Advice for a dummy

[sloatsburgbo]

So I'm looking at adding a tuner to my system ( I know, radio sucks) and am trying to decide between a pioneer Tx-7500 and an Onkyo T-9. Both are in excellent shape .and within $25 of each other. I looked up both and just don't understand the spec's and what they mean. I know enough that the more gangs the better but is that true. I'm not lazy and looking for someone else to do the research, I just don't get the jargon.
Thanks, Bob

 

[Tedrick]

Both seem like decent tuners, so I don't think you could go wrong with either one. Just based on looks, I would lean towards the Pioneer, but that's just me.

 

[belyin]

Commercial radio sucks. Depending on where you live, you may find some great community and college stations to listen to.

More info than you may want to know about gangs and filters and about specs. Manufacture supplied specs are of questionable value--more marketing than science I suspect.

 

[krautmaster]

I've had both: the Pioneer 7500 looks prettier but the Onkyo plays better (gets more stations and the quartz lock holds them better).

 

[sloatsburgbo]

Commercial radio sucks. Depending on where you live, you may find some great community and college stations to listen to.

More info than you may want to know about gangs and filters and about specs. Manufacture supplied specs are of questionable value--more marketing than science I suspect.

There's still several in my area 25 miles outside NYC.

 

[belyin]

There's still several in my area 25 miles outside NYC.

With a good tuner and antenna you might be able to get WFMU 91.1 or 90.1

 

[coonmanx]

My favorite tuner was always a Technics ST-Z35. not a very high priced tuner at all. Don't know how many gangs or filters it had. All I know is that it sounded very good. I definitely enjoy analog tuners. Now, as previously stated, there are no good radio stations near me. So I have a bunch of tuners just stacked up in a closet. Oh well...

I wouldn't get too hung up on tuner specs. What is more important is how it sounds.

 

[sound hound]

I also would lean toward the Onkyo T-9, which is rated well on the Tuner Information Center. Look it up!

 

[sloatsburgbo]

So I picked up the Onkyo T-9, replaced the MCS 3701 and immediately grabbed a few more stations, but most importantly the one I enjoy every morning for several hours, so for $100 I'm a happy listener. Thanks for the feedback.