Sony XDR-F1HD

Budget-priced AM/FM HD Radio component delivers extraordinary sound quality and low-noise reception ; small size ; remote control ; bright backlit LCD screen

No digital output ; weak HD signals cause the XDR-F1HD to switch back and forth between analog and HD ; the memory doesn't retain station presets if the radio is unplugged from AC power

Hailed by audiophiles as one of the greatest tuners ever, the Sony XDR-F1HD is arguably the best--and most affordable--way to add HD radio to any stereo system.

The reviewers' claim that "The best HD statio... 

Fantastic sensitivity and selectivity, a new standard for clear reception under poor conditions. McIntosh MR-71 owners, eat your hearts out. The end of the component tuner -- every controller will soon have a high-quality radio at little added cost

Doesn't permit forced-analog reception. (You wouldn't want the listener to hear the superiority of analog on a good station, would you?) Terrible AM analog sound. (See Brian Beezley's article for a detailed review and info on DIY improvemen ts.)

After quite a bit of research, I decided that... 

Fantastic performance. Picks up distant stations with easy using the supplied dipole antenna. Great price that makes HD radio something of a reality and less of a laughing stock

Backlight remains on even when radio is off. The screen is hard to read from afar - could benefit from more contrast. 20 preset limit is too small. The lack of optical or digital output is frustrating

First off, I bought this device for my father... 

Appropriately simple, sleek design. Sounds excellent given adequate reception. Relatively inexpensive

Accessing preset stations should be slightly easier. Reception in certain areas is not miraculous

The reviewers' claim that "The best HD stations delivered true CD quality sound" is simply untrue. There will be times, of course, when you can't tell the difference. But I compared the analog signal of KING FM (on a Parasound T3) with the Sony, and...

Fantastic sensitivity and selectivity, a new standard for clear reception under poor conditions. McIntosh MR-71 owners, eat your hearts out. The end of the component tuner -- every controller will soon have a high-quality radio at little added cost

Doesn't permit forced-analog reception. (You wouldn't want the listener to hear the superiority of analog on a good station, would you?) Terrible AM analog sound. (See Brian Beezley's article for a detailed review and info on DIY improvemen ts.)

First off, I bought this device for my father so I've had limited experience with it. He has about 4 favorite AM/FM stations and simply wanted better reception than could be provided by the tuner built in to his receiver. His house is in a valley in a...

Appropriately simple, sleek design. Sounds excellent given adequate reception. Relatively inexpensive

Accessing preset stations should be slightly easier. Reception in certain areas is not miraculous

First off, I bought this device for my father so I've had limited experience with it. He has about 4 favorite AM/FM stations and simply wanted better reception than could be provided by the tuner built in to his receiver. His house is in a valley in a...

Appropriately simple, sleek design. Sounds excellent given adequate reception. Relatively inexpensive

Accessing preset stations should be slightly easier. Reception in certain areas is not miraculous

The reviewers' claim that "The best HD stations delivered true CD quality sound" is simply untrue. There will be times, of course, when you can't tell the difference. But I compared the analog signal of KING FM (on a Parasound T3) with the Sony, and...

Fantastic sensitivity and selectivity, a new standard for clear reception under poor conditions. McIntosh MR-71 owners, eat your hearts out. The end of the component tuner -- every controller will soon have a high-quality radio at little added cost

Doesn't permit forced-analog reception. (You wouldn't want the listener to hear the superiority of analog on a good station, would you?) Terrible AM analog sound. (See Brian Beezley's article for a detailed review and info on DIY improvemen ts.)

After quite a bit of research, I decided that this was the best consumer-grade radio out there capable of receiving HD. Throw in the fact that it's less than $100 and the value this radio offers is undeniable.

Fantastic performance. Picks up distant stations with easy using the supplied dipole antenna. Great price that makes HD radio something of a reality and less of a laughing stock

Backlight remains on even when radio is off. The screen is hard to read from afar - could benefit from more contrast. 20 preset limit is too small. The lack of optical or digital output is frustrating

After quite a bit of research, I decided that this was the best consumer-grade radio out there capable of receiving HD. Throw in the fact that it's less than $100 and the value this radio offers is undeniable.

Fantastic performance. Picks up distant stations with easy using the supplied dipole antenna. Great price that makes HD radio something of a reality and less of a laughing stock

Backlight remains on even when radio is off. The screen is hard to read from afar - could benefit from more contrast. 20 preset limit is too small. The lack of optical or digital output is frustrating

FM Radio sound is about reception and station... 

Compact, Simple to Use , Easy to Hook-Up, Operates As Promised

Availability Somewhat Limited