FM Tuners

@scottya118  Thank you for the encouragement regarding the aesthetic of the analog faceplate. I'm really drawn to analog for the aesthetics and also the feel of turning the tuning knob. Years ago I had a Technics SA-700 and loved the dense momentum I could feel when I turned the knob to shift stations. 

Your comments, along with several others above, have encouraged me to consider a higher budget.

You mentioned that a modestly priced tuner can be augmented by a good roof mounted antenna. Do you feel that a higher end tuner will perform adequately with lesser antenna? I ask because I'm wondering if shifting the cost (and possible hassle) from a roof mount antenna to a better tuner with a lesser antenna would be a reasonable consideration.

Are those vintage tuners available without the amp section? Or can you bypass the amp section and send just the tuner source to a newer amp?

Yes, for sure, That was my question regarding the old Kenwood, Sansui, Luxman and Pioneer equipment. I didn't know if they actually made just tuners. My experience with those brands is receivers.

Thank you. I am looking forward to getting a streamer in the future. I will also be looking for a DAC, but there are some local stations that I would like to pick-up and think that beginning with a tuner would be more cost effective.

I do wonder if I can pick-up local stations on a Streamer.

Thank you. That website is a true archive! It seems great if you're researching something in particular. Otherwise it is a bit overwhelming from my starting point.

Thanks Yogiboy. I just wanted to make sure that I understood.

It seems that the technology for tuners has not changed very much since the 70's, so vintage may be at least as good as something newer.

This has been very helpful. Thank you for your recommendations.

Regarding the reception of a tuner in general, am I likely to pick-up about the same stations as I do in a car with an indoor antenna?

With the same antenna, is the reception similar between tuners? Or are some tuners clearly better with reception?

Ha Big Greg, I was writing my question about antennas before your response!

The Accuphase looks like a very fine piece, especially being refurbished with expert care, but the price is too much of a stretch for me.

I'd be more comfortable under $300.

These responses have been very helpful and I am going back and forth between tuners for sale and the fmtunerinfo page.

Magnum Dynalab seems like a good choice and am keeping my eyes out for nice vintage, but it does seem that the older tuners especially, may benefit from some refurbishing and/or upgrades.

The hunt continues for now!

When I first thought about a tuner, I didn't expect too much variation in quality. I was mistaken for sure and now that I know more about some of the differences it is hard to settle for less than a good match for my current system. It seems that I always end up paying a little more than I expected, and I suspect that I am not alone!

I've really enjoyed reading all these posts and look forward to them!

Thank you