PACO 55-FM (documented 1964–1965)
Surviving information on the PACO 55-FM is thin. The archive's fact sheet for this model is empty - no manual, brochure, or specification sheet has been located - so everything below rests on period hi-fi reviews. The 55-FM appears to have been a vacuum-tube FM/AM stereo tuner sold in kit form. It was on the market at least from early 1964 through 1965.
High Fidelity (March 1964, p.62) tested the tuner, called it the ST-55, and found the left and right channels virtually identical, with excellent stereo balance. The sub-channel noise filter rolled the response off noticeably above 2 kc when engaged. That helps with background noise on weak stereo signals, but it costs treble. Channel separation was judged fair whether the filter was on or off. Both the multiplex pilot and subcarrier signals were suppressed well enough to avoid interfering with off-air taping. The review's overall verdict was that the ST-55 was not a standout for pulling in very weak or distant stations.
A separate equipment listing in HiFI-Stereo (1964, p.61) gives the published specifications. Response is 20-20,000 cps, usable sensitivity is better than 2.5 µV, FM output is 2 volts at 100% modulation, and AM output is 1 volt. The tube complement is 2-12AT7, 6BE6, 6BA6, 2-6AU6, 6AL5, plus a selenium rectifier. Dimensions are roughly 10¾ inches wide and 4 inches high. The same page prices the kit with pre-aligned multiplex circuitry at $109.95, and a semi-kit with pre-aligned multiplex, r.f., i.f., and discriminator circuits at $139.95. A 1965 listing (HiFI-Stereo, p.66) adds a 6 dB capture ratio, automatic multiplex reception, and special circuitry aimed at eliminating whistles when making tape recordings.
Known details in brief:
- Vacuum-tube FM/AM stereo tuner, kit or semi-kit construction
- Response: 20–20,000 cps
- Usable sensitivity: better than 2.5 µV
- Output: 2 V (FM), 1 V (AM) at 100% modulation
- Capture ratio: 6 dB
- Prices (1964): $109.95 kit, $139.95 semi-kit
Beyond those reviews, little else is on the record for the 55-FM.
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