Someone sent me a picture to the forthcoming Sangean HDR-1. Does anyone here know anyone more details about this? It looks pretty nice from the picture that I have seen.

I checked their website, and they didn't say a work about it, so I fired off an e-mail to them. If you have the picture, please post it.

I got an e-mail back from Sangean today. This is what they had to say:
Yes, Sangean will be releasing mainstream HD radio by Q4 of this year.
I don't have the final price for you at this time since the expansive module
is not finalized in price yet.
Attached please find preliminary images and spec. for this HD radio under
developed.
Thank you for your interest in Sangean products.

They also sent me a 3850x1773 photo of the radio (http://hacksetc.googlepages.com/HD-1a.jpg) of the radio, and the spec sheet (http://hacksetc.googlepages.com/HDR1specs.doc)

"Information display for channel no."
this is not good ...unless it is a very low price radio

I e-mailed Sangean about this over the weekend. They did state this:

"It will be available around the holidays, unfortunately we do not have MSRP
price for it yet."

"Information display for channel no."
this is not good ...unless it is a very low price radio

It says "• Information display for channel no., channel frequency, ensemble label, service label, dynamic label, transmission mode, data rate, secondary service availability indicator." which I read to mean, 'channel number, channel frequency...

What is with these manufacturers?!?! These litttle crapass radios (unless they're trying to hide the imperfections of the codec (which there are very few, admitedly))

All i would like to see is a stand alone tuner, not made by McIntosh and other high-end brands. Why can't pioneer or kenwood release a home theater standalone tuner for under 300 bucks?!

Stupid question, but requires a smart answer.

FYI Sangean just put out a press release on their HD Radios with MSRP details. It's dated Sept 14 on Sangean's web site but most media publications published it yesterday, Sept. 19.

Goobenet, you may be happy to see their standalone tuner for $199.


Link (http://corp.sangean.com/hdnews.php)

I don't think Pioneer or Kenwood even make home DAB receivers for European markets. They do make DAB car radios though. That's seems to be where manufacturers are putting their latest radio technology. People probably buy more car radios every year than home receivers.

I'm honestly not looking for a home receiver. I want a standalone tuner add-on! This is what the AVR market really would demand moreso than a whole new AVR. If i want to listen to the radio on a "radio", i'll stick to my GE superRadio 3. You cannot hear the improvements on a tabletop radio with HD, short of no static. See the point?

I'm honestly not looking for a home receiver. I want a standalone tuner add-on!
I've never heard of these. What's the difference?

I'm honestly not looking for a home receiver. I want a standalone tuner add-on!


This Sangean HDT-1 Tuner (http://www.sangean.com/products/hdt1.php) isn't what you're looking for?

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY
:eek: :eek: :eek:
:) :)

If that unit costs less than $200, I'll buy it!

Sangean has yet to give a price listing

I just wish it had a digital output---Price is sure right.

Bob

Digital tuner, bout time! The only one out there aside from the rotel, which is about $1k. But yes, it would make sense to have a digital output on a digital tuner, doncha think? I think i'll email sangean about this. But if this guy comes in at under $200, here's the market penetration they've been needing.

Published reports like this one at Endgadget (http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/19/sangean-announces-hdt-1-hdr-1-hd-radios) have pegged the MSRP at $199 for the tuner.

So... $200 is a great price point, especially for a component tuner. I just have one little concern.

I've owned a Sangean ATS 909 for around three years now. It has continuous coverage from 150 KHZ-30MHZ, tons of pre-sets with assignable names, SSB, a gain control, external antenna input, etc... It also covers FM, and has RDS support.

This, even after 10 years of being on the market, is the iPod of portable shortwave radios.

The FM is pretty darn sensitive (on par with my Kenwood component tuner). There is just one little problem- It's extremely prone to overload.

I live 7 miles from Rochester's KNXR tower, which a number of the local stations broadcast off of, including KNXR (97.5mhz/100kw) and KLSE (91.7/94kw).

My stereo is located 2" above ground in the basement, with a large hill and 2 metal garage doors in line with the KNXR tower, so overload is not an issue. I once moved the reciever to a room upstairs, in an attempt to see what kind of reception I could get from Cities stations.... and a I got an FM band full of KNXR and KLSE.

On another occasion, I brought the receiver up the hill where our antenna system will soon be mounted (where I can physically see the tower). What did I get? a band full of harmonics, but I was able to find a spot where I could null out the signal with the receiver's antenna. In this spot, the TC stations came in with 8 out 10 signal bars (at 75 miles)!

