What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
30 NOV 2004
T+A T1210R
A solid performer, but the rise in popularity of DAB limits the appeal of an FM-only unit like this
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This tuner isn’t encrusted with diamonds or machined from platinum. On top of that, it’s FM only – so who would pay £1000 for it?
Those who strive for top-quality sound, that’s who. You demand the best possible performance from your CD player, amp and speakers, so it’s only natural you want the same high standards from your tuner.
Build is excellent: the T1210R is a slender piece of kit, smooth to the touch and there’s an effective layout of buttons on the front panel relating to functions such as RDS tuning and mono/stereo selection. As for the remote control… well, there isn’t one – it’s going to cost you an extra £190!
Vice-like sonic grip
Thankfully, sound quality is also of a high standard. The T1210R takes a vice-like grip on all stations and sounds controlled and cohesive whether you’re listening to music or dialogue-heavy stations. Listening to Radio 1 allows the tuner to display positive musical attributes such as punch, clarity and detail. Basement Jaxx’s lively dance tune Red Alert, highlights the T+A’s rhythmic qualities with a tuneful rendition.
If excellent sound is top of the agenda then the T+A is definitely worth an audition. However, in the current tuner climate, where DAB is becoming increasingly popular, the fact you’re restricted to FM means the T+A loses part of its appeal. There’s also the fact that Densen makes an excellent, cheaper rival.
Consequently, the T+A can’t quite justify its steep asking price, but that’s not to say it doesn’t possess the ability to make FM broadcasts shine superbly.
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