Hey guys, I am more of a radio listener and now HD radio is here and I think I am gonna get an aftermarket HU afterall... I was throwing the idea around about alternate locations to install the HU (single din) to keep the factory look and avoid theft, but I think I will just sell my 6disc factory unit.

The unit sounds good, JVC KD-HDR1 50wX4 Peak, 20x4 rms with built in tuner and sub pre-outs. Good ratings from crutchfield reviews (4.5 stars from 59 people). Does this sound good? Any personal experiences or other advice. There are very few HU w/ built in HD tuners. Alpine is still in the "HD ready" stages or I would consider alpine...

 

Am I the only one interested w/ HD radio? I can't wait to unlock all the channels!!!

 

Yep. $175.00 and it has a ton of features. F,R, and Sub outs, user and preset eq curves, etc. Put one in the wife's Camry using factory speakers in a 98 car. Very impressive. After hearing what hers sounds like, I'm not sure whether I'm gonna go with stick with the RF DVD HU, or get one like hers.
The HD radio portion makes a huge difference is SQ.
Make sure you solder and shrink your wires, none of that twist and tape crap.
Too bad you're looking now. A couple weeks ago you could've picked up an RF Punch 75 amp for $200 (down from $600)

SL

 

JVC is generally considered junk...hence the really low price. Also don't forget to lookout for HD ready decks, as most require an outside tuner that will run you over $100 as well.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am glad to have some positive feedback!!! As for install, I usually use the crimpable (sp?) connectors and they seem to work well.

Lumadar, I understand that its not top of the line. The JVC I am looking at is one of the only decks with built in, most others are "HD Ready"

 

I installed the JVC in my 2000 F150 7700 and I am impressed. I don't have many HD stations but what I get is excellent, I can't believe the difference in AM. Once you hear HD AM you will not go back to normal radio and of course this is free. JVC radios have been around a long time before all the big and bad radio's of today, I know I've had them all. Let me tell you that for $175 for radio and install kit there is nothing out there that can match it. Also the Ipod adapter works very well a great add on for $50 for anyone who has an Ipod. Great radio and great price. No, I don't work for JVC....

 

Wow, I didn't know it was capable for Ipod use... Thanks for the feedback!

 

For the record, the JVC's regular price was $300, which puts it in the same category as Kenwood's KDC-MP732, EZ-500, Excelon KDC-X590, KDC-MP5032, KDC-MP532U, KDC-MP4032, Alpine's CDA-9856, and Eclipse's CD3000 and 4000. I'm hoping they aren't all junk too. You do realize that entry level, in dash CD players can be had for about $70 nowadays, right?

I also plan on adding the CH-X1500 12 disc/MP3 changer as well. Another steal @ $179.00.

Other electronics manufacturers are far from perfect and make junk too. I went with a Kenwood HU for the first time a few years back because of their good rep, and the units features. It was 2nd from their top of the line, nowhere near cheap, and lasted about 3 years before giving me problems, and ultimately replaced before the end of year 4. I'll put money on the JVC matching or exceeding the Kenwood's lifespan.

Just about any HU you buy these days is junk after a few years regardless of how "good" is was when new thanks to just about everything being Chinese made, furthering it into the "junk sooner than later" category.

SL