mark VI - Inoffensive sound, good background music. A mini-Sequerra.
66: Denon TU-850 - Good sound, midrange just right, treble sweet, slightly bass-shy.
67: Sansui TU-217 - Good sound when reception is strong.
68: Kenwood L-01T - Good sound, midrange slightly forward, good bass.
69: Phase Linear Model 5000 Series Two - Bass-shy, pleasant midrange and treble.
70: Magnum Dynalab FT-11 "OLD" - Good bass, dry midrange, treble OK.
71: Quad FM4 - Very nice midrange, good resolution, extended treble, rolled off bass.
72: Technics ST-9030 - Inoffensive but bland.
73: Naim NAT 01 - Bass OK, midrange OK, treble sweet.
74: Luxman T-115 - Good bass, midrange OK, treble slightly forward.
75: Nakamichi ST-7 - Muffled bass, forward midrange, highs soft and inoffensive.
76: Marantz 2130 - OK bass, midrange and treble forward and "light" sounding.
77: McIntosh MR 78 - Good bass, slightly electronic sound.
78: Fanfare FT-1A - Best through the low-output jacks, clean but bright midrange, lacks bass power.
79: Kenwood KT-7500 - Flat soundstage, better sound can be found. One-note bass. More boring than unpleasant in a long listening session.
80: Cambridge Audio T500 - Bass light, midrange forward and lacks focus, highs OK.
81: Kyocera T-910 - Pleasant sound, but what's that ringing in my ears?
82: SAE 8000 - Not irritating but not involving, either. Too much background noise.
83: Kenwood KT-815 - Bass thin, treble forward. It cries out for a new audio stage.
84: Denon TU-600 - Good sound, but not recommended because of reception problems.
