Classical Music on the Radio

So, the choice is low sound quality mp3 over the internet or low programming quality via satellite?

if you have iTunes, you can stream radio stations. Take a pair of headphones and check their sound quality right on your iMac with iTunes. There are a lot of radio stations you can get over internet that aren't that bad sounding. 128kbps won't be as horrible sounding as you may think.
If your goal is to just listen and enjoy the music itself, the quality may be acceptable. However, this isn't going to be something you will sit down and listen to like you do with a CD or vynil. Depends on what you're used to, of course. WQXR is in 96kbps...right now they're playing Mahler's 5th, and it does not sound that bad.

The other suggestion that involves Squeezebox is also great.

My favorite and I think one of the best classical stations (and I have heard many over the years) is still WLRH Huntsville Alabama.

Sound quality via internet radio on a Roku Soundbridge is very good which makes it a practical option for a variety of good classical with well done, informative commentary as well wherever you might live.

For a classical radio lover, the SOundbridge could be the best $200 you can spend. Couple it with a good external DAC and you can really be in classical music radio heaven.

Jimjoyce25

I think you may be surprised at how good it sounds. You can alsways try it as it isn't very expensive relative to the cost of most things in this hobby.