FM Tuners

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.

Hello,

I am not sure if this is a good place to post this, but what the heck.

I have two tuners that I would like to give away, free.  My better half is encouraging me to “de-clutter”  our lives.

One is a Pioneer TX-8500II that I have had since college.  It still works pretty well, but I believe a light or two is probably out.

The other is a Sony ST-550ES that I bought off of eBay probably 15 years ago.  It works also, but the tuning knob is a little wonky.  Sometimes the tuning gets stuck or jumps. 
 

Anyone interested in a free tuner?  I live in Minnesota.  So if you do too it could be a local pickup.  I have boxes for both, so I could ship—but then it becomes no longer free.

Have owned a Magnum Dynalab FT-101A for many years and enjoy it every day. Am fortunate to be within range of KUSC (FM - 91.5) that offers quality classical music 24/7 with no commercials.