FM Tuners

The best reception I have was with my Sony XDR-F1HD tuner. It is discontinued but was super cheap. There are a lot of other posters who also think this little guy has the best reception. I got mine modified by this guy.

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I am no longer using the Sony because my other 3 tuners sound a bit to a lot better.

I have 2 Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antennas. I have 1 hanging upside down on the roof line and the other is inside on a window. I have a 3rd indoor antenna that is truly excellent but I cannot figure out what the name of the antenna is. I bought it a few years ago for about $100.

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In terms of reception the best to worst on my collection:

1) Sony XDR-F1HD (not using now but worked great with both type of antennas)

2) Accuphase T-101 (use indoor St-2)

3) Sansui T-9900 (use unknown indoor antenna)

4) Magnum Dynalab 108T (use outdoor ST-2)

Your need for an antenna will vary based on your proximity to the broadcast tower, strength of signal, hills, building, etc. between you and the tower.

Some tuners do a better job pulling in distant stations.  Some are better at separating out signals that are close on the tuner dial.  That kind of info is also on the fmtunerinfo site.

This site is helpful in seeing where you are in proximty to the broadcast tower:  Coverage Maps FAQ (radio-locator.com)

If you're close, a simple di-pole indoor antenna might be fine, but a roof antenna should give you a better signal, even if you're close.  I've tried some indoor antennas from Terk (not so great) and Magnum Dynalabs (decent).  They may or may not be better than the free or almost free dipole antenna, depending on the station and other variables mentioned.

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

Likewise, completely!  I couldn't get the better half to agree on mounting a rooftop on our new construction, so I had to compromise between the simple dipole and a rooftop with the ST-2.  I mounted this in our rather large attic, against the rafters.  Not only did it make the MD sing, but the Yamaha and Adcom were very happy to inherit it. 😉

The next best was the Accuphase T-101 which I bought from a guy/company who was getting rid of all of his modded tuners.

Love the look of Accuphase (and Luxman) stuff!  Didn't know about the T-101; it'll be hilarious to see the look on the better half's face when she realizes I'm looking for another tuner, after having sold the last one many moons past.

I’ve owned a Magnum Dynalab FT-101A since new. It was upgraded by MD to an Etude, and I recently upgraded the capacitors in the power section as well as the output section.

Much prefer the sound I get from the analog tuner to what internet radio provides. It’s far more musical. Does it have the resolution? No. But it sounds better to my ears. 
Not sure how radio fills your day, but I listen to it all day long. Need something pleasant sounding.

And the ST-2 antenna is a must for any tuner. It really is amazing!  Sure, you can make one  - thick solid copper wire attached to a coax cable (copper wire being 1/2 the wavelength of the middle of the dial which is approximately 1.5 meters) - but the ST-2 sounds better and pulls in more stations. 

I have been more than happy with a Carver TX-11 I picked up used for $80. Along with sounding great to my ears, it has a relatively high output signal, which may be an advantage if pairing with a passive preamp.