Relatively new to SatGuys, but some fresh thoughts on radio stations and the way I do things:
1. I'm atypical of most younger people, I like analog radio and like to tune into analog radio, and specifically-formatted stations CAN be a good thing, if it's a good format. Here in NE TN I think we have a better radio landscape than many areas, although some stations have gone downhill, our main talk station (WFHG 92.9) used to be pretty great, with a decent amount of local programming in the mornings and a little in the evenings, along with the syndicated talk shows. They've cut out the local stuff except for news/weather/traffic and I've gotten disgusted with talk radio (and all politics in genera) so I rarely listen. WQUT (101.5) is the main classic rock station and must've had a regime change in the past few years because it's added an HD signal (meh), cranked up the audio processing (double meh) and in general is more annoying to listen to now. Couple this with the decline of Johnboy and Billy's new content (call me redneck), and I tune this one in occasionally. The main country station (WXBQ) is okay, it would be pretty decent if modern country was listenable.
Then there is the Possum (WPWT), my favorite station. It's a 10,000 watt daytime AM with a good coverage FM translator. When I lose the FM signal I just tune to AM and its there. It's not AM stereo but 10,000 watts means good range. Classic country all the way! 80s and 90s and plays the artists who weren't the biggest hits but had great music, very good station. I like stations that I can listen to at home, the music played isn't just conducive to those who are driving (hard to explain but hopefully makes sense). After 7pm WPWT has few commercials and almost every song is great, good local DJs keep you company. I can sit on the couch and just listen for a while... In fact I record this and WVEK occasionally with cassettes (I'm one of those people haha)
WVEK is the "Classic Hits" station but I think it just plays better classic rock than 'QUT, with fewer commercials and more 70s rock and other hits, my 2nd goto station here.
2. Other observation is that an actual stereo reciever is the best way to recieve FM broadcasts, people forget that FM radio was (like TV) intended for home reception, not in vehicles, FM stations are primarily horizontally polarized. I use an old TV antenna (big one) and split it out (with distribution amp) to my TV, OTA DVR, and the stereo receiver. I've even got the old rotor used on it to work and found a control box to rotate the thing.
Last summer I went through every FM frequency turning the antenna 360 deg and logging what I could recieve from the house, which is quite a lot (and absorbed my evenings after work). Some of the stations received were surprising, like WESC out of upstate SC, 75+ miles away through mountains. When aimed toward this one I can get pretty good stereo reception, not too much hiss.
My AM reception at home is more basic, I've got a tunable loop I bought so I can receive WSM (650) at night and WPWT during the day if FM goes down. But it works!
Anyway, just some ramblings of someone who likes all things radio and likes going beyond average with my AV setups. I like working for my signal, whether it be TV, FM, AM or FTA satellite. Also being free programming doesn't hurt!
1. I'm atypical of most younger people, I like analog radio and like to tune into analog radio, and specifically-formatted stations CAN be a good thing, if it's a good format. Here in NE TN I think we have a better radio landscape than many areas, although some stations have gone downhill, our main talk station (WFHG 92.9) used to be pretty great, with a decent amount of local programming in the mornings and a little in the evenings, along with the syndicated talk shows. They've cut out the local stuff except for news/weather/traffic and I've gotten disgusted with talk radio (and all politics in genera) so I rarely listen. WQUT (101.5) is the main classic rock station and must've had a regime change in the past few years because it's added an HD signal (meh), cranked up the audio processing (double meh) and in general is more annoying to listen to now. Couple this with the decline of Johnboy and Billy's new content (call me redneck), and I tune this one in occasionally. The main country station (WXBQ) is okay, it would be pretty decent if modern country was listenable.
Then there is the Possum (WPWT), my favorite station. It's a 10,000 watt daytime AM with a good coverage FM translator. When I lose the FM signal I just tune to AM and its there. It's not AM stereo but 10,000 watts means good range. Classic country all the way! 80s and 90s and plays the artists who weren't the biggest hits but had great music, very good station. I like stations that I can listen to at home, the music played isn't just conducive to those who are driving (hard to explain but hopefully makes sense). After 7pm WPWT has few commercials and almost every song is great, good local DJs keep you company. I can sit on the couch and just listen for a while... In fact I record this and WVEK occasionally with cassettes (I'm one of those people haha)
WVEK is the "Classic Hits" station but I think it just plays better classic rock than 'QUT, with fewer commercials and more 70s rock and other hits, my 2nd goto station here.
2. Other observation is that an actual stereo reciever is the best way to recieve FM broadcasts, people forget that FM radio was (like TV) intended for home reception, not in vehicles, FM stations are primarily horizontally polarized. I use an old TV antenna (big one) and split it out (with distribution amp) to my TV, OTA DVR, and the stereo receiver. I've even got the old rotor used on it to work and found a control box to rotate the thing.
Last summer I went through every FM frequency turning the antenna 360 deg and logging what I could recieve from the house, which is quite a lot (and absorbed my evenings after work). Some of the stations received were surprising, like WESC out of upstate SC, 75+ miles away through mountains. When aimed toward this one I can get pretty good stereo reception, not too much hiss.
My AM reception at home is more basic, I've got a tunable loop I bought so I can receive WSM (650) at night and WPWT during the day if FM goes down. But it works!
Anyway, just some ramblings of someone who likes all things radio and likes going beyond average with my AV setups. I like working for my signal, whether it be TV, FM, AM or FTA satellite. Also being free programming doesn't hurt!
