Want to find best FM radio for weak signals

[TNoldman]

I am seeking advice on a good AM/FM/mp3/CD portable radio. I have had several that are poor FM performers because of our location relative to hills, mountains and distance.

Size and weight are not issues if FM sensitivity is the best. Good sound quality, battery operation would be nice to have.

Biggest problem is not getting Talk Shows like/including RUSH.

[hellbender]

Amen. I almost never listen to broadcast radio anymore. iTunes has a Radio section with many great stations. Music is crystal clear and static free. There is also a selection of News/Talk stations, including WABC which should have Rush.

[Political Junkie Too]

For boosting AM reception, this antenna is very nice.

Terk Advantage

It sits next to your radio and passively boosts reception. It has a tuner dial to focus into the specific frequency. It can also be connected directly into an antenna connection.

For FM, I use this older active antenna that is also tunable. It also has an AM function which I do not use.

Terk AF-1 "Q"

This antenna has mixed reviews, but it has worked well for me for FM.

-PJ

[Keith in Iowa]

>>>What I want is a DAR, a DVR for audio.

There are some Sirius/XM units that will do that.

[Vinnie]

For Sirius/XM only? Thanks, I’ll check.

[Joe Boucher]

IF you are in an area with good internet possibilities try a 21st century phone like and Iphone and get the I heart app.
Just ask your grand kids.

[Hootowl99]

The best radio receiver a person can use is still performance impaired if it doesn't receive a clean signal. All you're doing by relying on radio sensitivity specs is tuning very finely into static. A good antenna can make an average radio perform very well. Focus on the antenna first then if you need more bang, go to the higher quality radio second.

If you want to get a really good antenna setup, purchase a marine AM/FM antenna and mount it on a mast outdoors. Don't forget about lightning protection! LOL!

[Inyo-Mono]

This is close:

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/am-fm-radios/cc-witness.aspx

[Prospero]

[Lazlo in PA]

Now that there is one of the finest radio that Panasonic ever produced. The tuning is super on all bands. I played with one once at a swap meet and it was great. Only problem is that they are scarce on the market and when you do find one they are $200+ depending on condition. Another fantastic radio like that is the Zenith Trans-Oceanics from the 60's and 70's. Those perform great too and look cool.

[taxcontrol]

First rule, a better antenna makes for better reception.

[TLOne]

I’d like to suggest you look up a local amateur radio club. Their members will know local conditions and offer suggestions to meet your specific needs. They might even have parts for your system upgrades lying in their junk boxes.
My experience has found them friendly and eager to help their community.
Spending a lot of money is usually not necessary to improve reception.

[TLOne]

I’d like to suggest you look up a local amateur radio club. Their members will know local conditions and offer suggestions to meet your specific needs. They might even have parts for your system upgrades lying in their junk boxes.
My experience has found them friendly and eager to help their community.
Spending a lot of money is usually not necessary to improve reception.

[Freedom4US]

“1000 watt amplifier.... I don’t have a lot of neighbors...”

Hm... Will have to try that. Did they complain at first, or just move away without a lot of guff?

[Clay Moore]

“Hm... Will have to try that. Did they complain at first, or just move away without a lot of guff?”

LOL! The nearest house to me is about 1000 ft away. Next one is over 1/4 mile.

[Fresh Wind]

I’ve had good luck finding RF-2200s at cheap prices ($15-$25 area). I think I have 4 right now. One is my bedside radio.

The first one I paid about $100 for, and ever since, when I find them cheap, I buy.

The only problem I have had is the AC power supply died in one, but it still works on batteries. The tuning mechanism got damaged (my fault), but it’s still usable.

The bandswitch gets noisy on all of them, and eventually the dial lights burn out. If I ever get around to it, I would consider replacing them with LEDs.

I know a guy who swears by GE Superadios, but I’ve never had one. They’re generally well thought of, though.

[Lazlo in PA]

“I’ve had good luck finding RF-2200s at cheap prices ($15-$25 area).”

Wow! That is some great luck. I just checked Ebay to see where the market is on them and they are still around the $200 mark. If you get short on cash your set.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/panasonic-rf-2200-short-wave-radio-/260928017313?pt=Shortwave_Radios&hash=item3cc08593a1

[Yo-Yo]

The best performing portable radios are car stereos. Build your own 'Boom Box' out of a car stereo and speakers.

However, your best bet is an outdoor antenna. FM radio is in the middle of the TV VHF band, so any VHF TV antenna will receive FM stereo just fine.

Or you can buy a dedicated FM outdoor directional or omnidirectional antenna. For your situation with hills, I'd recommend a directional antenna, perhaps with a rotor, to minimize multipath.

Directional FM Antenna:

Omnidirectional FM Antenna:

[TNoldman]

As expected I am overwhelmed with FReepers responses. I will use this info to make a choice.

I want to use this setup while camping also - so Internet and WiFi won’t make the cut. I have a dockable Sirius Radio - that why I need the “mp3” input.

Thanks

[Does so]

The antenna has to be able to visually “see” the transmission source

My 50-foot TV tower brought in Tampa FM stations from Sebring, FL. That's a 90-mile distance, and they sounded like right next door.

[Vinnie]

Close, thanks