As some of you know, it won't be long until I'm tuning in stations with a 17+ ft long FM antenna and pre-amp (mounted atop this hill). Now, I think my component tuner will fare ok, but I plan to trap out KNXR and KLSE eventually.

Sometime soon, I want to upgrade to the Sangean HDT-1. I'm just doubtful as to whether it will overload.

I just wish it had a digital output---Price is sure right.

Bob
Yeah. At $199, though, I'll live with that.

Sign me up. I'll buy 2 HDT-1 -- one for home and one for work -- and I can move the JVC from my home stereo to my car. (I was just at Fry's and saw the JVC KD-HDR1 there for $199. I was tempted to buy a second one but said "Naw, I'll look to see if anything else is coming out this year". Glad I resisted and came home to check the forum!)

From an I/O perspective, the only other product that had some appeal was the Radiosophy product, but no IR remote and still not shipping. Methinks Sangean just ate their lunch.

Any ideas when the HDT-1 will be released? It looks pretty nice. Only the table radios seem to be on the market so far.

Any ideas when the HDT-1 will be released? It looks pretty nice. Only the table radios seem to be on the market so far.
The most specific indication I've seen is November 2006, but it's not up for presale on Amazon or anywhere else (that I've seen) and the info on the sangean website is pretty scant, so I don't know if the November 06 is still correct or not.

The most specific indication I've seen is November 2006, but it's not up for presale on Amazon or anywhere else (that I've seen) and the info on the sangean website is pretty scant, so I don't know if the November 06 is still correct or not.
FWIW, jr.com is accepting pre-orders for the HDT-1. I'll probably buy one. I also need a new tabletop radio, but the HDR-1 is too expensive, so I'm looking at the WR-2.

Is the HDR-1 available anywhere yet?

You can look at the HDT-1 thread, but the HDR-1 will be available in the coming days. I am the one that does the Sangean website and I will make better use of the space in announcing the release dates in the future, but it get's difficult with all the delays we have been having, and yes, we ate Radiosophy, BA and all the others.

We bought out enough of the HD modules that most others will have to wait another 3 months to release their pathetic attempts at HD Radio. - I am biases since I work for Sangean, but I think this is the best product to come out of Sangean in many years. Also, for those of you who like the WR-2 and don't care about HD we will release the WR-3 model with stereo and the first Sangean radio to feature CD & MP3 function, as well as an upcoming Wi-Fi radio.

In terms of raw performance, especially sensitivity to weak signals, and selectivity, which is better, the HDR-1 or the HDT-1?

In terms of raw performance, especially sensitivity to weak signals, and selectivity, which is better, the HDR-1 or the HDT-1?

The HDT-1 would be the likely winner. Although it depends on the setting. Many people I know have them stacked at a low position in their home and that could effect reception.

I know that at home and using a cheap wire FM antenna I was able to receive all HD stations in the LA area, but the same goes for the HDR-1 that I have on my desk in the office with the telescoping antenna.

The NY Times review also indicates that of the table models the HDR-1 has the second to best in reception, and when compared to the iSonic it has better sound I think we have a great product we can feel proud of in the market. I myself would have liked SPDIF like the HDR-1 was originaly designed with, but se-la-vie.

We should expect to see digital outputs on the next generation of HD Radios from Sangean.

We should expect to see digital outputs on the next generation of HD Radios from Sangean.

WOOT!

That would be just wonderful! It'd be great if you could put on both an Optical and Coaxial S/PDIF, and possibly a pair of balanced outputs.

My Terk Advantage works great reducing noise on AM. But, it has the "plug" at the antenna and the twin leads at the radio. The HDR-1 has the plug at the radio and the twin leads are already attached to the supplied loop. So, if I go to radio shack will they have some kind of adapter so I can have a plug at the radio and a plug at the antenna also? What size/spec do I need to know? If it fits, it works?

If the outlet for the "plug" on your HDR-1 is the same size as the AM Advantage (1/8" mono), then you can go to Radio Shack and get a cable with 1/8" mono male plugs on both ends. Then you'll be "sittin' pretty".

