Especially for the weak signal, getting a good directional FM antenna well above your roof--especially with a rotor, correctly aimed--this will make the most difference. Within the tuner, it's sensitivity that makes the most difference for far away stations. (lower number is better).
Best bang for the tuner buck, especially in distance reception would be a vintage tuner that has been modified, resulting in excellent sensitivity. Here is just one place to look:
http://www.antennaperformance.com/
....sell modded vintage tuners, giving you excellent reception for your $. They also sell high performance FM antennas.
I'm not associated. There are other people/companies, too. But my point is that restored & modified vintage would work best with your budget.
Best bang for the tuner buck, especially in distance reception would be a vintage tuner that has been modified, resulting in excellent sensitivity. Here is just one place to look:
http://www.antennaperformance.com/
....sell modded vintage tuners, giving you excellent reception for your $. They also sell high performance FM antennas.
I'm not associated. There are other people/companies, too. But my point is that restored & modified vintage would work best with your budget.