Sangean HDT-20 Tuner versus Sony XDR-F1

The new Sangean HDT-20 HD Radio / FM-Stereo / AM Tuner is compared to the Sony XDR-F1HD HD Radio Tuner by Bob Klacza.

[@stephenbay9564]

I really enjoyed this video. I wanted to share that I too am an FM buff, and always have been. I managed to get myself a Sony ZDR-F1HD and am impressed with it too, so I have to share this. Apparently tuner technology marches on, and my purchase of a Kenwood KDC - BT768HD unit - that is designed for cars - proves this. I did a shoot-out between it and the Sony, and it did everything the Sony did, and a micro hair more. On really weak stations it produced an output that was just a hair cleaner (less hiss and noise). So it would seem that - all is not lost - if one does not own, or can't get - either the Sony or Sangean....as long as they are willing to supply this unit with 12 volts, they can still get (one can still buy today) a tuner that far exceeds even the best ones of yesteryear. SDF (software defined radio) is beyond remarkable!

[@robertklacza1160]

Steven, thank you very much for your comments !!!!!!

[@bobt99silver]

I had a Sony XDR-F1, and got the Sangean HD tuner. out of concern about the Sony eventually overheating. When I put the Sangean into my system using the sameTERK FM PRO antenna, I could not get clear reception on the FM station I usually listen to (@88.5 MHZ). With the Sony the station is clear stereo, with the Sangean I get some static. I put the Sony back in my system and I'm holding the Sangean in reserve.

[@xdrguy3946]

Very good presentation comparing these tuners. I just put up a "shootout" video comparing fringe reception between the Sony and the Sangean if anyone is curious.

[@johndangelo3989]

Thanks for a very honest review. I have the Sony, and purchased it new. With a good station it really sounds great, but I live on the east end of Long Island NY and decent stations in range are very hard to come by, especially if you like classical. That is an important point you made about the heat. I placed risers under the unit to help the air flow, and only listen for a couple of hours. I use Bluetooth from my iMac or iPad to get my major classical music from the United Kingdom or NY city. If my Sony finally dies, I will get the Sangean. Thanks again!

[@robertklacza1160]

John, Thank you very much for your reply !!

[@robertklacza1160]

John, thank you very much for your comments !!

[@makarov138]

I am currently running a Sony ST-S730ES tuner, which performs excellently.

[@adaboy4z]

I took my indoor dipole antennae and turned it vertical and the signal meter went from 4 to 5, 5 being max. Thanks!!

[@robertklacza1160]

Thank you for your feedback, and thank you for being able to enjoy better FM reception enjoyment !!

[@DanielWoike]

This was very helpful. I am looking to get the Sangean, and I also live in the Metro Detroit area.

[@robertklacza1160]

Dan, thank you very much for your comment !!

[@donmayer58]

@@robertklacza1160 Robert, my name is Donald Mayer. I am wondering what FM HD tuners are currently on the market. I have the Sangean HDR-16 and HDR-18 but I would like to know if I could obtain even more FM sensitivity. Do you know if Onkyo has an FM HD tuner available? I would appreciate any help you could give me.

[@robertpapps5383]

Thanks for posting, very informative!

[@robertklacza1160]

Robert, you are very welcome !!

[@robertklacza1160]

I am very sorry that you feel that way regarding the Sony Tuner...

[@zerocool4750]

Great review... KK1G

[@robertklacza1160]

Thank you very much !!!!

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

SONY HD RADIOS does not have International tuning support. SPARC and SANGEAN HD Radios have built in International tuning support.

[@robertklacza1160]

You are correct, and thank you very much for your comment !!

[@javamon]

Why aren't there more receivers with HD Radio?

[@robertklacza1160]

I would believe it is the cost of the chip set and the Ibiquity HD license fee...

[@matthewdavies2057]

Any good mod's for the Sangean?

[@Spacecomber]

I just picked up the Sangean HDT-20, and I am unable to figure out a way to listen to the analog broadcast from a station that is also broadcasting a HD Radio digital. The Sangean will quickly lock onto the digital signal, and there doesn't appear to be a way to switch it back to analog mode. Am I missing something or did Sangean just decide what is best for me? (I think their earlier model did allow you to switch modes, as does the Sony XDR-F1.)

[@robertklacza1160]

You are correct, Sangean programmed their unit to work as THEY intended !!

[@uploadJ]

re: "as does the Sony XDR-F1" There is a mod for the Sony - I just read about it last night - add a switch to the rear and cut a specific trace on the bottom of the board ...

[@fmradiodx9359]

Hej how sensitivity uV? Sony xdr