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Philly FM Radio and FM Tuner Redux

This post is principally directed to members who live in the Greater Delaware Valley/Philly/South Jersey area. It's actually a two part question.

The first part of the question pertains to the number of quality classical and jazz radio stations (hi-def if there is such a thing) that broadcast in the area. To the best of my knowledge, I am only aware of WRTI 90.1 FM. Are there others?? If so, haven't gotten out a lot ... so I don't really know.

The second part of the question will now become more relevant in light of responses to my first inquiry. I suspect that there may not be too many more hi-def FM radio stations that broadcast here. Maybe 2 or 3 in total, ... or maybe just one -- WRTI. :(

The second part of the question is if I wanted to add a quality FM tuner to my rig, any obvious suggestions. I checked the Forum archives ... there must be hundreds of tuners that were on the market at one time or another. Two brands that seem to have been mentioned many times are the Tandberg 3001A and the McIntosh MR-78. Lots of MR-78 listed on eBay and A'gon. Just a couple of Tandbergs.

So, on the one hand, I'd like to pick up a tuner that will do a very good job, but on the other hand, being proportional to the reality that there may not be many radio stations that broadcast the type of music I want to hear.

Thanks and sorry for the long post. It's getting to be a habit.
bifwynne
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,397 posts
 
"I wonder if I can stream internet/cable FM radio off my FIOS connection."

Definitely via any internet connection or service from any internet provider including Verizon/FIOS..

You need a DAC somewhere. In computer already, outboard, whereever.

Easy way to try is a stereo y connector from computer headphone jack to dual RCA phono into pre-amp line level input. I started that way. Easy, cheap and can sound pretty good, though a good outboard DAC can well be a step up from most DACs built into most common home computers.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Mapman ... thanks. And if I wanted to use a DAC, what then? How do I go from the internet (FIOS) to the DAC to my linestage?
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Not absolutely sure, but I think you can use the Sonos Connect.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,397 posts
 
Biffynne,

Wired connection from computer USB port to DAC with USB input is one way.

Also Audioengine and maybe others sells a couple of devices that provide a wireless conenction from computer USB out to DAC digital input. That is something I would consider.

Currently, I use Logitech Squeezebox music players with server software. THe Logitech system (recently discontinued unfortunately) provides access to many internet radio sources. Sonos is the most common similar system today probably, but there are others as well. Each will have their own design/features regarding specific internet music/radio sources available most likely, so pay attention to that with any particular device or system considered.
jyprez's avatar
jyprez
241 posts
 
I have an Onkyo T-9090 FM tuner and a 6 foot antenna you could have for $75 OBO
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