FM Tuners


I would like to add a tuner to my system.

I am only beginning to research this, so anyone with experience that could help narrow my focus would be appreciated. I'm not looking for vintage receivers with built-in amps. I'd like a tuner to run into a Van Alstine SET 120, which is a control amp with a passive pre-amp section.

A tuner with a built-in pre-amp is not necessary, but I'm wondering if that might just be the ticket.

Thank you for sharing your experience!

128x128imaninatural

A good FM signal can sound really good with a good tuner and antenna.  Pay attention to the last item.  Depending on your location, you may need to consider a roof mounted antenna.

The FM Tuner site previously mentioned is a great resource.  Yes, it can seem a little overwhelming, but a good place to start is the tuner shootout.  You can see what they subjectively think are the "best" tuners and there is also useful information about what they typically sell for.

I have a Magnum Dynalabs Etude and a roof mounted antenna and listen to jazz all day while I work from the local NPR station and it sounds fantastic. 

I'm all for streaming music from quality sources, but there are only a handful of high-quality "radio" streams.  Radio Paradise is fantastic.  Most of the FM stations are being streamed at low bit rates and sound quality is nowhere near the quality of a good FM over air broadcast.

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?

You may be able to get a decent amount of stations with a $2.00 dipole. Rooftop is mandatory for optimum performance.

Unless you like Classical/Jazz and NPR, everything else is not worth the effort. Perhaps you're in an area with a decent sounding Rock station? Here in SoCal, the choices are limited along with terrible SQ.

My daily driver is a 1965 Mcintosh MR71-13 tubes of  good ol FM

You may be able to get a decent amount of stations with a $2.00 dipole. Rooftop is mandatory for optimum performance.

 Agreed!