The Sequerra Model 1 FM Tuner in a SUPER RARE GOLD FINISH

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Already a member of our Holy Grail collection, this specific example is a Super Rare version of this famed tuner from Sequerra featuring a gold finished faceplate.

We get a lot of really neat equipment in the shop - but this is definitely in the top 1% of what we've ever seen.

This particular tuner series came out in 1974 at a time where there was some pretty fierce competition. The Marantz Model 10B had been around for a little bit, and the McIntosh MR78 had just come out a year before, so there were three all-American made tuners that are now considered the best tuners ever made. Much better than their British counterparts.

A lot had to do with the fact that in the US designers had the additional challenge of designing tuners to work over significant distances to reach stations - unlike the UK which is a more compact area. These 3 tuners were the absolute best of the best, and this Sequerra was the most sophisticated and most expensive by a large margin.

When this tuner came out in 1974 it was almost $2000, which is almost the price of a car in today's money! During its run which ended in the late 90's, it went all the way up to $4,000 in this variation. There were other variations like the reference models that easily exceeded $10,000, but this was considered reasonable/within reason, as this is more of an actual lab instrument than a piece of home audio equipment. 

And you can tell by its construction, design, parts quality, and presentation. It was really designed for radio stations to analyze their signals and understand their performance limitations, and was quickly adopted by home owners that wanted the absolute best of the best.

Probably the neatest feature is the built in oscilloscope that is hard to miss. It has several different modes - Panoramic, Display Tuning, and Tuner Vector. And there's also a 4th mode titled External Vector which allows you to input external signal.

Writing about these features just doesn't cut it - please check out our video at the end of this listing!

This particular model comes in a factory rack mount kit made for this piece which gives it a cool industrial look. It's about 4 rack spaces (4U) should you want to rack mount, but note that it also works perfectly well on its own feet. It does have a low front lip so it will need to overhang on the shelf you are putting it on/or taller feet to clear the shelf.

Overall this piece looks a lot more sophisticated than something from the 1970's, and Sequerra is still making tuners these days in the same design language which tells you how famous this tuner really is.

It's in good overall condition, but not perfect. There are very slight marks on the top lip, and the top cover has a couple of pit marks, but overall pretty presentable. The important things like the glass, buttons, and backlighting, are all really really good. 

It takes about 30 mins to warm up per the included literature (the internal CRT tube needs to warm up and also related circuitry up to speed), and they do recommend this warm up period before enjoying.

Technical Specifications (courtesy of radiomuseum.org):

Manufacturer / Brand:  Sequerra Company Inc.; Woodside (NY), USA
Model:  The Sequerra Model 1 FM Tuner - Sequerra Company Inc.;
Material:  Metal case
Year:  1974 
Valves / Tubes:  1: D10-160GH
Semiconductors (the count is only for transistors) 

84:  E310 2N4959 2N4250 MPS3639 MJE345 2N3440 2N3638 MJE3055 2N5962 2N3644 2N5639 2N5458 2N3569 2N2222 2N5210 2N5784 MC1496 LM301 MC10115 MC10131 SN74H102 SN74196 SN7490 SN7476 SN7404 SN7493 SN74123 µA741 µA723 MV104 5082-7302

Main principle:  Superhet with RF-stage; ZF/IF 10700 kHz
Tuned circuits:  24 FM circuit(s)
Wave bands Details:  FM Broadcast Band Only
Power type and voltage:  Alternating Current supply (AC) / 120; 240 Volt
Loudspeaker Power Out:  For headphones or amplifier
Dimensions (WHD):  16" x 5.75" x 12.75" / 406 x 146 x 324 mm

Notes: 
A digital-readout FM tuner with multipurpose oscilloscope and built-in Dolby Noise reduction, in metal case.
Optional:  Without "Panoramic"-RF tuning-band display Price: USD 2000,-
Wood-Case:  Walnut USD 125,-; Brazilian rosewood USD 150,-
Original Warranty:  5 years parts and labor (scope and incandescent lamps 1 year)
Magazine Reviews:  Audio Magazine, August 1974, Stereo Review, October 1974, High Fidelity, January 1975, Radio-Electronics, March 1975
Also contains:  58 ICs and 4 HP LED displays. Each transistor/IC etc. listed once only.

Click here for a copy of the original Spec Sheet/Brochure 

Click here for a PDF copy of the Owner's Manual

Click here for a PDF copy of the Schematic

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

The SkyFi Testing Process for Tuners:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and tubes are inspected for signs of stress overheating or cracking.

Then the tuner is thoroughly tested in our lab utilizing our professional Sencore SG80 FM Generator, which allows us to generate a reference FM signal of any frequency and amplitude, and then measure the resulting tuner output on our Sencore PR81 or oscilloscope.  

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI:

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. Please note that all local pickup items are only wrapped with industrial strength clear cling stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.

Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.

And if you’re looking to ship to Canada, simply follow this link to view and purchase this item. We ship to Canada via UPS Worldwide Expedited service and you’re responsible for any applicable import duties and taxes.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions. 

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WHO WE ARE:

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES:

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

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We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card, bank transfer, and their special financing to spread out payments over six months. We do not charge extra for any PayPal fees if you purchase the item at the asking price. You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or bank wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you’re picking up an item, we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified check, bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY:

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling direct on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken):

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you’re in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:                                                                                                     

We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped and dedicated listening areas, plus a dedicated listening studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

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