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FM broadcast vs. streaming

What are advantages/disadvantages of FM over-the-air with a good receiver vs. the same content picked up via streaming audio? I know FM broadcast cuts off at 15kHZ and I figure streaming has compression. What's the bottom line on the sound of the one vs. the other?
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jl35
4,013 posts
 
FM can sound great with a great, fully aligned tuner if you have a station that broadcasts a great signal. Though with Tidal the sound is awesome too and you control content. Haven't compared directly, but I have a great Don Scott modified McIntosh tuner and barely use it since I got Tidal.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,883 posts
 
FM is free.
jl35
4,013 posts
 
I listen to NPR, so cost is about same as streaming for me...
bojack
652 posts
 
I listen to FM classical a lot via my trusty NAD tuner, and I find that it has an "air" about it that digital radio does not, especially noticeable during prime transmission times, i.e. between 12AM and 6AM. FM just sounds more alive for whatever reason.
jl35
4,013 posts
 
My use of streaming I think has more to do with no announcers, no commercials. choice of music more so than sound quality...
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