18 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
HDR is cool
Date of Review: Oct 11, 2006
The Bottom Line: Get it. Built in HD, XM, and Sirius no need to add on in the future. Easy install. HD Radio through this unit sounds AWESOME!
After looking around for a new head unit I decided to go with one that pulled HD Radio also.
Most were pretty expensive, especially since we only have one station here that is in HD. Checked at www.Crutchfield.com, (which is awesome, go there first!!) and they pointed me to this unit.
JVC wasn't necessarily a brand I'd have picked, but I didn't have bias against it either. I was brought up a Sony gal. After looking at the specs it was the one to go with.
HD Radio hasn't been hyped like I thought it would have been. But I kid you not, the difference is amazing. I don't know if it the unit itself or the format, but when the receiver kicks over to HD the difference is dramatic. I've not tried AM HDR because there isn't a station near, but others have said it is amazing as well.
If you are looking, go with this unit. Many are said to be HD-ready, that's not the same. This unit is set to receive the signal as well as Sirius and XM, no extra HD tuner required.
It is ready for an IPod. It allows iPod connection, recharging and information display using JVC's KS-PD100 adapter. We don't use an IPod for our mp3 player, so we have not tried this out.
It doesn't pick up RDS, which was a little disappointing. The text comes up with HDR, but not on regular stations. RDS is what radio stations use to transmit data with songs, but they are *not* high definition channels. I did call JVC and inquire but was told that this is something used in the UK and not here. Our minivan displays RDS, so I'm not sure why this application was left off.
Install was easy, honestly. Of course Crutchfield sent me the instructions. They cannot compare to any other they were specific to my car. It literally took me 2 hours from start to finish, including going and getting a torx.
The system does offer quite a bit of power. The manual says the Power Output is: 200W Max. (50W X 4),20X 4 (RMS). CD frequency response: 5-20,000 Hz ,CD signal-to-noise ratio: 96 dB and the FM sensitivity: 11.3 dBf.
You really can tell a difference, honestly.
The remote is nice, I never thought I'd use one. Sometimes it doesn't like to work though, repeatedly hitting the buttons will make it eventually. I think it has to be in the direct line of sight to work.
The manual is good to read but a little hard to follow. Setting the sound options is not intuitive, but it isn't horrible either. Do read it or you will miss out on some of the benefits that aren't obvious. I would suggest keeping it in the car with your other manuals. I needed it to adjust the time.
Sirius and XM ready is great! It helps cut down on clutter and makes this a multi-function unit. I don't subscribe to either so I can't say how well it works.
Overall, I do highly recommend the unit. If, as predicted, more stations come to HD, you will be ready. It pulls great for plain FM and AM stations, so you aren't losing anywhere.
Okay...I have two drawbacks now.
First it would be really nice if legit cd's would have the text displayed. May be an issue with the cd companies not putting it on there rather than the unit, but it would be nice. My Maroon 5 cd doesn't come up with the text, but my burned mp3's do? Hmm
Secondly, I wish the volume knob was larger, or at least a little rougher on the edges. It sticks out about a quarter of an inch so it isn't an easy grab.
Easy to read, fairly simple to use, and for $199 it is comparable to non-HD that may need upgraded in the future.
