I agree with your statement,"....with good reception my FM tuner can come close to the sonics of my YBA cd player, it really can be that good!"
I've got a McIntosh MR67 all tubed tuner and when our Public radio station is playing classical or jazz it is amazingly good.
Back on topic, I have enjoyed reading your comments about the O/96's. I'm planning on flying out to NY late this fall to hear them as there are no dealers here in or near Wisconsin.
Please continue with your reports as there are still not many to be found on the net.
