Tuner Recommendations

[jcl]

So i'm pretty disappointed with the tuner in my Yamaha rx-a800 and that has me looking to external tuners. I'm thinking I don't care about HD, but would like RDS.

It's also been far too long since I paid attention to tuner measurements; I remember capture ratio and sensitivity but don't remember what good results would be.

Can anyone advise what to look for in a tuner. Further, can anyone offer opinions on any of these, or suggestions of others to look at. I'd like to keep it under $300.

NAD 426 - C 426 Stereo AM FM Tuner - NAD Electronics

Cambridge Audio Azur 550T - Azur 550T FM/AM RDS tuner

Onkyo T4555 - Onkyo T-4555 - Multi-Platform Tuner | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

TIA

 

[ski2xblack]

What sort of antenna are you using? Perhaps you could make more cost effective improvements there than getting a new tuner. Does the Yamaha lack RDS?

I have an NAD 425. No complaints, aside from lack of HD. Kinda pricey. Functionally, I like the rotary knob control. Great reception with the rooftop antenna, and even pretty good with just the el cheapo t-wire that came with the unit. (I'm about 30 miles or so from the towers.)

 

[highfigh]

So i'm pretty disappointed with the tuner in my Yamaha rx-a800 and that has me looking to external tuners. I'm thinking I don't care about HD, but would like RDS.

It's also been far too long since I paid attention to tuner measurements; I remember capture ratio and sensitivity but don't remember what good results would be.

Can anyone advise what to look for in a tuner. Further, can anyone offer opinions on any of these, or suggestions of others to look at. I'd like to keep it under $300.

NAD 426 - C 426 Stereo AM FM Tuner - NAD Electronics

Cambridge Audio Azur 550T - Azur 550T FM/AM RDS tuner

Onkyo T4555 - Onkyo T-4555 - Multi-Platform Tuner | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

TIA

How far are you from the towers and what are you using for an antenna?

Did you know that Yamaha has firmware updates regarding their tuner?

 

[bikemig]

Or you could go for something a bit different. The logitech squeezebox touch runs $250 (sometimes less). You can use to play internet radio and stream any music you have ripped onto a server. There's lots of really cool radio stations on the net plus you can play Pandora and Spotify through the Touch. The sound quality from the Touch is very, very good.

 

[jcl]

Thanks to all for the responses.

I do plan on getting an antenna and putting it in the attic. Currently I have just a cheap dipole antenna, but still better than what came with the rec.

As of last week I had the current firmware according to the website. The yammy has hd, but not rds.

As to distance, I think it's more a matter of being in the hills. I'm probably only a couple miles from many of the antennas, but not a direct line of sight. I'm comparing what I could get in Stereo on my Onkyo vs. what I can get in HD on the Yamaha.

I do like the idea of internet radio. I was thinking of getting a roku for streaming. I already have a panny blu ray and listen to pandora streaming through it.

 

[GO-NAD!]

What sort of antenna are you using? Perhaps you could make more cost effective improvements there than getting a new tuner. Does the Yamaha lack RDS?

I have an NAD 425. No complaints, aside from lack of HD. Kinda pricey. Functionally, I like the rotary knob control. Great reception with the rooftop antenna, and even pretty good with just the el cheapo t-wire that came with the unit. (I'm about 30 miles or so from the towers.)

I also have the 425 and have no complaints. When I first added it to my system, I was getting pretty good reception before I actually attached the antenna! With just the included antenna, reception is perfect. But then, I live withing 10 miles of every station that I listen to and at the top of a fairly high hill - that helps.

I also like the rotary knob control, which has detent positions for any programmed stations.

 

[Rickster71]

I'm probably only a couple miles from many of the antennas, but not a direct line of sight.

There's your answer. FM, for the most part is line of sight. Sometimes you can get the signal bounced off of a tall metal framed building, etc.

Try this: FM Fool - FM Signal Locater
The tool will analyze your location to determine which broadcast FM radio signals are available in your area.

 

[jcl]

There's your answer. FM, for the most part is line of sight. Sometimes you can get the signal bounced off of a tall metal framed building, etc.

Try this: FM Fool - FM Signal Locater
The tool will analyze your location to determine which broadcast FM radio signals are available in your area.

Thanks for the link, that's a cool utility. According to it there are 19 stations < 5 miles away in line of site. The Yammy tunes in 4 unless I switch it to mono mode.

What antennas do people suggest? The HOA has restrictions on roof mounting but I was thinking of putting one in the attic.