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digital tuners

I am currently using a Rotel receiver RX-975 as my tuner but am considering upgrading. My system is Rogue 99/88 and Meadowlark Shearwater speakers.

With digital broadcasting on the horizon I'd like to buy a highly sensitive tuner that is in line with the rest of my system and that will be compatible with this digital format. I listen primarily to NPR and local college stations but would like to pick up stations in Boston and NYC if that is possible from Hartford(125 miles from either) I'd like to spend less than $1000. Any suggestions ? Thanks
bigo
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
I think Unsound is talking about RDS which is a different thing alltogether than digital or satelite radio.
bigo OP
34 posts
 
Hi all,
Thanks for your responses. I am assuming that radio stations will soon be broadcasting a digital signal so I would need a tuner that could receive a digital signal which would then be converted by the tuner to be compatable with my traditional preamp. Are my assumptions incorrect ?

One other question is what is RDS please ? Thanks again from a beginner.
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
You are wrong to assume radio stations will be broadcasting digitally. Digital radio is a pay service that is very much like Direct TV. The charge is 10.00 a month and it is available now. Sony and other companies sell the radios for car and home use. The tuner will work with a regular preamp the same way a CD player will. RDS is a service that some stations have where certain info is displayed on the tuner. You need an RDS compatible tuner.
bigo OP
34 posts
 
Can anyone name tuners that are RDS compatible ?

I have seen a Magnum Dynalab FT 101A here on Audiogon that I am considering in the $500 range. I know it's not RDS compatible but should I look to the future and buy something that is RDS compatible instead ?
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