vintage tuners

I had been in the 'vintage'' tuners for the past 10 years. Owned many ''classics'' (the usual prospects from Kenwood, Sansui and the like, from $ 75.00 to over $ 600.00 ).

Lately, I came across this little unassuming tuner from Cayin, the 220i, and was given a lesson in all the detail I had been missing. Here's my take on it:

If you go with a tube amp (like me), you will get all the creamy butterscotch you need sound-wise with a modern tuner.

Once I let this slim little Cayin bugger warm-up, I gave it a listen, I switched stations VIA THE REMOTE CONTROL, until I found a terrific tune. The soundstage was huge, and I heard detail I never hear from ANY of my vintage tuners (one of which I purchased at a high price and was perfectly aligned) I told myself '' good enough for me, no way I'm going back to vintage tuners, game over''.

Actually guys I think most of you missed the original intent of the post. What I was curious aobut was the signal change from analog to digital. I know many large radio stations are gearing up to brodcast in digital. I know that the FCC is planning to gobble up all the analog stations in late 2009. So if analog is going to disappear in the near future. What whould be the point of buying an expensive analog tuner? It will just sit there and look pretty.

I will admitt that tuners seem to do an excellent job of presenting a sound stage. And I don't need to keep getting up to put on more music.

For some in-depth conversations on the digital vs. analog broadcast issue, go to the website, www.fmtunerinfo.com
Scroll down near the bottom of the home page and click on FM tuner forum. The tuner website also has some interesting specs on a lot of tuners plus some interesting reviews.

As above Sherod, the link for a shootout
Cheers

i don't know too much about high end stereo, but i remember the seqqura tuner fron the 70's if i spelled it right to be one of the best tuners.