"Jon Yaeger" wrote in message
...
Scott,

I can speak to 1/2 of your question.

This A.M. I was just listening to CDs using an MX110, amplified by an
Audio
Research D-70 Mark III. I really like the sound - it's warm, full and
detailed, and typifies what I like about tubes. The FM section is pretty
good, although it's not as sensitive as some other tuners I've owned (a
Hafler DH-330 was tops) but the muting works nicely, especially in the
crowded Atlanta airwaves. After swapping around a bit, I think the MX110
is
a "keeper."

That shows how much advance there's been in tuners.
I've had two DH-330 tuners, and neither was close to any of the following:
Onkyo TX-990mkII
Sony 730ES
Yamaha CX-930.

I would not buy a tube tuner today. The advantage of semiconductors for
detection of weak signals and demultiplexing is indisputable. If you buy the
Mac, there will be stations you want to hear that you can't.