Magnum Dynalab MD 205 Signal Sleuth – Excellent!

I purchased this new about 2 years ago. Recent changes to programming on the regional FM stations that I listen to have substantially diminished my enthusiasm for FM and it’s time to pass this on to someone who can make good use of it.

Excellent cosmetics, perfect function, and it does works as advertised! Includes the original packaging and a printed manual. Photo is of the actual MD 205 for sale.

Please review my feedback and purchase with confidence. Shipping weight 7 lbs.

There are many reviews of these on the net. Here’s some info from Magnum:

The SIGNAL SLEUTH brings with it a whole new world of FM-stereo enjoyment. Whether it be Bach, rock, or current affairs, the SLEUTH will expand your world of FM-stereo entertainment, bringing you more FM stations, more clearly.
Put simply, the SIGNAL SLEUTH ...
* amplifies weak FM signals cleanly
* attenuates strong, harsh signals without coloration
* stabilizes FM antenna (and FM cable) signals
* separates interfering adjacent-station signals
* reduces multipath problems

Along with establishing a clearer, crisper sound, a most important attribute of the SLEUTH is its ability to establish and maintain a useable FM program signal level. In most cases, this will eliminate the annoying "flip-flop" stereo-to-mono-to-stereo switching usually experienced with many FM tuners having non-variable, automatic "blend" circuits. The SLEUTH FM signal amplifier has already awakened many FM enthusiasts to the brightness and depth available with a stronger FM signal. As a matter of fact, it prompted one customer to refer to his SLEUTH as ...

"One FM accessory no true audiophile should be without!"

Easy to install and even easier to use, the SLEUTH model 205 fits neatly into just about any component or integrated receiver system. As such, it brings all its fine attributes to your fingertips while maintaining a sleek but unobtrusive demeanor within the system.

Along with adding phenomenal new power to home FM antennas, from single dipoles to multi-element, stacked arrays, the SIGNAL SLEUTH 205 features:

* signal amplification variable from -10dB thru +30dB (30 times to gain) to bring weak stations to full quieting* and tame strong, harsh, local signals
* full tunability with a "hi Q," 400 KHz bandwidth. This adds some 70dB+ in Spurious Response selectivity
* an electronic antenna switching system to bypass the SLEUTH's amplifier when not needed. Also with the SLEUTH's direct "in/out" Antenna Signal switching system, instant A/B comparison is always available
* a low profile, cabinet in satin black. 17 3/4", 19" or 19" rackmount available.
* "Full quieting" is dependent on the tuner's requirement to establish a "50dB quieting level."

Review of the MD 205
The affects of the Sleuth reminded me of a Vinyl pressed Master Recording where music would seem to spring forth from a background of dead silence, quite impressive indeed. As the Sleuth tuned in radio station after station, using the units gain control knob to put on the finishing touches, I was always amazed at how the stations snapped into focus allowing me to hear music as if I had purchased a much more expensive tuner.
Affordable $$ Audio, September 2009

How well does the Power Sleuth perform?
In an independent test, using a commercially available FM tuner, the following percentile improvements were obtained with the SLEUTH on line:
* Sensitivity (under 1dB limiting) -170%
* Spurious Response Rejection -90%
* Image Rejection -380%
* Ultimate Selectivity was rated at 70dB+
Also, the total harmonic distortion (THD) remained unchanged, indicating the Sleuth added no measurable distortion of its own.