Best tuner in Home Theater Receiver (1 Viewer)

[Jeff_mg]

Hi Everyone-

I need a home theater receiver for my bedroom that is under $500. I use the tuner most often so FM reception is most important. My main speakers are Advent Legacy. I am replacing the Yamaha RX-V793 that just conked out on me.
Any models from Denon, onkyo or Yamaha look good or any other brands worth looking at?

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Jeff_mg]

Hi Everyone-

I need a home theater receiver for my bedroom that is under $500. I use the tuner most often so FM reception is most important. My main speakers are Advent Legacy. I am replacing the Yamaha RX-V793 that just conked out on me.
Any models from Denon, onkyo or Yamaha look good or any other brands worth looking at?

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Mark Russ]

Jeff, among mass market producers, Onkyo is known for having above average tuners in their receivers. I think Yamaha is also, but I'm not 100% sure about them however.

I also know that NAD usually has excellant tuner as well.

If you really like radio though, go XM sattelite and you will never listen to FM again. Well worth $8 a month!

 

[Mark Russ]

Jeff, among mass market producers, Onkyo is known for having above average tuners in their receivers. I think Yamaha is also, but I'm not 100% sure about them however.

I also know that NAD usually has excellant tuner as well.

If you really like radio though, go XM sattelite and you will never listen to FM again. Well worth $8 a month!

 

[JamesCB]

Tuners in most receivers are mediocre at best. The trick is to get a good antennae. Don't bother with the amplified antennaes from Terk (or any from Radio Shack), they are useless unless you already have a decent signal. Get one like this or if you have a roof or attic, a mounted FM antenna.

Hope this helps,
James

 

[JamesCB]

Tuners in most receivers are mediocre at best. The trick is to get a good antennae. Don't bother with the amplified antennaes from Terk (or any from Radio Shack), they are useless unless you already have a decent signal. Get one like this or if you have a roof or attic, a mounted FM antenna.

Hope this helps,
James

 

[Aaron Howell]

I picked up a used Denon tuner off ebay for $20. Best FM reception I've ever had.

Edit:
FWIW, my denon was about 8 years old, fully digital to.

 

[Aaron Howell]

I picked up a used Denon tuner off ebay for $20. Best FM reception I've ever had.

Edit:
FWIW, my denon was about 8 years old, fully digital to.

 

[Lopez]

I'll second what Aaron says- go to eBay and pick up an old separate analog tuner from the '70's. It will seriously outclass anything in a modern receiver, and be dirt cheap.

 

[Lopez]

I'll second what Aaron says- go to eBay and pick up an old separate analog tuner from the '70's. It will seriously outclass anything in a modern receiver, and be dirt cheap.

 

[GaryRoboff]

If you live in a reasonable RF environment (no signifiant hills, tall buildings, etc), are not bothered by strong local stations within a few miles from your reception site, and don't require access to distant stations you might find that a number of today's units will meet your needs. For example, Sherwood Newcastle receivers and pre/pros (but not the standard Sherwood line) have four section FM front ends, and I have found that with an outside antenna they are quite acceptable performers. Just for my own curioisty I have tried two Newcastle products one-off on the same split antenna against some outstanding tuners, and I have been surprised by how well they compare. The least expensive Newcastle receiver with the four section front end is the R-756, which lists for $599. I'll bet you can find it for less than your budget maximum on the street.


If you have special needs the advice above to find a good used tuner makes sense to me, and XM is absolutely worth a listen.

 

[GaryRoboff]

If you live in a reasonable RF environment (no signifiant hills, tall buildings, etc), are not bothered by strong local stations within a few miles from your reception site, and don't require access to distant stations you might find that a number of today's units will meet your needs. For example, Sherwood Newcastle receivers and pre/pros (but not the standard Sherwood line) have four section FM front ends, and I have found that with an outside antenna they are quite acceptable performers. Just for my own curioisty I have tried two Newcastle products one-off on the same split antenna against some outstanding tuners, and I have been surprised by how well they compare. The least expensive Newcastle receiver with the four section front end is the R-756, which lists for $599. I'll bet you can find it for less than your budget maximum on the street.


If you have special needs the advice above to find a good used tuner makes sense to me, and XM is absolutely worth a listen.