FM Tuner?

[noddin0ff]

So. I only listen to a few FM stations anyway, but one is our local Jazz station (WICN) and they broadcast a pretty good signal (including HD). However my preferred listening set up is a DAC + PreAmp + network.

What are some options to add a tuner say between say $50-100? I'd like a good signal. Should I look into a beginner DIY? It doesn't have to be beautiful or loaded with bells and whistles.

I'm rather ignorant on the magic of radio.

[blackraven]

This site may help-

Tuner Information Center - Vintage Stereo Tuners


Personally I like vintage tuners-Marantz, Kenwood and Pioneer. The Tuners from the 70's had a unique sound.

Sony made a great tuner about 10-12 years ago. It was digital and great sounding. For some reason they stopped making them. If you can find one used at a reasonable price it would be the way to go. They sold for under $100.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-XDR-F1HD-.../dp/B00168Q248

Even vintage receivers have good tuners so you may want to look in that direction.

This Yamaha tuner gets pretty good user reviews. It is supposed to pull in stations well.

YAMAHA T-S500 AM/FM Stereo Tuner | Accessories4less

Here is a nice little Pro-ject Tuner-

Pro-Ject Tuner Box S Stereo Tuner-Audio Advisor

I can't say that I have heard the Yammy or Pro-ject. I still use a vintage 1976 Luxman tuner.

[Feanor]

Yes, a vintage tuner is an excellent option. Vintage tuners are cheap now, (excluding certain classic high-end models); there are zillions of them on eBay. Also solid state tuners are typically very long-lived components so age isn't much of a consideration.

Analog tuners tend to a bit higher than digital tuners but their performance isn't necessarily better and digital can be more convenient. Digitals from the '90s and later often have remote controls.

I bought this medium-high end Denon TU-767, (circa 1984), a few years back for about $80; new probably a $400 in today's dollars -- works great. (No remote control.)

[Mr Peabody]

I'd have to see if I can still get you one but a dealer bought a few Denon tuners on a good deal. I need to check the model, they did retail around $1k. It has remote, AM/FM HD & slots for a XM/Sirius module. I have one in my workout room system. They are new in the box, your price would be under $500.00 for sure. For some reason I thought you were local to me, either way if interested email me and I will get you the info or where to go. The tuner is physically fairly large, like the size of a small receiver. In my basement I can get local stations and their HD counterparts using a T, so with a good antenna you should be able to reach out there.

[thekid]

I have a couple of Denon tuners (one silver and one black) that I could sell in that price range if anyone is interested.

[noddin0ff]

Cool. Thanks guys. I'll PM. I'm really looking to do this on the $50-100 scale. I suppose for an amazing deal (if I could recognize it) I could stretch a few bucks, but then my spouse will ridicule me (which is bad). You've given some good pointers for hitting up craigslist and ebay. At this price point, shipping eats into the deal a bit, but I'll see how it goes.

-n0

[blackraven]

Check Ebay, there are lots of vintage tuners for sale under $100.

[thekid]

Noddin

I don't know how to PM you the pics so I am just adding them to original post.

[noddin0ff]

Just wanted to put up a thank you to thekid. I've got a nice little tuner in my setup now and couldn't be happier to have relied on AR yet again for my audio advise. 'Course now I see I had my setup as "DAC + PreAmp + network", which probably didn't make much sense. Now it's Network + DAC,Tuner + integrated.

Thanks for the PMs

n0

[thekid]

Just wanted to put up a thank you to thekid. I've got a nice little tuner in my setup now and couldn't be happier to have relied on AR yet again for my audio advise. 'Course now I see I had my setup as "DAC + PreAmp + network", which probably didn't make much sense. Now it's Network + DAC,Tuner + integrated.

Thanks for the PMs

n0

It was my pleasure! I hope you will enjoy it for years to come.