Technics - ST-3500 Tuner

Technics ST-3500 vintage high-end analog AM/FM stereo tuner, built in Japan during Matsushita's heyday (circa 1975–1977). Technically in 100% good working order with precise tuning and stable reception; visually in very neat vintage condition with light signs of use consistent with its age.

For enthusiasts of analog design and high-quality radio technology, the ST-3500 is an exceptionally heavy and refined device. The front panel is machined from thick solid brushed aluminum with robust toggle switches and a heavy metal flywheel for butter-smooth tuning across the generously illuminated scale. Under the hood lies a seriously capable 4-gang tuning capacitor (FM front-end) with dual MOS-FETs and ceramic filters, yielding extremely high sensitivity, excellent channel separation, and minimal distortion.

At the front sit two illuminated analog precision indicators: a signal strength meter and a center-tuning meter for exact zero alignment to the broadcast signal. In sound, the ST-3500 delivers a deep, uncolored, and three-dimensionally immersive radio reproduction with an exceptionally quiet background. In addition, the tuner is equipped with convenient audiophile features such as adjustable FM Muting, a selectable High Blend filter to reduce noise on weaker stereo signals, an built-in test tone oscillator (for precisely aligning recording levels on tape), and both fixed and adjustable outputs (Level control).

Specifications
Type: analog AM/FM stereo tuner
Model: Technics ST-3500
Year: circa 1975–1977
Tuning capacitor: 4-gang FM, 2-gang AM
Reception bands: FM (88–108 MHz) and AM/MW (525–1605 kHz)
Sensitivity (FM IHF): 1.6 µV (30 dB S/N, 300 Ohm), 0.9 µV (75 Ohm)
Sensitivity (FM DIN): 1.4 µV
Signal-to-noise ratio: 75 dB (FM mono), 70 dB (FM stereo)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.15% (FM mono at 1 kHz), 0.25% (FM stereo at 1 kHz)
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 15,000 Hz (+0.2 / -0.8 dB, per FM standard)
Selectivity: 85 dB (±400 kHz)
Capture ratio: 1.0 dB
Image suppression: 85 dB
AM suppression: 55 dB
Channel separation: 45 dB at 1 kHz, 35 dB at 10 kHz
Meters: 2 analog meters for signal strength (Signal) and center tuning (Tuning)
Features: FM Auto/Mono, FM Mute, High Blend (MPX Hi-Blend), Test Tone (Rec Calibrator / 400 Hz), adjustable output level
Analog outputs: Line Out Fixed (RCA), Line Out Variable (RCA with pot)
Multipath / Quadraphonic: 4CH / MPX output for discrete decoders
Antenna inputs: FM 75 Ohm unbalanced (coax), FM 300 Ohm balanced, AM connection with ground
Power supply: 110–240 V AC selectable, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 16 Watts
Dimensions (W x H x D): 41.0 x 14.0 x 34.0 cm
Weight: 8.3 kg
Manufacturer: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan)