Analog Tuner Existence.....

FWIW, here is the latest on the situation in Great Britain, as reported in the latest issue (September, 2009) of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Spectrum:

Britain Mulls Over Digital Radio Transition:

The British communications ministry has released a road map calling for the completion of the nation’s move from analog FM to the digital audio broadcast (DAB) standard by the end of 2015. But DAB skeptics say that the move will waste money and that consumers just aren’t interested. Conversion will require anywhere from 120 to 700 new transmitters, according to Eureca Research analyst Gareth Owen, and there will be 130 million useless FM receivers to toss.

What’s more, the British government does not stand to make any money from freeing up bandwidth. Unlike the U.S. 700-megahertz spectrum—which sold for US $20 billion and will be used for new services—the FM space in Britain will simply go to small local commercial and community stations.

Regards,
-- Al

I just purchased a Kenwood KT-8300 and have been amazed at the quality of sound from FM broadcasts, especially the UNLV jazz station (KNUV) here in Las Vegas. Like Stitskin, my use has been as background music, but I too find myself drawn into the sound on occasion it is that good. Also, I was surprised at the sound stage presented by this tuner, it is very good for a vintage piece of gear.

I have not tried HD radio yet but it is depressing to hear that it is lower bitrate.

We live in the burbs of DC. The classical station here WETA in DC plays live music sometimes that is just amazing. We have a Marantz 10B in the main system that I've used for over 15 years, and a REL in the bedroom. Even the Sansui 9900 is not bad.

Also, be sure to invest in a good antenna. We can actually pull the classical station from Baltimore now, using a Wineguard in the attic.