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
sufentanil

Showing 1 response by umn

I am typing this as I listen to WQXR, a non-compressed classical radio station, broadcasting from New York City. There are still great FM radio stations out there.

I am listening on my Scott 310-e tube tuner. It's 45 years old. However, it cost me only $700 including a complete alignment etc.

Yes, maybe one day FM may be all digital and my tuner will be worth next to nothing. However, that possibility is not definite.

Compare that to digital source components. They always depreciate quickly. For example, my Rega Jupiter 2000 cost $2000 when new and is now worth $650. In a few years it will be worth even less. Technology is always changing & new models are always coming out.

The sound of a well tuned vintage tube tuner with a good radio station is glorious.

I think that the rate of depreciation of digital sources is more definite than the possibility that there will be no more non-compressed radio stations