need external FM tuner

Rclark · « **on:** 26 Apr 2011, 08:03 am »

For my fiance so she can listen to her radio stations while she's studying. Will plug into my DAC preferably via coax or optical is fine.

Thank you.

srb · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Apr 2011, 09:02 am »

There aren't too many FM tuners that have digital audio outputs, as FM is analog and it doesn't make a lot of sense to convert that to digital and then back to analog through an external DAC.

That being said, Cambridge Audio has a 650T AM/FM/DAB tuner at ~$500, NAD an M4 Master Series AM/FM tuner at ~$1300, and McIntosh has an MR88 AM/FM/XM/HD tuner at ~$4000. They all have coaxial and optical digital audio outputs.

You are probably looking for something less expensive. There is one strange duck - an Auvio AM/FM/HD tuner that also has coaxial and optical outputs. It was selling for $40 on Radio Shack's website, but is out-of-stock. You might be able to find one at a local store. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3899229

Otherwise you can occasionally find one on eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/Auvio-HD-Radio-Tuner-NEW-/280662459478?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4158c94456

Steve

jtwrace · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Apr 2011, 11:14 am »

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=87972.new#new

WGH · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Apr 2011, 02:22 pm »

I'm a big fan of the Sony XDR-F1HD AM/FM Digital Tuner. The tuner does not have digital out though.
Unfortunately the tuner is discontinued but keep searching and one will turn up, they retailed for $99 when new.

Wayne

RileyD · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Apr 2011, 03:59 pm »

I don't have any experience with this product, but it has a digital output. Insignia is Best Buy's house brand.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia&%23153%3B+-+HD+Radio+Stand-Alone+Tuner+-+Black/8910315.p?id=1217633559969&skuId=8910315&ref=25&loc=NXT&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=21-109494980-2

doug s. · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 May 2011, 04:36 pm »

if you want a hybrid digital tuna, the sony xdr-f1hd sounds better and has better reception than the other h-d suspects mentioned in this thread. (also has better reception than pretty much any tuna at any price...) but, it won't sound as nice as as a norrmal (wintage) non-hd tuna. may not be an issue for casual listening.

re: the (non-hd) tuna jtwrace is trying to sell, i own one and can wouch for its nice performance, but i wouldn't pay anywhere near that much for one...

doug s.

Rclark · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 May 2011, 01:40 am »

thanks guys

roger15ohm · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Jun 2011, 12:00 am »

Hello, if digital output is no longer your concern, and size does matter to you, check this: Pro-ject FM Tuner. A cigarate box size but looks awesome. I'd confirm 1 pending payment and will use it for running in my sleepy amps.

Cheers.