Best budget tuner

What do you consider a budget tuner? Everyone's budget is different.

Proton 440 is a fine tuner if you can find one. Usually $75-135.

Lets say under $500.00

In my opinion that leaves you a lot of room. I would suggest that you spend some time at the FM Tuner Info site if you have not already.

I wouldn't hold everything as fact that is said within the review section, if for no other reason than tuners vary amongst themselves, but I think the information can be very helpful. I personally feel that a vintage tuner is the best back for your buck and possibly the best bang peroid.

I have owned a Sansui TU-717, Fanfare FT-1A, Yamaha T2, Pioneer ?? (modified), Kenwood KT-917 and now a Luxman T-117. I like the Luxman the best and when you can find one they are relativly inexpensive, definately less than your budget.

I have an NAD 4020A, purchased as a store demo way back in 1984. It's all the tuner I would ever need. The tuning dial is silky smooth. Its BNC connector allowed me to listen to WFMT in Chicago when Cable used to offer that service back in the Dark Ages. Cheap entertainment.