Why are AM/FM Tuners So Expensive?

I don't know why NAD, Rotel or other tuners are more expensive than, say, a Denon TU-260 II, since most tuners use the same front-end electronics.... You're probably paying for the name. To me, being an ex-radio-technician, there is absolutely no point in paying a lot of money for a tuner. Most radio-broadcasts are so heavily processed you're mother wouldn't recognize you if you we're being interviewed....

If you are anywhere near Madison, WI and you want to see what a good FM tuner can do drop me a note and maybe we can arrange a time for you audition several tuners at one time. Now back to the reason it may be little difference what FM tuner you own before long: The biggest problem is that almost all radio stations are owned by a handful of corporate interests (click here for details). These stations put out one voice opinions (those of the owner) across hundreds of stations at a time, use statistical models to create their cookie cutter programming, and then deliver it in compressed (sonically flat and truncated sound) to you so that the transmission carries farther. Garbage is accelerating and so is "our" governments support of it (again see link above). However, if you get a good TRUELY community owned radio station (such as WORT FM in Madison, WI or click here) you can get diverse viewpoints, freedom of ideas, and an incredible exposure to vast array of music types. If you have a chance to hear a good community owned radio station you will understand and hear the difference. If you want to really be shocked, assuming you have not heard one, pick up a recently aligned good tube tuner with NOS Mullard Gold Pin or better Telefunken tubes (I have ditched the Magnum Dynalabs, Audiolab 8000t, Rotel RHT-10 etc solid state tuners for the tube guys. Maybe the MD 108 is exceptional but have not had a chance to hear one). Some good candidates include: McIntosh MR-67, MR-71 (nothing beyond the 71 for best 3D sound), Fisher FM-200B or FM-1000, Citation iiix (not the iii),Scott 350B, Marantz 10B.

I too have heard good things about the Nak ST-7 that is currently listed for sale.

Just to clarify something, as a fellow T-2 owner, this did list for $750, but was first produced in 1978, which is over 20 years ago vs. the 10 years mentioned.

BDAY, if you are in the market for a new tuner, I suggest, as many others do on here, that you spend some time on the following site. http://www.geocities.com/tunerinfo/

And to answer your question, I personally have not done head-to-head with a tuner vs. receiver, but a little research will prove this to be undoubtedly true.

A good tuner and antenna setup may surprise you.

I had one of the original NAD tuners and also a NAD receiver. They sounded bland & generic even on a low wattage fm college station. I now have a Mcintosh MR-67 in need of work that sounds better than any of the ss tuners that I have heard. Of course there are only 1 or 2 stations that are listenable in my area, most of the stations are krappe' and any tuner would do.

Given the quality of almost all AM and FM broadcasts today, it does not make any sense to spend a lot of money on a tuner. There are still a few cities which have FM stations that broadcast reasonably high quality programs (New York City and Chicago among them), but unless you have access to those stations, save your money.

One of the best, inexpensive tuners that was sold in the late 1980's and early 1990's was the NEC T-6E. I owned one, and was astounded by the quality of its reception, transparency, and soundstaging. If you can find one used, they are a fine buy at around $75.