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Sony ES tuners?

newby

Active Member
Anyone know about Sony ES tuners? I can buy one for $75. I think the seller said the model number is STS7030ES. I haven't seen much online about the ES tuners. Didn't know if I'd be better off looking for a Sansui or Marantz analog tuner. Thanks for any help.
 
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If you're in the market for a standalone tuner, I would jump on it. Sony ES tuners are under the radar (read: cheap), but are supposedly good. Maybe not as spectacular as, say, a Marantz 10b, but you're also spending a lot less. I know even Marantz's BOTL standalone tuners from the 1970's usually go for more than that.
 
I don't know that one, but I have an ST-550ES that I like a lot - sensitive, good sound. If the one you're looking at is similar in performance, I'd say $75 is a good price.
 
Probably ST-730ES, the TOTL model back in the early 90's. $75 is a fairly good price for a 730ES, esp. if it's cosmetically ok and comes with the faux rosewood side panels. The 550ES is the next lower model and it often sells for $75 - last one I sold was $76 in fact.

Performance is ok but not spectacular in my opinion, I've had one in my DST system rack for 18 years or thereabouts. I have it connected to a Dynalab FM whip but frankly my analog Tandberg with a Beam Box or even a dipole antenna usually match it for reception. Sonically it's adequate but again not in the same league as the better analog pieces I have compared it to.

www.fmtunerinfo.com has some comments on the 730ES that are worth reading.

John
 
Thanks for all of the comments. I think I'll go for the tuner. The same seller has an ES DAT for $60. I've got a couple of DATs I'd like to convert to CDs but I don't know if it's worth $60. Thanks again.
 
Make sure it's the ST-730ES, not the ST-SE370 which has a confusingly similar/dyslexic model number... big difference in value.

John
 
If it's a ST-S730ES grab it if in good shape as it's TOTL from 1988. Sounds and sensistivity is great. I have a ST-S550ES as well and it's also worth $75, very good tuners IMHO.
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Thanks for the help. Here's what I ended up with, A CDP-X339ES and a DTC-75ES. Both are in like new condition. I spent $130 on those and just didn't have the cash to get the tuner. I'm hoping it's still there when I do. Thanks again for the advice.
 
Thanks for the help. Here's what I ended up with, A CDP-X339ES and a DTC-75ES. Both are in like new condition. I spent $130 on those and just didn't have the cash to get the tuner. I'm hoping it's still there when I do. Thanks again for the advice.

Wow that was a steal! :thmbsp:
 
I have the ST-S500ES so I guess 500ES? it sounds really good, and I hear details in the FM that I never heard on CD's in the past.
 
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