FM only tuners from the sixties?

[Bob@FM]

Around the early to mid sixties, several companies, Harman Kadon, McIntosh, and Sherwood to name a few, made FM only tuners and/or recievers. Why was this? I was under the impression FM didn't really start picking up steam until about the start of the seventies.

There were many FM only tuners in the late 50's. All were mono, and many had provision for FM stereo, adapted in the early 60's. The main companies for late 50's FM only units were Sherwood, Scott, and Fisher, but many many others sold models, but were less popular.
In the 1961 time frame, FM stereo was introduced, and by 1963, there were many FM only stereo model tuners for sale.

By 1965, tube based models were on the way out, and by 1968, all most all FM tuner models were solid state. The early names were still around, Sherwood, Scott, Fisher, joined by other FM only tuners from McIntosh, Sony, Pioneer, and many others. They all still had a 50-60's type look to the front panel, compared to what was to come in the mid to late 70's, the peak for analog mechanical cap tuned models.

Starting in the 80's, varactor diode tuning took over. It was a very interesting 20 year period for FM tuners from 1960 to 1980.

 

[Sam Cogley]

There were plenty of FM tuners going back to the early 50s and before. FM actually predates WWII, but on a different band than we use now.

 

[montrecott]

I don't think anyone has mentioned the ST-5000/FW from 1968 which, according to the tuner information center, was intended to compete with the 10b.

I love mine and one day will get it recapped and aligned. Here's a great write up:
http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/tuners/sony-st-5000fw.html

I believe the essence of that tuner made its way into the STR-6120 receiver, which is also FM-only, and from the same time period:

 

[Cactus Bob]

Nice looking receiver montrecott. :thmbsp:


Here's my 5000F

 

[cornwallguy]

Radio Shack had a nice little Fm only tuner, the Tm -175

oops , i think this one came out in 73? sorry guys LOL
i may be wrong in the release date

 

[Dan ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ]

Don't forget the KLH Model Eighteen!

 

[RogerKulp]

All Armstrong tuners were FM only.I have a 500 series tuner from 1970.They are as good,or better than a lot of the Japanese tuners of the period,but are very hard to sell in the US.

 

[Bob@FM]

Around the early to mid sixties, several companies, Harman Kadon, McIntosh, and Sherwood to name a few, made FM only tuners and/or recievers. Why was this? I was under the impression FM didn't really start picking up steam until about the start of the seventies.

That's a good question about the timing of FM popularity. My recall was AM radio dominated playing the "pop" hits until the late 60's/early 70's as well. Yes, FM was there before that, but was usually not playing rock 'n roll.

 

[scuba]

Had the same question

I was wondering the same thing as I have 2 of them, but never dared ask.:tresbon:
Scott 350FM and Dynaco FM3. Both from 1962 or 1963

 

[crooner]

Here is my Marantz Model 10 (not 10B) from 1963. Serial number 35 of a total of 100 made.

 

[montrecott]

Here is my Marantz Model 10 (not 10B) from 1963. Serial number 35 of a total of 100 made.

That is one beautiful tuner. :thmbsp:

 

[crooner]

That is one beautiful tuner. :thmbsp:

Thank you. I have always been a tuner nut, and this is my pride and joy!

 

[orthophonic]

I have the Rel Precedent also, agree it is outstanding, I never use it anymore and
sadly will probably let it go soon. There is no FM worth it in my area anymore.

 

[R-2-R]

Here is my Marantz Model 10 (not 10B) from 1963. Serial number 35 of a total of 100 made.

WOW!

That Model 10 looks like it skipped time and came straight from 1963.:tresbon:

Look how clean that thing is. :yes:

Thanks for posting and sharing. :thmbsp:

 

[crooner]

WOW!

That Model 10 looks like it skipped time and came straight from 1963.:tresbon:

Look how clean that thing is. :yes:

Thanks for posting and sharing. :thmbsp:

You are most welcome! I bought it last year from a gentleman who shipped it here all the way from St. Louis in an anvil case. Judging by the condition, and performance!, looks like it was used very little.
It even has the original optocouplers in it.

 

[mrflex65]

Kenwood TK-80 "hybrid" receiver from '65 or '66 is fm only and goes down to 80MHz at the lower end...:scratch2: