Accuphase T-109V (1999–2005)

Name: Accuphase T-109
Brand: Accuphase

FM stereo tuner with precision quartz-locked synthesis and balanced audio outputs

Overview

The Accuphase T-109V is an FM stereo tuner manufactured by Accuphase Laboratory, Inc., released in May 1999 and produced until June 2005. It features a quartz-lock frequency synthesized tuning system for high precision, with manual tuning via a pulse-type rotary knob that uses a non-contact optical phase detector. The tuner includes 32-station random preset memory and infrared remote control via the included RC-12 commander. Designed for high-fidelity reception, it supports both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) audio outputs and includes selectable IF bandwidth (Normal/Narrow), a noise filter, muting switch, mono switch, and output level control.

Specifications

Receiving frequency	76.0 MHz to 90.0 MHz
Practical sensitivity	11 dBf (IHF)
S/N 50 dB sensitivity	17 dBf (IHF)
Stereo S/N 50 dB sensitivity	37 dBf (IHF)
Output voltage (±75 kHz deviation)	1.0 V
Frequency characteristic	10 Hz ~ 16000 Hz +0 -1.0 dB
Stereo separation factor	100Hz:50dB, 1kHz:50dB, 10kHz:40dB
Total harmonic distortion (mono, 80 dBf)	20Hz:0.02%, 1kHz:0.02%, 10kHz:0.02%
Stereo THD (80 dBf input)	20Hz:0.04%, 1kHz:0.04%, 10kHz:0.04%
IM distortion factor	0.01% (mono), 0.03% (stereo)
Two signal selectivity (IHF)	400kHz: 70dB (Normal), ≥100dB (Narrow)
Image ratio	80 dB
AM suppression ratio (65 dBf input)	80 dB
Antenna input	75 Ω unbalanced (F-type connector)
Output impedance	Balanced: 200 Ω, Unbalanced fixed: 200 Ω, Controlled: 1.25k Ω max
Power consumption	15 W
Dimensions	475 mm (W) × 140 mm (H) × 402 mm (D)
Weight	9.5 kg (net)
Remote control	Infrared pulse system, RC-12 commander (3V DC, 2×R6)

Design

The T-109V uses a crystal oscillator for high-precision tuning, locked at the point of minimum distortion and maximum sensitivity. The front-end employs a double-tuned antenna circuit and a cascode FET amplifier with low feedback, while the input gate includes a PIN diode attenuator controlled by a microcomputer. The mixer uses a balanced push-pull FET design, and detection is handled by an advanced DGL (Differential Gain Linear) circuit with a 2.4 MHz wide-band amplifier, high-speed comparator, and a 24-stage C-MOS IC delay circuit tuned to a 114-degree phase shift for optimal SN ratio and minimal distortion. Stereo demodulation uses a PLL circuit synchronized to the pilot signal, with a ceramic resonator and voltage-controlled positive/negative reactance circuit. The audio output includes a balanced circuit to suppress noise from ground and cable interference.

Market

The Accuphase T-109V had an original price of ¥170,000. It was sold with the RC-12 remote commander, AC power cord, and an F-type to RCA audio cable.

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