I have just now replaced an accuphase T-105 with an accuphase T-101, bought for about 350 usd. Wow, what a difference, even on highly compressed pop-stations. One do not have to spend megabucks on FM-tuner, but it is worth to buy a good old analog tuner. I listen a lot FM-tuner, mostly a local classical music radio-station. Live concert broadcasts are really very nice and very enjoyable. Life broadcast has somehow more soul than many extensively processed lifeless cds.
Why spend megabucks on a tuner?
I've seen old Marantz and McIntosh tuners sold here on Audiogon for a fortune. My question is: Why?
Most radio stations now have highly compressed dynamics. Most of the few that don't (for my location, anyway) are located on the fringes of reception. And then what happens when you move to a different location, which may have even fewer good listening choices?
At least with a turntable or CD player, I feel that you have a lot more choices. And, it's not location-dependent. With streaming audio becoming a reality for most people, and now HD radio (which I'll admit I haven't heard yet), why is there still such a market for high-end tuners?
Michael
Most radio stations now have highly compressed dynamics. Most of the few that don't (for my location, anyway) are located on the fringes of reception. And then what happens when you move to a different location, which may have even fewer good listening choices?
At least with a turntable or CD player, I feel that you have a lot more choices. And, it's not location-dependent. With streaming audio becoming a reality for most people, and now HD radio (which I'll admit I haven't heard yet), why is there still such a market for high-end tuners?
Michael