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HD Radio receiver installed!

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Old Dec 5, 2009 | 09:48 PM
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mcbrew's Avatar
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Default HD Radio receiver installed!

I just bought a JVC KT-HDP1 for my car (along with the "professional" installation kit). The installation kit wires it into the car's radio antenna so that it uses the car's antenna for reception and also broadcasts to the head unit. I'm sure most of you have used FM modulators for iPods and such... and they are usually really crappy... but the hard-wired FM modulators work pefectly with NO static. It is actually better quality than running it throught the AUX input.

Other than having to mount the HD receiver on the dash, I really like it. I'm picking up more stations that I thought I would, being that I'm 20-40 miles from most of them. The sound quality is great. You really notice it when listening to classical music. When it switches from analog to HD, it's like switching from mono to surround sound. Plus there are all the other stations that aren't available to analog receivers.

Anyway, if anyone is interested, Best Buy is selling this model off since it is discontinued. They used to be $150 without the installation kit. Now they are going for $56 with the installation kit! I'll post a pic of it when there's daylight (and less snow).

UPDATE: I decided to brave the tiny amount of snow we've got and take a pic. Here it is:

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Last edited by mcbrew; Dec 5, 2009 at 10:13 PM.
Old Dec 7, 2009 | 06:41 PM
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No comments, eh?

Just a note: If you are thinking of installing one of these radios, you should be aware that you can't really use the AUX input. Well, you can, but you won't have good reception. The HD radio plugs into the car's existing antenna, which is an amplified antenna. The only time the antenna is "on" is when the head unit is playing an FM station. If you switch to AUX (or any other source besides FM), the car's antenna is effectively turned off. If you are really close to the radio station, you might still pick it up in HD, but chances are you won't be able to lock in to many stations.

Because of this, I'm really glad I went with this HD radio unit and not the iSimple one that plugs into the car's satellite radio input. I'm not sure, but my guess is that the radio antenna wouldn't be amplified when listening to the satellite radio input, so reception would be terrible.
Old Dec 7, 2009 | 07:25 PM
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Nice addition, you think its worth the $$??
Old Dec 7, 2009 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by WellesleyScion
Nice addition, you think its worth the $$??
I think it is certainly worth $50. I wasn't sure about it when it was over $150. Of course, I'd love to have a completely hidden installation... preferably built in to the head unit... but that's too much $$$ and I like the look and functionality of the stock radio.
Old Jul 16, 2010 | 03:31 AM
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I have HD radio hooked up to my stock HU and it is a very nice option. NYC area has quite a few station options.
Sort of a poor mans satelite radio. 30 dollars new on ebay. VISTEON ZOOM
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