If you don't mind your tuner looking older, and being analog, I'd recommend checking into something used from the 70s. An old Luxman, Onkyo, etc. Most companies were making tuners that are much better than their current tuners, and they'd be much less than $500. I also have a Harman Kardon tuner (a Citation model) from the late 80s, and it sounds great.
Best Tuner under 500?
I'm in the market for a tuner and have been looking at the Rotel RT-955 ($499). I live in a tiny town 20 miles outside of New Olreans, and listen mainly to out of town AM talk shows while the wife enjoys top 40 FM radio (when I'm nowhere to be found!). Any thoughts on the Rotel? Are there better tuners for about the same price or cheaper? Will I need an external antenna or possibly one I can mount in my sizeable attic for extended AM access? (Homeowner's association restrictions on external extrusions). If it matters, other components include Acurus ACT-3 pre-pro, Adcom GFA-6000 amp (soon to be upgraded), B&W DM-640i mains, and Paradigm PS-1200 powered sub. I recently upgraded from a 1994 model Yamaha Pro Logic receiver which had terrible AM reception. My vehicles' cheap factory head units reception out performed the receiver's FM and AM by a long shot. What's the deal here?