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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
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pbb
1,140 posts
 
Jeffb, the wisest post I have read in years. Some will call it a rant, I call it spot on.

How about your view of other aspects of sound reproduction and high-end equipment?
paladin's avatar
paladin
227 posts
 
That's a 2 part Question:
Part 1: Why?
Why is the sky blue? Why do babies cry? Why can't I get my amps, pre amps, tuner, CD player or anything else to work properly?
Part 2:
Spend megabucks on a tuner? Of course, sure, why not, it couldn't hurt as long as you could afford it!
Don't forget to buy the $12K outdoor anteanna!!!
Best regards
Professor Irwin Cory
jfd01
32 posts
 
I second Pbb about Jeffb's post. If you're lucky to live in an area where there's one or possibly 2 good radio stations (not just in terms of sound quality, but more importantly in terms of programming quality! don't look at me, I'm in the wrong city, clearly), go for it. Otherwise, there are many better ways to spend money on a sound system.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,184 posts
 
I listen to a local classical station several times a week via a modded Jolida tuner with very satisfying results.

I hope to eventually upgrade to a Magnum Dynalab MD-102 triode when funds permit.
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