Sherwood S-3300/FEET

Overview

The Sherwood S-3300 FET is a solid-state FM stereo tuner from the late 1960s, built during Sherwood’s transition from its celebrated tube tuners to transistorized designs. The “FET” badge is important: Sherwood used field-effect transistors in the front end to improve resistance to overload, a common weakness in early solid-state tuners when strong local stations were present.

The S-3300 covers the standard FM band and offers a straightforward analog tuning experience with Sherwood’s restrained, functional styling. Published specifications include a 70 dB FM signal-to-noise ratio and a one-volt audio output. More important than any single number is the model’s place in tuner development: it applied newer semiconductor technology to problems that had become apparent in the first generation of transistor equipment.

Why This Model Matters

Sherwood earned a formidable reputation with tuners such as the S-3000 series, and the S-3300 shows the company carrying that expertise into the solid-state era. Enthusiast discussions often single it out as an early use of an FET front end specifically intended to reduce overload. It is not as famous as Sherwood’s tube classics, but it is historically interesting and remains a capable choice for a period system.

Highlights

• Late-1960s solid-state FM stereo tuner
• FET front end designed for improved overload resistance
• Analog tuning with classic Sherwood styling
• 70 dB rated FM signal-to-noise ratio
• Compact 14-inch-wide chassis

Who It’s For

The S-3300 FET suits collectors interested in the transition from tube to solid-state hi-fi, especially listeners who appreciate Sherwood’s tuner heritage. It is also a good match for a compact vintage system where strong local-station handling and understated design matter more than elaborate controls.