Sansui TU-D99X Tuner Review

Sansui’s TU-D99X digital-synthesis AM/FM tuner offers the full array of modern tuner features, together with good performance, in an attractive “low profile” package at an equally attractive price. On the front panel of the all-black unit, large fluorescent numerals show the tuned frequency, the frequency units (kHz or MHz), and the band (AM or FM). The desired band is selected by alternate pushes of a button to the right of the display. To the left is a set of colorful tuning and signal indicators. These indicate signal strength, stereo reception, wide or narrow i.f. bandwidth settings, and local/distant reception.

Each of the eight station memories of the TU-D99X can be assigned to both an AM and an FM station. Like most digital tuners, it is tuned by pressing a button that shifts the frequency up or down either in single steps or in a scanning mode, depending on whether the switch is set for auto or manual. The tuning intervals are set at 100 kHz for FM and 10 kHz for AM on units sold in the U.S. Other small buttons control the operating modes of the TU-D99X. The FM mode button selects stereo or mono FM reception (the muting is disabled in mono), and the noise canceller blends the stereo channels at high frequencies to reduce noise on weak signals. The REC cal button replaces the program audio with a 400-Hz tone whose level corresponds to 50 percent FM modulation (6 dB below a station’s legal maximum output level), a convenience for setting tape-recording levels.

The Sansui TU-D99X, finished in black to match other Sansui components, is 17 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 2-1/4 inches high. Optional wood side panels add 1-3/8 inches to the overall width. A detachable AM loop antenna is supplied. Price: $350.

Lab Tests

The measured performance of the Sansui TU-D99X ranged from fair to excellent. Although its sensitivity was not particularly impressive, its noise and distortion were both low, the stereo channel separation was exceptional, and the image rejection of 101 dB was at the limit of our measurement capability. Although the AM rejection at 65 dBf was rather low, it improved dramatically at lower input levels (opposite to the behavior of most FM tuners). Most other test results could be classified as good to excellent.

Comments

The Sansui TU-D99X is not only a very compact and attractive tuner, but its actual performance in a music system is far better than some of our test results might suggest. Obviously, it may not be the best tuner for fringe-area reception where extreme sensitivity is needed. In urban and suburban locations, however, its outstanding image rejection and choice of moderate or high selectivity (using the if band control), combined with more than adequate distortion and noise performance, should make the TU-D99X not only the equal of most tuners with more impressive numerical ratings but quite probably superior to many of them. And if your location, like ours, is in a fairly strong signal area but close to major air-traffic routes, the qualities of this tuner look very attractive.

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