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Onkyo T-401 Quartz Synthesized FM Stereo/AM Tuner

Onkyo T-401 Quartz Synthesized FM Stereo/AM Tuner

Last price we saw

$149.99at SpenCertified, last seen Nov 1

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Our take on the Onkyo T-401 Quartz Synthesized FM Stereo/AM Tuner

The Onkyo T-401 is a compact quartz-synthesized FM stereo and AM tuner from Onkyo's early-to-mid 1980s component line. It locks stations digitally instead of using a sliding dial, with FM stereo output at 500mV and AM at 150mV for feeding an integrated amp or receiver. It is a tuner only, so it needs an amplifier and speakers to make sound. No current retail price is listed for it; it circulates on the used market, where working units typically sell for well under $100.

Best forVintage stereo collectors completing an Onkyo stackListeners who want FM radio without a full receiverBudget setups pairing a used tuner with an old integrated ampAM talk-radio and ballgame listeners
Pros
  • Quartz synthesis holds stations without drift
  • Separate FM and AM sections with dedicated output levels
  • Simple front panel with few controls to fail
  • Compact chassis fits small shelves
  • FM signal-to-noise of 66dB is decent for its era
Cons
  • No built-in amplifier, so it needs a separate amp
  • FM range tops out at 107.9 MHz, missing the 87.5–87.9 edge
  • AM section is basic at 40dB signal-to-noise
  • No remote, presets or digital outputs
  • Used units may need cleaning or alignment

Onkyo T-401 Quartz Synthesized FM Stereo/AM Tuner prices at every store

  • SpenCertifiedCheck price at SpenCertified

Onkyo T-401 Quartz Synthesized FM Stereo/AM Tuner price history

Lowest price we've seen: $149.99 on Nov 1 at SpenCertified. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 1.

What reviewers say

Owner discussion of 1980s Onkyo tuners is generally positive on tuning stability and build, with complaints centered on age-related wear and the limited feature set.

Pros
  • Stable, drift-free tuning
  • Clean FM reception for the price
  • Solid metal chassis and simple controls
Cons
  • Dirty switches and scratchy controls on old units
  • Weak AM performance
  • No modern features like presets or RDS

Specifications

Tuning Bands
FM, MW
FM Tuning Range
87.9 to 107.9 MHz
MW Tuning Range
530 to 1710 kHz
Signal-To-Noise Ratio
66dB (FM), 40dB (MW)
Output
500mV (FM), 150mV (MW)

Questions and answers

Is the Onkyo T-401 worth buying?
Only as a cheap used tuner for a vintage stereo system. It has no amplifier, so budget for one, and check that it powers on and tunes before paying.
What do I need to use it?
An amplifier or receiver with a tuner or aux input, plus speakers and an FM antenna. The T-401 outputs line-level audio only.
Does it have a built-in amplifier?
No. It is a tuner, so it must feed an integrated amplifier, receiver or preamp to drive speakers.
What is the FM tuning range?
87.9 to 107.9 MHz, which covers the US FM band but not the lower 87.5–87.8 MHz used by some low-power stations.
How does it compare to a modern tuner?
It lacks presets, RDS and remote control, but quartz locking keeps stations stable. A modern tuner or a streaming radio is easier to live with.
When is it cheapest?
Used prices are lowest on local marketplaces and estate sales, where untested units sell cheap. Test before buying, since repairs can cost more than the tuner.

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