The Etude Analog Tuner [See also the Stereophile Review of the Etude]

The Dynalab Etude has established a new benchmark of performance excellence for an FM tuner. Its design is specifically that of reference FM tuner and therefore capable of meeting the demands of the most discriminating audiophile.

Such as its namesake implies, the Dynalab Etude truly challenges the state of FM broadcasting today. Through its uncannily accurate off-air reproduction of all source material, Etude has the capability of placing the listener "front row center" for every performance.

Contributing significantly to Etude's overall success is its mastery of the FM signal. By combining powerful new levels of selectivity with already excellent sensitivity, the Etude is capable of extracting an uncommonly listenable program signal out of the milieu of FM congestion that abounds in today's urban environment ... a phenomenon that is likely to reach epic proportions as we approach the 21st century.

How such a level or performance excellence is accomplished can be found in the manner by which the FM signal is processed. Here sensitivity, selectivity and sound are maintained in perfect accord through the painstaking process of hand-matching IF components within each individual Etude. Along with establishing a remarkable level of rf performance, such a procedure ensures that a very delicate "balance of function" is fully maintained. This is also your assurance of consistently high quality performance which is what discerning listeners have come to expect from a Dynalab FM tuner.

The market has already provide proof of Etude's unique capabilities. Not long after first Etude's models were released, users were reporting a significant increase in sonic realism (some 25 - 40%) over its predecessor the FT-101.

The Etude is a special edition of the FT-101A where considerable attention and upgrading has taken place within the tuner's audio stages. Design of the audio final was the result of extensive testing with various esoteric level, audio components, many of which were recommended by our audiophile dealers and associates. This, combined with the circuit refinements mentioned previously, has imbued the Etude with a superb level of performance integrity--such that would satisfy the most discerning of FM listeners.

Magnum Dynalab continues to define state-of-the-art in analog FM tuner design. The FT-101A offers such advancements as a redesigned circuit board which now integrates all functions and provides even more circuit stability in order to maintain the much higher levels of selectivity available with the Etude. A new feature also being offered is a defeatable "Stereo Blend" control. With this control in the "on" position, stereo separation is adjusted automatically to maintain full quieting as the signal becomes weaker or stronger. In the "off" position stereo separation stays at maximum, no matter what the incoming signal strength might be.

Characteristic of a Dynalab design, the Etude is analog tuned. For those whose first exposure is with the Etude, analog tuning offers precise adjustment to the center of the desired station frequency in order to maximize stereo separation. Such lattitude also allows the user to detune slightly in order to minimize on-frequency interference.

Conversely, frequency synthesized (digital) tuners usually provide fine tuning only in 50 Khz increments. While most FM stations rarely deviate from their +-2KHz tolerance, programming that is being rebroadcast on cable may not be quite so precise. Here, the Etude's infinitely variable tuning is particularly beneficial.

The actual tuning function is accomplished by a precision potentiometer which applies a precise, filtered voltage to the tuning varactors. The potentiometer is manipulated through a unique, counter-balanced, flywheel system imparting a smooth, professional feel to the tuning mechanism with absolutely no backlash.

The digital frequency display is an independently powered frequency counter circuit that is driven by the tuner's oscillator circuit. The tuned frequency is displayed in soft, green, easy-to-read, 0.5" LED numerals.

OTHER FEATURES and FUNCTIONS:

	Discrete audio output.
	Isolated power supply switching providing "instant on" for the tuner circuitry.
	Large, easy-to-read panel meters to display MULTIPATH, RF INPUT and CENTER TUNE.
	A noise activated MUTE system with front panel defeat switch.
	A Wide/Narrow IF BAND control offering alternately very high selectivity in order to deal with annoying side band interference.
	Dual AGC stage monitors and maintains program clarity and level, as well as providing a dramatic reduction in local station interference.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Available in 220 and 240 volt as well. Please specify if North American or European deemphasis is required.

The Dynalab Etude bears a special heavy-gauge, machined aluminum faceplate which is available in black, silver and gold anodised finishes. Faceplate dimensions are 19 inches by 3.5 inches with rack style mounting holes, as well as 17 3/4 inches in black only.

Factory standard for the Etude's audio stage includes the use of specially selected, industry-recognised components. This includes high efficiency, OFC or silver (optional at extra cost) intercabling, "high grade," polypropylene, audio output capacitors and precision-machined, heavily plated output connectors. Use of such high grade, specific-use components assures that no corrupting influences will be introduced in the path of an already soncially accurate signal.