Interesting question.Not sure if I could answer technical reasons why but I think that the mass market maufacturers have given up as there is no market.When folks bought intergrated amps 15 years ago the lower end folks all had 'em.Now it's less demand ergo less supply and more dough.But I can tell you that they vary quite a bit in quality.People really into radio still want old McIntosh or pay up to $7500 for a Magnum Dynalab.I have a cult piece a Yamaha T2 which was $750 new 10 years ago and quite prized.I think the best less expensive one out there is the NAD.I think they still use Schotz noise reduction and they are highly selective.They may not pull in te more disatnt stations but the ones they do they lock hard onto them, with a good clean signal.A very good used one (and I know there is oone up on Audiogon now) is the mid 80's Nakamichi with Schotz circutry.I used to sell them in Boston and they work great.See if you can knock the guy down and I think it will blow away any new $300 tuner.
