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In-car HD Radio options

Kevin Massy Associate Editor December 10, 2007

HD Radio is one of the headline in-car entertainment stories this year. The free-to-air digital broadcast delivers high-quality audio, which is bundled with standard AM and FM signals. In addition to the CD-quality sound, HD Radio listeners are able to access extra channels--known as "HD2"--for no additional cost. Those wanting to listen to HD Radio in the car are faced with an increasing number of HD-enabled aftermarket stereos and tuners. Sony's CDX-GT520 and Alpine's CDA-9885 both require external modules to pick the HD signal, whereas JVC's KD-HDR1 and Dual's XHD6425 both come with integrated HD Radio tuners, making them more compact options. For those who want HD Radio without switching our their current stereo, the JVC KT-HDP1 is a straightforward plug-and-play device. You can check them all out on our reviews and product pages below.

More Resources

All in-car audio reviews, The Car Tech blog, CNET Car Tech home page

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Product	Sony CDX-GT520	JVC KT-HDP1 Portable HD Radio	JVC KD HDR1	Alpine CDA-9885
Price	$121.41	$53.99 to $69.99	Pricing is currently unavailable.	$279.99
CNET editors' rating	3 stars	3.5 stars	4 stars	3.5 stars
Average user rating	3 stars	3 stars	3.5 stars	3.5 stars
Release date	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable
Bottom line	The Sony CDX-GT520 is a decent option for those wanting a reasonably priced stereo to play disc-based audio. While it does support HD Radio, it requires the connection of a clunky add-on module, which is almost more trouble than it's worth.	If you're looking for a cost-effective means of bringing HD Radio into your car, the JVC KT-HDP1 is an attractive option.	The JVC KD HDR1 in-car stereo delivers HD Radio and most other digital-audio playback options for a very competitive price.	The Alpine CDA-9885 combines attractive styling and an easy-to-use music search interface with a host of expandability options, including HD Radio capability. However, those upgrading to HD Radio will have to deal with a clunky module and a hefty price tag.
Product Description	Sony CDX GT520 - Car - CD receiver - In-dash unit - Full-DIN	JVC KT HDP1 HD radio tuner	JVC KD HDR1 - Car - CD receiver - In-dash unit - Full-DIN	Alpine CDA 9885 - Car - CD receiver - In-dash unit - Full-DIN
Packaged Quantity	1	1	1	1
Product Type	CD receiver	HD radio tuner	CD receiver	CD receiver
Integrated Components	CD player Radio	RF modulator HD radio / radio	HD radio / radio CD player	CD player Radio
Media Content Source	CD	Info unavailable	CD	CD
Supported Digital Audio Standards	AAC WMA MP3	Info unavailable	WMA MP3	WMA MP3 AAC
Dimensions (WxDxH)	7 in x 7 in x 2 in	5 in x 1 in x 2 in	Info unavailable	7 in x 6.3 in x 2 in
Form Factor	Full-DIN - In-dash unit	Info unavailable	Full-DIN - In-dash unit	Full-DIN - In-dash unit
Sound Output Mode	Stereo	Info unavailable	Stereo	Stereo
Equalizer	Digital graphic - 3 bands	Digital graphic	7 bands	Parametric - 2 bands
Max Output Power / Channel Qty	52 Watts x 4	Info unavailable	50 Watts x 4	50 Watts x 4
Radio	AM/FM - 30 preset stations	AM/FM	AM/FM	AM/FM - 18 preset stations
Remote Control	Remote control - Infrared	Remote control - Infrared	Remote control - Infrared	Info unavailable
Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications
Buying choices	Memory4Less.com $121.41 In stock: Yes Prices from 1 store	Sears $53.99 In stock: Yes Onlinecarstereo.com $59.00 In stock: Amazon.com Marketplace $69.99 In stock: Yes Prices from 3 stores	Pricing is currently unavailable.	Amazon.com Marketplace $279.99 In stock: Yes Prices from 1 store