Finding a Great Sounding FM Tuner

I have a cambridge audio azur 340T (ebay less than $100) and it sounds surprisingly good- dynamic, lively, excellent bass and clarity.  

sounds and tunes better than the BHK tuner I had that was super well likes on the tuner info site.  

the controls on the cambridge are (however) absolutely awful- for both tuning and saving presets.  get that sorted and you have a low cost gem.  

@avanti1960 The Cambridge is a tuner on a chip like my Pro-Ject Tuner Box S except that they didn’t waste the money on a big empty encloser. It’s just slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes and is made from thick extruded aluminum.

I would definitely seek out a classic stereo tube or solid state one, even the mono tube units from the early 60’s if you can also find the matching multiplex adapter. Both HH Scott and Fisher did this before the FCC signed off on the FM format currently in use today. Any of these units mono or stereo were so well made that they probably only need a cleaning and a recap and will perform up to spec with the existing tubes and the original alignment.

As for solid state, they are even less high maintenance and were likewise built to exceptional standards. Even though, there are very many high-quality tuners are being manufactured today if you’re willing to seek them out and step up to the table as far as $ investment is concerned.

Some stated a FM tuner sounding as good as vinyl. Nothing sounds as good as vinyl on a quality audio system. Nor does FM sound as good as a quality CD. But my FM tuner is not too far from a CD on the right station. I say the overall resolution is less vs a CD, but very listenable for hours.

Thanks for this thread. I love FM tuners but I live in a large city and there aren't many good quality stations left. I own two oddball tuners, an HH Scott 4312 nuvistor that my dad bought in 1963, and a Pioneer Series 20 F26 that I got directly from the first owner ($85.00). They are both amazing pieces of gear and sound dramatically different from each other. Neither are currently in use as I moved recently and haven't set things up. I agree with the need for a good directional antenna. 

@faustuss 

Understood about the tuner on a chip idea but the Cambridge does have a robust power supply transformer and cap section giving the analog amplification section sound its livlieness.  

Despite what it is, the sound is excellent through my system. 

I have recently had two marantz tuners, and a famous yamaha tuner.  they tuned the stations well but something about their age tainted the sound and made it less refined- likely needing some service work.  not something I wanted to undertake. 

I have recently had two marantz tuners, and a famous yamaha tuner. they tuned the stations well but something about their age tainted the sound and made it less refined- likely needing some service work. not something I wanted to undertake. 

Money is almost always better spent keeping quality vintage gear in top shape than purchasing a mediocre new item.

Even an old racehorse outruns a donkey.