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Reviews For: Grove Tun 4-A preselector/preamplifier

Category: Receive Pre-amps

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Review Summary For : Grove Tun 4-A preselector/preamplifier
Reviews: 1MSRP: 159.99
Description:
Receive-only antenna preselector and preamplifier for LW, MW and SW bands, 60kHz to 30MHz. Two SO-239 antenna inputs and two SO-239 receiver outputs -- switch between two antennas and two receivers. Passive preselection, amplified preselection, with ground/bypass, adjustable gain and air variable capacitor tuner.
Product is not in production
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# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0014
N0TLD Rating: 2020-09-07
Really useful accessory Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had my Tun4-A almost since Grove first offered them in the early '90s, and I've always found it very useful, especially with mid-sized receivers (larger portables or smaller tabletops); with four (4) SO-239 connectors on the rear of the unit, you can select between two antennas and two receivers, which is really handy for more fully and accurately comparing and testing things.

I would switch between (say) a Grundig YB400 and a Realistic DX394, or a Sony ICF2010 and a Sangean ATS803a, along with two different antennas (various combinations of homebrew loops, dipoles, slopers, randomwires and even other active antennas from Ameco, MFJ, Palomar, etc.). It made finding the best combinations of gear and antenna simple and fun.

I guess I'm saying if you are a swapping, comparing, knobulating kinda radio'er like me, this would be a very fun accessory for you, for the switching capabilities alone!

But of course, there is more -- you can preselect passively or switch power on (+12V) and make it an adjustable 20 dB preamplifier with a bypass/ground position; and it boasts a sizeable air variable capacitor for tuning, which to me is generally superior (for less noise and more fineness or 'smoothness' in tuning) to the smaller plastic/polyvaricon-types found in so many active antennas/preselectors.

That amplifier is pretty clean too, not being very high gain so not adding much noise either, which is a pleasant departure from some of the higher gain preamps from that time.

It is quite simple and intuitive to use.

In all, a very helpful receiving accessory, though not a big seller so not too easy to find on the used market... yet generally fairly priced ($100 - $150) when found, which is well worth it, especially if you are into comparison and experimentation.