I was under the impression that most AM tuners required that the inductance of the external loopstick or loop antenna must be at a specified value to resonate with the internal tuning capacitor (or varactor) of the tuner. Does the external after-market antenna have a specified inductance? If not, I'd be quite worried that the image rejection of the tuner would be disturbed. Most of these tuners don't have a tuned RF stage, and have poor image rejection even when the tuning capacitor is adjusted for antenna inductance, I'd be worried that an aftermarket antenna would have to be broadband and thus destroy the image rejection of the tuner. Even my trivoli (sp?) radios at home have problems with image rejection (usually manifested by birdies or whistles when tuning stations on the low or high end of the band). If it got much worse, you would get a lot of extraneous signals.

Bob Smith

OK, I'll check Radio Shack for it. It looks to be about 1/8". Bob, if it makes any difference the antenna is "tunable". It has a little dial at the bottom with the same range as the AM radio dial. You dial the antenna to about the same as the AM station. It is not a powered antenna. When tuning the antenna, it doesn't have to be exact. As you get close to the radio frequency on the antenna, the sound comes in. Final reception is about the same with the Terk, but some stations have background hum that the Terk eleiminates. The radio I use it with now is an inexpensive Sangean PRD2V.

While you're technically right, Bob, the Terk AM Advantage does quite a bit better with most component tuners than the untuned loop provided by the manufacturer. It does better still with portables when used in proximity to their built-in ferrite loops. But it's powerful enough that I haven't seen a situation where it doesn't improve am reception.

Try it, Bob. You might be surprised!

I think coupling directly to the loop (either using the existing loop in the component tuner, or the internal loop inside the portable) is probably the right way of doing it, because it doesn't change the inductance/capacitance ratio of the front end. I have nothing against it, it's probably a good product. If you don't happen to have a strong station at one end of the band, or the other (separated by twice the IF frequency), there will be no problem to anyone. Where I live in Sonoma, there is a high powered station on the high end of the band, and it causes problems with listening at the low end of the band. If someone has some strange reception problems with whistles while tuning, that's probably why.

Bob

I don't think the HDR-1 has a built in ferrite bar for AM. The owners manual suggests, without saying definitively, that the only AM antenna is the supplied external loop. I assume that's why they provide it with the plug-to-the-radio so it's easy to attach.

And, yes, the Terk does work well. I can use the "proximity" method and it improves the sound a little, but is even better when I hook it up with the wires.

The best solution using the existing antenna included with the HDT-1 is to place the loop as far away from the unit as posible. From the reports the HD module creates so much noise it dramatically effects the reception of AM signal and therefore requires a distance from the antenna.

But when you all find a solution that would be usable to the average consumer and therefore improve the recpetion and convenience I would love to hear it so we can publish it on our webs FAQ section.

Thanks again for all your help. I continue to find that this site is worth everything I paid to join!! Oh wait. . . It is free for now. But if you all continue to be this useful with your expertise I will have to expolore sponsorship opportunities. I think forums like this deserve something.

I don't think the HDR-1 has a built in ferrite bar for AM. The owners manual suggests, without saying definitively, that the only AM antenna is the supplied external loop. I assume that's why they provide it with the plug-to-the-radio so it's easy to attach.

And, yes, the Terk does work well. I can use the "proximity" method and it improves the sound a little, but is even better when I hook it up with the wires.

I'd still use the "proximity" method with the external loop. The internal tuning cap is supposed to resonate with this external loop for proper tuning. Just place the external loop close to the Terk.

I see Fry's has it for 199 after rebate

So is noone interested in our table top HD Radio? If not, then why? Other than the RadioShack, we are the least expensive and have the best reception and sound quality available in the category?

I own the HDR and love it. The sound and reception are great. Please don't discontinue this great table top.

So is noone interested in our table top HD Radio? If not, then why? Other than the RadioShack, we are the least expensive and have the best reception and sound quality available in the category?

Well unfortunately the bad user interface and the fact that you need a remote to operate most of the functions puts me and possibly plenty of people off. Most people would buy this radio with applications where remote control operation is NOT desirable; such as bed side and office desk. Besides, at the price point most consumers would probably expect more than 1 choice of color, but that's completely subjective. I'd buy it if the user interface isn't so clunky. Price and reception aren't everything. Part of what draws people to broadcast radio was the ease of exploration. Hard core radio nuts will adapt but for the target audience of this device, if you take out the ease of use, it's not so desirable to go to play with the radio at the first place, is it? You've gotta make the addictive substance easy to access before people are willing to go for the $$$ stuff, right? :cool:

On the side note, WR-3 looks fairly interesting, any idea about the release time frame?

