I finally made a decision. My local Meridian retailer was asking $700 for their Meridian 504 FM Tuner. I offered $500 and they offered to split the difference ($600). I agreed and just hooked up my new Meridian 504 tuner. I am sure it is breaking in but it sure sounds good to my ears. The unit was a demo at a Meridian retailer but had never been played. I also have a 3 year warranty on the unit. I was very surprised when he told me the retail price was $1,760.
The bad news is my Harmonic Technology RCA interconnect cables do NOT fit the tuner or my McIntosh MA6900 integrated amplifier. It seems the metal on the cable is too long and needs to be shorter. I have loaner cables from the store and am waiting for Harmonic Technology to call me back. I am also waiting for Fanfare Electronics to send me the missing "F connector" so I can connect my Fanfare FM-2G Whip antenna to my Meridian.
It made no sense to pay $2,500+ for a Magnum Dynalab MD-102 or what ever for a McIntosh MR78 ($1,500 to $1,650). The Meridian sounds great and for $600, it was a steal. While I considered the other several other tuners (Magnum Dynalab, McIntosh MR78), I felt the Meridian 504 tuner at $600 was the better deal for me plus I get their full warranty.
Thanks again for all your help and advise. cheers...
