Why can't most of my boxes find FM stations that my MP3 player finds?

[Retro Addict]

This is really starting to get on my nerves. My Sony Walkman MP3 player can get FM stations nice and clear, yet the majority of my boxes (even high end ones) struggle to find them and then hiss loudly on the stereo setting. It's downright embarassing, and annoying to say the least. The tuners were the main features on old boomboxes. If they're not good at that, then what? And yes, the antennas are up, and being moved around. Does anyone else have this problem?

 

[Beosystem10]

To a point, yes. I can only get local and English FM on many of my newer receivers such as the boomboxes but on my 1960s and '70s Grundig, Graetz, Blaupunkt, Hacker and Tandberg sets, I also hear Norwegian stations loud & clear, from more than 60 miles away - admittedly over open sea. But the FM reception in my phone is worst of all because it's so dependent upon where the lead lies, keeping it away from my torso is essential but hardly practical. The stock headset has a shorter lead than the Dr Dre Bears one so if I were wanting to use the HOX as an FM tuner, I'd either use a longer aerial or those plugs. How much difference is there once you connect your boxes to your roof aerial? That could help to redress the balance.