fm reception

If you are actually in NYC try the powered, tunable Radio Shack antennaes for $40 or less. They bandwidth limit the signal to the frequency you are seeking BEFORE it hits the front end of your tuner, thus giving a cleaner signal. You can also orient these directionally which MAY help with multipath.

I have heard that you can get an FM signal from some CATV services coax cables. Try plugging your coax CATV cable into your receiver and see.

I live on the other side of the Hudson about 12 miles as a crow flies from the City and was having the same experience you describe. I corrected the problem with a Magnum Dynalab Sleuth 205 and ST-2 Attenna. Start w/a good tuner and follow the instructions and advice in the manuals for the ST-2 and Sleuth. Worked great for me w/clear noise free sound, no drift, good analog sound. Both items can be purchased on-line, delivered to your door in 2days at www.audioadvisor.com. Good Luck