Thinking of getting an HD radio, Is it worth it?

[travisl5678]

im about to spend about 120 dollars on an HD radio for home, is it worth it?

 

[LKellerIII]

im about to spend about 120 dollars on an HD radio for home, is it worth it?

I bought an HD radio/CD player for my car a couple of years ago, and I'm enjoying it. All the FMs (with the exception of KBLX) have an HD2 channel so I get a lot more music variety than I would otherwise. It also cost about $120. Among the additional choices are Classic Country (Wolf HD2), 50s-60s Oldies (KOIT HD2), a second classical channel (KDFC HD2), and Smooth Jazz (KISQ HD2, if you miss that). Live 105 HD2 has "classic" 80s and 90s alternative rock...there's a lot more.

Personally, I don't feel the need to buy one for the home. Between ComCast HDTV with couple dozen Music Choice channels, my ipod, streaming video and audio on my computer, I feel no need for extra channels of entertainment. But that's an individual decision.

 

[DaveBayArea]

im about to spend about 120 dollars on an HD radio for home, is it worth it?

Travis mentioned the formats that are worthwhile, plus there's a harder-edged rock on The Bone's HD2, and KOME has a "deep tracks" classic rock channel. None of it is as good as web radio IMHO, but again, tastes are varied and you may find them interesting. I also notice that a home stereo system will seriously reveal the "warts" in the HD codec. Artifacts that aren't apparent in the car or listening with earbuds become quite obvious on a good set of speakers. If you're thinking about getting the little Sony tuner, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the analog FM performance. It's truly a DX magnet.

Dave B.

 

[MWLX]

If you want to save a few bucks and have a receiver or pre-amp into which you can plug a tuner, check out the Sony AM-FM HD tuner, model XDR-F1HD (it's not a radio, just a tuner).

Works great and costs about $80 online. I got it two years ago during a promotion that included a $50 rebate, but I don't think that's still available.