tuners, the red headed stepchild?

there are Sirius ready tuners

Unsound is right: even one great, or even good, station makes a good tuner essential, and the range of quality in tuners is far greater than, e.g., CD players. Good FM analogue broadcast on a good tuner can be spectacular. Some of the best sound I have ever heard out of my systems over the years has been live concertcasts via FM.

Here in Tampa we have WMNF community radio which is a great eclectic music station, broadcasts lots of stuff live from their studio, and has superb alternative public affairs programming. -- available online BTW, and well as on 3 channels of HD radio, featuring different programming. It's one of the best things about Tampa bay area. It would justify a big tuner expense.

I agree wholly. Besides, it's nice not to keep getting up to change the CD or LP. In budget brands, which ones are good? I am thinking about the new NAD 515. Good means sound-able to make compressed signals sound better - and good signal pulling power.

Whoever says NYC has bad radio either doesn't live here or doesn't listen to the many, many, worthwhile stations and programs.

Every metro are has its NPR at least one classical station. Take away those and all the talk talk stations, and what's left? Limited playlist hip hop, classic rock, and pop? Does NY have eclectic oldies with R&B, wide range classic rock, regularly playing Chicago or Delta Blues or Jazz? Hmmm?