Revox A76 (1968–1977)
FM stereo tuner with modular construction, all-silicon circuitry, and precision tuning instruments
Overview
The Revox A76 is a high-end FM stereo tuner produced from 1968 to 1977 in three distinct series: MK1 (1968–1971), MK2 (1971–1974), and MK3 (1974–1977). Manufactured by Studer-Revox in Switzerland and later in Löffingen, Germany, it was introduced at the 1969 Internationale Funkausstellung in Stuttgart and formed part of a premium hi-fi system alongside the Revox A77 tape recorder and A78 amplifier. Designed with principles from Philip F. Panter’s 1965 text on optimal FM reception, the A76 featured advanced circuitry for its time, including an all-silicon semiconductor design and a phase-locked loop (PLL) multiplex decoder. It was marketed as a "High Fidelity" component with precise tuning, low distortion, and robust modular construction resembling professional broadcast equipment.
Specifications
| Frequency Range | 87.5 to 108 MHz |
| Antenna Inputs | Buchsen "58" for 240 Ω symmetric antenna line; BNC-Buchse "59" for 60 Ω coaxial line |
| IF Filter | 8 linear-phase resonant IF filters |
| IF Amplifier | 5-stage IF limiter amplifier (with ICs) |
| FM Demodulator | Leitungs-Demodulator (delay-line discriminator) |
| Stereo Decoder | Stereo-Multiplex-Decoder "E" with PLL pilot tone regeneration |
| Semiconductors | 43 silicon semiconductors |
| Main Principle | Superheterodyne with RF stage; IF 10.7 MHz |
| Tuned Circuits | 12 FM circuits |
| Wave Bands | FM Broadcast Band only |
| Power Supply | AC 110 / 130 / 150 / 220 / 240 V |
| Output | 1000 mV |
| Sensitivity | 1.0 µV (FM) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 70 dB (FM) |
| Distortion | 0.2% (FM) |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 15 kHz (FM) |
| Tuning Scale | Analogue |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 415 x 160 x 245 mm / 16.3 x 6.3 x 9.6 inch |
| Net Weight | 7.8 kg / 17 lb 2.9 oz |
| Enclosure | Wooden case, bookshelf unit |
Design
The A76 is modularly constructed like a professional receiver, with a chassis shielded above and below by perforated metal plates forming a Faraday cage. It uses flame-retardant FR4 printed circuit boards—glass-fiber reinforced in MK1, with orange-colored, punchable FR4 boards in MK3. The tuner includes a CENTER TUNING instrument and a SIGNAL STRENGTH meter, along with a MULTIPATH display: a small red lamp that flashes when signal echoes are detected. It supports mono-stereo automatic switching and features discrete audio inputs/outputs for connection to external amplifiers. The internal layout includes dedicated sections for RF input, IF processing, demodulation, pilot tone regeneration, multiplex decoding, display, and power supply.
Context
The A76 was developed in response to the lack of convincing FM receivers available at the time, and its feature set was unmatched among consumer tuners in 1969. It was positioned as a flagship model in Revox’s high-fidelity lineup, matching aesthetically and technically with the A77 tape recorder and A78 amplifier. The MK1 featured a silver front panel to match the A50 amplifier, while the MK2 (1971–1974) introduced a gray anthracite front with green scale labeling and gray buttons. The MK3 (1974–1977) updated the design with aluminum knobs and buttons, white scale markings, and a blue Revox logo on a brushed aluminum panel. The MK3 replaced earlier versions starting in 1974/75.
Market
The original price of the A76 was 1,340.00 DM, rising to 1,500.00 DM for the MK2 at launch. A unit listed on Retrotech Audio was marked as sold at €349.00, with a technical condition rating of 10/10 and cosmetic condition of 8.5/10.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Revox B760 (1981)
- Revox T78 (1975)
- Aiwa CS-250 (1978)
- Denon TU-1500RD (1995)
- Denon TU-280 (1976)
- Denon TU-501 (1977)
- Denon TU-550 (1978)
- Denon TU-750S (1975)
- Luxman R-1030 (1979)
- Luxman R-1050 (1975)