Conference hips::uk_audioo

313.0. "FM Tuner Specs?" by UKCSSE::BUDD (I'd rather be turning) Tue Sep 24 1991 13:56

    Can anybody explain the term dBf as it relates to FM Tuner
    specifications? 

    When I last looked a tuner specifications (many years ago) sensitivity
    was quoted as a signal to noise ratio for a given aerial input voltage
    for a stereo signal ie 30 dB for 1.3 �V

    Most manufacturers these days quote sensitivity for a MONO signal as
    nn dBf x.x �V   However as both the dBf figure and the aerial voltage
    vary (even for the same manufacturer) it is difficult to compare
    specifications of different manufactures let alone against my existing
    tuner spec for a Stereo signal.

    For example is 10.8 dBf/1.9 �V better or worse than 12.7 dBf /2.4 �V?
    and how does it compare with an old Stereo spec of 30 dB/1.3 �V given
    than a far higher signal strength is needed for a stereo signal?

    Also some manufacturers also give DIN figures (can't remember the
    details) so how do these relate?

    Apart from the purely academic interest, what I am trying to ensure
    is that any replacement FM Tuner is at least as sensitive as my 
    original as I live in a marginal area between transmitters.

    Martin.