Then T4 feeds a differential amp, driving a FET, which drives a typical IF output transformer. This would appear to lower the noise floor and likely increase dyamic range. The T2 transformer, which has a center-tapped secondary, drives two dual-gate MOSFETS, which then feed a center-tapped primary on T3. Astute fans of RF front ends will notice some cool things in the F-9's design. It has a balanced push-pull RF gain stage, and a balanced mixer, which is missing in other most other tuners one can buy for under $50. ![]() ![]() ![]() It's a very nice sleeper tuner if you can live with the gold 'pizza box' looks."īob followed up with more technical detail: "The F-9 has an RF stage that, despite being only 4 gangs, is quite uncommon. With some work, the F-9 is really a bona fide hot tuner in every respect. Although some may not like the looks, I find it very attractive and unique. The unit under review had two oversize Black Gate caps in the output, and with these bass response was fairly solid and deep. Sound impressions are very good, with clear midrange and highs. There are two transformers in the power supply, to keep digital noise from analog circuits. All the IC chips are Pioneer custom made, with the pulse counter type detector used, again similar to the F-90/F-99X. There are 3 IF 3-pin filters, two of which are blue MX GDT type. Inside, we find 4 gangs, but a novel dual MOSFET RF amp, likely run in parallel to reduce noise. There are 6 presets and a 5-segment signal meter. Controls for FM include wide/narrow IF filter, auto mute stereo/mono selector, and tuning mode auto/manual. The AM section appears to have been given special attention, with an AM wide/narrow selector and AM stereo out jack on the rear panel. Most controls are hidden behind a swing-down door, except for power, station selector, and large AM/FM metal buttons. It is like a 'Frank Lloyd Wright' design tuner, with very minimal design exterior, and ultra-thin 1.75" tall case. But our panelist Bob has spent considerable time tweaking, measuring and modding his F-9, and had this report: "The F-9 was the top of the line follow-on to the TX-9800 tuner, and somewhat similar to the F-90/F-99X in operation, but the cosmetics are totally different. One difference noted by our contributor Ryan is that the output filter in the F-9 is passive, unlike the active filter in the later two that he feels works very well. The F-9 is a digital synthesizer tuner that is fairly similar to the later F-90 and F-99X in construction. Pioneer F-9 (1981, $425, closed, open, back, detector/MPX stage, RF front end, schematic, Audio review) search eBay But don't overpay: one mint F-7 sold for $125 in 11/08 and another fetched $90 in 4/09, and one F-5 went for $89 in 12/06. Just a guess, but based on the sleeper status of the F-9, either of its little brothers might also be a nice pickup in their usual eBay sale price ranges of just $20-40 for the F-5 and $30-60 for the F-7. Pioneer F-7 (1981, $325, closed, open) search eBay Please post in our FMtuners group if you have any information about any of them. There are many Pioneer tuners in our On-Deck Circle that we'd like to consider listing here if we can get some basic information on them (types of controls and features, and any personal anecdotes or comparisons to other tuners). In parentheses after the model number are the year of introduction and most recent list price, and/or the original list price if indicated by "orig." Special thanks to David Rich of The Audio Critic for copies of historical material from his reference library. ![]() Tuners are listed in alphabetical and numerical sequence by model number. Granted to quote our text so long as proper credit is given.ĮBay listings that quote us incorrectly or without credit may be
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