Midnight Blue, the new FM tuner from 47 Lab

[Marlowe]

Midnight Blue is a new product from 47 Laboratory, a FM stereo tuner.

http://47labs.co.jp/4730.html


It looks slightly inconsistent with the other models in the same "Special Models" series such as Gain Card, Flat Fish, and Progression. Instead, the back panel is similar to the less inexpensive series Shigaraki.

I dislike its appearance at all. However, it is a TUNER introduced at this time, it is a product from 47 Lab, and that is enough interesting to me.

I'd like to see further information regarding to this tuner. So far it is not so many discussion on this gear. Any views and opinions are welcome.

[AuroraB]

Well.... as long as it lasts..........
soon exit FM tuners.... enter f*****g DAB

[Marlowe]

You are right. Radio has been gradually leaving the audio mainstream. Anyway, FM radio is not as "Hi-Fi" as other medias at all.

However, I like turning the knob on the tuner and searching for the channel just right to me, and enjoying the music or talk shows in the low-end quality.

Currently, listening to the digital music is my best choice for sound quality, but the old-fashioned radio programs still catch me. In which, there is something memorable for the early times.

Cheers.

[paba]

Does anyone know what is inside? is it DSP based tuner with digital IF and DSP MPX or is it a cheap car radio tuner chip with a good power supply?

If they learned from the Sony XDR-F1HD to see just how powerful the new technology can be, the problem with the sony is the mistakes made in the implementation. An "audiophile focused" implementation of this technology would be great.

I love the look and would certainly consider if this is a serious tuner, like the rest of the 47 Labs is very serious peformance....so I expect the same here.

/Paba

[Marlowe]

IIRC, 47 Lab always has something creative and original in the "Special Models" series such as the OP-Amp Gain Clone with a shortest feedback path, the DAC Progression non-oversampling, the Phono Cube with a zero-impedance input, and so on.

Hope that the Midnight Blue has kept the creative and the original of its sibling.

More information:

http://www.goodsoundclub.com/Forums/...ID=11586#11586

http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=66861

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/view_topic...27&forum_id=16

The retail price is £750.

[stoc005]

Sony has a DSP based FM receiver for around 100 USD. According to the reviews, its' specs are about as good as you can make it, given the constraints of FM broadcast. Supposed to sound good too.

[paba]

The Sony has best in class RF specs but there are mistakes in the audio output.... see http://www.ham-radio.com/k6sti/xdr-f1hd.htm

But looking at the back of the Midnight Blue, I don't see a digital out so I'm practically certain that this is not a DSP based tuner or digital IF. Too bad because the 47 lab DACs are pretty good and it would nice to play FM through them.

If anyone has pictures of it inside it would help.

this other unit looks interesting too...
http://www.rwonline.com/article/85816

/Paba

[Marlowe]

Thanks for all your input.

Sony XDR-F1HD looks really good to me. I like the small, rigid chassis with a professional appearance. The inside is also not bad. In addition, the price $100 USD is inexpensive at all.

Back to Midnight Blue.
In this thread someone indicated that FM radio is Junji's original expertise.
(Junji is the owner and the designer of 47 Laboratory.)
That makes me more curious.
What idea and originality can be put in an FM tuner from a audiophile radio expert?
As time so far, how good the sound can be sourced from an FM tuner?

[paba]

ok back on the midnight blue,

I had some emails with some insiders and they confirmed the following..

100% analog, special air variable capacitor, two small circuit boards with 1 chip each and a dozen parts on each and 1 transformer...that's it, that's all... typical 47 labs design approach. The designer worked at Trio/Kenwood in the past by the way.
No idea what these chips are, if they are new old stock or current production.

It will be sold in the various FM standards (Japan, Europe, N. America).

very intriguing...

/paba

[Marlowe]

Good information! Thanks for your sharing.

Compared to other equipments in the "Special Models" series, the Midnight Blue priced in £750 is much less expensive at all.
In particular, no external power supply such as Humpty or Dumpty is needed for the FM tuner.

Nevertheless, the interior of the Midnight Blue seems complicated much more than its expensive siblings. It is very intriguing indeed.