So is noone interested in our table top HD Radio? If not, then why? Other than the RadioShack, we are the least expensive and have the best reception and sound quality available in the category?

I have been lurking here trying to decide on the current tuner or the next gen with a digital out source. But I will try the table top version and report back. PM me for my address and you can send it to me.

So is noone interested in our table top HD Radio? If not, then why? Other than the RadioShack, we are the least expensive and have the best reception and sound quality available in the category?

I would like to try one, but I am a bit wary for two reasons.

The first reason is that I tried one of the Sangean WR-1 radios and was very disappointed in the AM reception. (To help you to understand this a bit, I am located in south central Indiana, about 50 miles due south of Indianapolis.) I have the BA receptor (regular) radio, and am very happy with the AM performance on it.

Secondly, the following quote from a previous post of yours in this thread worries me.

"The best solution using the existing antenna included with the HDT-1 is to place the loop as far away from the unit as posible. From the reports the HD module creates so much noise it dramatically effects the reception of AM signal and therefore requires a distance from the antenna. "

If I am using an HDR-1 as a bedside radio, it is pretty difficult to put a tunable loop antenna a good distance from the radio and still be able to use the tuning dial on the antenna.

Overall, I am concerned about HD reception in our area. I tried one of the Accurian radios and got next to nothing out of it (reception wise).

Don't worry about the AM noise. I have my AM loop right next to my HDT-1. I don't hear anything funny except very occasionally some very low-level sound when I push the front-panel buttons. Nothing to be concerned about.

Brian

Brian,
I would like to point out that the radio in question is an HDR-1 table top radio, not the HDT-1.

I put the tunable AM loop antenna bedside and place the radio itself farther away. I can control am radio tuning by remote, and tune the AM antenna by hand. Works very well; there is no better am reception with my select-a-tenna.

[QUOTE=Tom White]I would like to try one, but I am a bit wary for two reasons.

The first reason is that I tried one of the Sangean WR-1 radios and was very disappointed in the AM reception.

"The best solution using the existing antenna included with the HDT-1 is to place the loop as far away from the unit as posible. From the reports the HD module creates so much noise it dramatically effects the reception of AM signal and therefore requires a distance from the antenna. "

QUOTE]

I would like to point out that I was referring to the included antenna.

I must say that was also long ago and I was working with, and I am constantly reminded by the tech team, what was an engineering sample. That means that an engineere made it by hand. I have since switched to using a production model in my office and can pick up just about every AM station in the area. Report was that after the engineering sample they properly shielded something in some place on the board and fixed the problem.

And I also have to say in refference to the WR-1, if you had a problem with AM reception on the WR-1, then I can't reccomend a sinlge model that would do better in the same conditions. The WR-1 & WR-2 are still considered by most to be the best in AM and FM reception in the category. But, there are always those cases where the best won't work because it is the best.

In regards to the UI, we are working on that and hope to have the improved UI on the market in summer. We won't add any buttons but will attempt to make a more sensible menu on the unit that will make it easier to work without the remote. I have also reminded them months ago (October) how important the UI is but. . . You see the result.

So is noone interested in our table top HD Radio? If not, then why? Other than the RadioShack, we are the least expensive and have the best reception and sound quality available in the category?

Master Theseus,

Table top radios are for old ladies. They ain't interested in the technology. They just want something to shake their booty to while vacuuming. Your marketing guys need a little insight. Many of the people who have dedicated tuners are radio hobbyist, they eat and sleep radio. They have been dying for an upgrade to the FM system. Take advantage of it while you guys are on top of the heap!

Put that same technology in your 909 shortwave portable, add the ability to record to flash drive, and you have a winner. The people who buy these radios are looking for the latest and the best. They pride themselves in getting stations no one else can. I am now a true believer in Sangean, A proud owner of the HDT1, the best tuner I've ever owned. Now give me something to travel with and I'll be even happier!

Yes, I totally agree. I want to see HD Radio and DRM in a 909 style radio.

And I also have to say in refference to the WR-1, if you had a problem with AM reception on the WR-1, then I can't reccomend a sinlge model that would do better in the same conditions. The WR-1 & WR-2 are still considered by most to be the best in AM and FM reception in the category. But, there are always those cases where the best won't work because it is the best.

Oh, come on now. I can understand you wanting to support your products. I myself have heard very good things about the Sangean portables from numerous people. That being said, I have had far better experiernces in regard to AM reception from my Boston Acoustics Receptor, Tivoli Model One and Grundig S350DL radios. I certainly would not call those radios sub-par.

