Tuner Recommendation

kitjv

I am looking for a tuner to integrate into my 2-channel system. Unfortunately, I live in an area with relatively few FM stations and, as of yet, no HD stations. Sensitivity would be a critical factor to pick up weak signals. Also, compatibility with a satellite radio receiver and HD signals would be desirable options.

Thank you for your help.

bikezappa

check out this site for tuner info.

http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/

Also check out this site to find all the FM stations near you.

http://www.radio-locator.com/

The problem you have is that almost all good FM tuners were made before 1990. The tuners in recievers today really suck and probably cost about $2.00 and are after thoughts. That's why I think many people in this club don't like FM tuners because they never heard a good FM tuner and antenna set up. There are some good new tuners out there but they will cost over $500. Read the web site and look on ebay for some used tuners. Get some RS rabbit ears, $10, and see what your FM reception is. How far are from the big city?

hockeyboy

Most decent AVR's come with ability to tune XM or Sirius. This and another $129 a year and you get around 150 channels of the absolute best radio you can ever ask for.

kitjv

bikezappa wrote: »

check out this site for tuner info.

http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/

Also check out this site to find all the FM stations near you.

http://www.radio-locator.com/

The problem you have is that almost all good FM tuners were made before 1990. The tuners in recievers today really suck and probably cost about $2.00 and are after thoughts. That's why I think many people in this club don't like FM tuners because they never heard a good FM tuner and antenna set up. There are some good new tuners out there but they will cost over $500. Read the web site and look on ebay for some used tuners. Get some RS rabbit ears, $10, and see what your FM reception is. How far are from the big city?

I have heard some favorable comments on the Rotel RT-1084 which is both HD & Sirius compatible. Any thoughts?

I am about 180 miles from Portland, OR. However, we do have repeater stations here in town.

mhardy6647

Scott, Sherwood, Fisher in tube units, McIntosh in SS or tube. Many good to excellent models at all price points, mono or stereo.

beardog03

I have a Parasound that really pulls em in..
I have a Nakamichi that does well, and I`m going to get the mother of all tuna`s...Magnum Dynalab..

With the ST-2 indoor/out door antena..

They make some great tuna`sand some equally great antena`s

Check out Audio Advisor for some great deals on FM antena`s

billbillw

Onkyo made some great DX'ing tuners in the late 80's/early 90s. The 9090II is probably one of the best (at least among ones that regularly come up for sale).

(In case you were confused, DX'ing means pulling in stations from really far away. Usually requires a big roof mounted antenna with a rotor if you want to get really good reception from 100+ miles away.

bikezappa

kitjv wrote: »

I have heard some favorable comments on the Rotel RT-1084 which is both HD & Sirius compatible. Any thoughts?

I am about 180 miles from Portland, OR. However, we do have repeater stations here in town.

The Sangean HDT-1X is a good HD radio for about $250.

Here is more information on it and other FM information.

http://ham-radio.com/k6sti/hdt-1x.htm

150 miles is to far to get FM.

Check out the radio locator with your zip code.

mhardy6647

The Sangean HDT-1X is a good HD radio for about $250.

FWIW, one fellow at AK wasn't too impressed with the sound he got from the Sangean:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=143519&highlight=sangean

bikezappa

mhardy6647 wrote: »

FWIW, one fellow at AK wasn't too impressed with the sound he got from the Sangean:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=143519&highlight=sangean

I agree with the review that you need a strong signal to get the HD signal. But I found the analog signal to be very quiet. The background noise was very low.

Remember it doen't cost that much, less than $250.

capecodder

the fmtunerinfo website is a great source as already recommended. If you like a vintage look consider a vintage Sansui. They made great tuners back in the day and some of them can be had for relatively cheap and will significantly outperform many newer units. Some of their more popular and impressive vintage models have a following and (like the 919, 9900) can be expensive or very expensive (TU-X1) however.

skipf

kitjv wrote: »

I have heard some favorable comments on the Rotel RT-1084 which is both HD & Sirius compatible. Any thoughts?

I am about 180 miles from Portland, OR. However, we do have repeater stations here in town.

Are you in So. Oregon or East of the Cascades? If in the Bend area, there are a few good stations nearby. You may need a rooftop antenna with a rotor rather than rabbit ears to pull in a good signal, or go the satellite radio route. If you have DirecTv, they have lots of stations on that too, no tuner needed. While not HD or satellite radio capable, the old Carver tuners have excellent FM sections. The TX-2 and TX-11 are good ones. Can be had for $140 or much less. I got a TX-2 for $25. Marantz also made some good tuners.

danger boy

for older tuners.. which are usually pretty good when used with an good antenna.. look at Sansui and Pioneer. plus they sound really good too.

hockeyboy

Also, both Dish Network and Directv offer packages that include satellite radio feeds with your subscription.