Combining the already renowned functionality and reception quality of Fanfare's proven FM section, the FTA-100 fills a much ignored void in radio broadcast reception .. that of high quality AM and AM-stereo reception. As such, the FTA-100 promises to provide the quietest, most musical FM-stereo and AM-stereo reception possible for a most enjoyable and rewarding listening experience.

The FTA-100 is truly an unique tuner/monitor. While other designs might extract economies by using sections of circuitry in common mode for both AM and FM, the FTA-100's AM and FM sections are fully discrete. Therefore, aside from the UNISET, control system and the audio final, the two reception circuits operate totally independently.

What this means to the user is, with no interdep-endent circuit function, there is no interaction which could serve to compromise the quality of reception or its resultant audio in either AM or FM mode.

Operation of the FTA-100 couldn't be easier, nor more versatile. Programmable presets, 8 each for both AM and FM; are via tactile, noiseless, push-buttons allowing greatest possible control functionality. An IR remote control is also available which mirrors all faceplate functions.

As you might already have read, Fanfare's FM-only, FT-1A was been acclaimed "a winner" for reception quality and value by Stereophile's Larry Greenhill. It is also one of only two tuners in Stereophile's "A" category list of Recommended Components listing for FM tuners, and the only that provides integrated remote control. Based on cost, features and overall performance, it is also the most cost-effective.

The FTA-100's AM section incorporates the latest AMAX* reception circuitry which, in its simplest form, combines the excellence of Fanfare's ultra low noise, standard AM reception with the strongest most viable platform for high quality AM-stereo.

Originally designed by Motorola engineers to enhance the audio quality of AM-stereo reception, AMAX also provides efficient noise blanking and control, thereby lowering the noise floor even further for long-reach AM broadcast reception.

The Fanfare FM section is already well known and respected by audiophile and broadcast engineer alike. Why? Along with its reliability, is the fact that its design offers a particularly unique balance of ultra sensitivity for longer distance reception and high selectivity to separate stations in crowded urban settings. Such attention naturally culminates in clear, noise-free, full fidelity sound.

Coordinating the functions of these powerful rf sections is the job of Fanfare's UNISET control system. This circuit is specifically designed to provide continuously accurate tuning voltages to the varactors of the tuning stages, and to maintain the integrity of all onboard systems.

The UNISET control system has at its heart a replaceable firmware chip into which all function parameters are programmed. Should an update or upgrade be offered that enhances the control function, the chip can be easily changed at the dealer's shop, or with minimum turnaround at the factory.

In the FM section UNISET provides a contin-uous,external frequency reference which is used to keep the FM circuitry tuned accurately and on station at all times, even from a cold startup.

TheAudio from the FTA-100's high resolution rf circuitry is dealt with in three different ways to meet the needs of the innovative audiophile and the professional broadcaster.

"HI", or line output is servo coupled to eliminate DC and provides up to 2.0V at 100% modulation through silver-plated, OFC internal interconnects to 47.5 ohm, "Tiffany-gold", single-ended audio outputs. The "LO" or direct audio output is provided directly from the multiplex filters and capacitive coupled, also to Tiffany-gold, single-ended outputs. The latter is offered as a convenience to those who have availed themselves of a line stage preamplifier with level-adjustable-inputs. Finally, the FTA-100's optional, balanced outputs provide up to +6dB of audio from their 47.5 ohm XLR outputs.

For the broadcaster, the FTA-100 offers both FM Composite Output for connection to a translator Exciter, or to a modulation monitor and Carrier Sense which reports loss of incoming signal.

Those with AM-stereo available to them will be doubly blessed as good quality AM-stereo from the FTA-100's AMAX-equipped, AM section has been said to equal good quality FM stereo. Not only that, the FTA-100 is the only state-of-the art, AMAX-compliant, AM-stereo tuner being manufactured anywhere in the world. Beware of those who would say that AM-stereo is dead for it is definitely not!

Under the Hood

We follow that with an extensive alignment and circuit analysis, then send it to the "burn in" rack for a minimum 48 hours to ensure full circuit compliance. Finally, the unit is repeatedly checked for functionality, then for appearance and, only then is it released for packaging.

9KHz AM channel spacing, along with 120/220/240 volt capability takes the FTA-100 to true "world-class" status.

RS232 I/O serial data port prepares the FTA-100 for installation in centrally controlled, home theater systems all over the world. Fanfare's data system features response to all faceplate commands, along with direct frequency entry.