FM Tuners

Hi Imaninatural, I felt compelled to respond because I'm a tuner guy. I love being in touch with local broadcasts daily. Especially a classical station about 40 miles away. I love analog tuners as much for the asthetic. I good face plate is a great addition to a system in my opinion. I currently enjoy a Mcintosh MR 77. Other noteables that I've researched include Accuphase T-100 and 101, Mcintosh MR 67 and 71 (tube), and 77/78 (solid state). Magum Dynalab 106-109 series. Most are out of your current stated price range but something to think about down the road. Also keep in mind that a modestly priced tuner can be augmented with a good roof mounted antenna. If you go that route pleas make sure it's grounded properly or get a professional to install.

@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.

The performance of any analog tuner, regardless of price, will be dependent in part on the strength of a signal. Price differentials will be apparent with sound quality. But you need to start with the first to enjoy the second. I recommend checking out denny's anntena in Ithaca, Michigan. He's very helpful, currently offers an FM antenna and advice on installation. Sallelite Radio Superstore also offers hardware including "J" poles that can be side mounted, thus avoiding holes in your roof. Above all else, if you go this route you MUST ground appropriately. Preferable with a ground rod. Denny sells all of this. I also recommend RG-6 coax cable.

Your satisfaction with an FM tuner will largely depend on what broadcast stations are in your area.  The website Radio Locator is a great tool.  Enter your zip code and it will tell you all the stations broadcasting nearby along with their format and signal strength.

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.

My best sounding tuner is the Magnum Dynalab 108T. I also think it has the weakest reception, so I use my MD ST-2 antenna outside my office on the roofline (not on roof). I have great tuning now. Some people hang this antenna upside down in their attic. 

My best reception is with my Sony XDR-F1HD which can be bought used on eBay for under $200. I use a simple $10 diploe antenna inside my office for that one. It sounds very good but not at the level of the 12X more expensive MD 108T.