I don't want to start a war of words with you, by any means. I appreciate your input in these discussions, and it was your own question that inspired me to post to this thread.

However, to say that the best dd not work BECAUSE it is the best is, well, I'm not sure what to call it. In my case it turned out not to be the best.

I guess what I am saying is that you have no need to get defensive about one of your products simply because it did not work well for me.

Sangean is well respected. I'm not challenging their reputaion, only stating what is giving me pause about buying the HDR-1.

Put that same technology in your 909 shortwave portable, add the ability to record to flash drive, and you have a winner. The people who buy these radios are looking for the latest and the best. They pride themselves in getting stations no one else can. I am now a true believer in Sangean, A proud owner of the HDT1, the best tuner I've ever owned. Now give me something to travel with and I'll be even happier!

It's interesting that you say recording as there's the degen/kaito 1121 that allows you to record to a flash mp3 player...however I hear the controls are totally weird and there's not much of a manual. To a degree some of the newer radios from china have been very well in price...however build quality is spotty. Combining hd with shortwave and a recorder...maybe DRM...I'm surprised that there's actually more DRM coming to north america...it would be interesting.

I think that hd can help bridge some of the gap that regular terrestrial radio has lost. It's another step...first am then fm...first analog tuning then digital...if someone hears a song they want to buy and it isn't being displayed then who's losing the most? I'd say the music companies. With hd the sound quality is better and I'm getting more stations. Sometimes I like the substations more than the regular ones...I'm not a fan of current rap or country but the older material is better etc.

Oh, come on now. I can understand you wanting to support your products. I myself have heard very good things about the Sangean portables from numerous people. That being said, I have had far better experiernces in regard to AM reception from my Boston Acoustics Receptor, Tivoli Model One and Grundig S350DL radios. I certainly would not call those radios sub-par.

I don't want to start a war of words with you, by any means. I appreciate your input in these discussions, and it was your own question that inspired me to post to this thread.

However, to say that the best dd not work BECAUSE it is the best is, well, I'm not sure what to call it. In my case it turned out not to be the best.

I guess what I am saying is that you have no need to get defensive about one of your products simply because it did not work well for me.

Sangean is well respected. I'm not challenging their reputaion, only stating what is giving me pause about buying the HDR-1.

If I sounded defensive than I apologize. I was not meaning to sound like you have just insulted my mother.

I would also add that as a whole, we know our radio's won't work perfect in every environment. I wish they would, but that isn't the case. I know that the WR-1 is also a little quirky. I think I remember reading that the ferrite antenna is not parrallel to the front of the unit, but is instead perpendicular so that you have to turn in slightly different than others, or vice versa. . .

I have to be honest, I can only go by what I am told and from what I can tell, most people that have the WR line have agreed that they are some of the best in the market. For me to say that means they are the BEST may be a little over stated.

But what kind of sales person would I be if I didn't act a little insulted? The other point is that I know more about HD Radio than I do analog. I don't really know the difference and can only go on experience. I am sure there are better radios out there, I just haven't seen them as I am sure there are aliens out there, but until I see one I would rather say there are none.

DRM? Did someone say DRM?? I am impressed, I thought I was the only person in America who even knew what DRM was! I don't understand it, but I know what it is!

We will be offering an MP3 DRM model, the DRM-40 as soon as the DRM module can overcome it's apparent problems. If I can get enough of you to vouch that you will pay the price for it I am sure I can get it in HD! Matter of fact the DRM-40 features DAB (which you pay for but won't be able to use). If I can get enough of you to say you would buy it if it had HD Radio it might just happen.

Write an e-mail to info@sangean.com and tell them that you want the DRM-40 with HD Radio instead of DAB and we may be able to incite change.

The catch. . . DRM-40 is a portable table-top radio. . .

I know what DRM is Master, and will be buying a drm radio later this year. Probably yours.

Master,
Have you been living under a rock or something. Most (computer savvy) adults, and every one from age 12-30 knows what DRM is: Digital Rights Management - the worst thing promoted by the RIAA since.... ... ... *can't think of anything worse*

Oh... Digital Radio Mondale, right... sorry :D

Master,
Have you been living under a rock or something. Most (computer savvy) adults, and every one from age 12-30 knows what DRM is: Digital Rights Management - the worst thing promoted by the RIAA since.... ... ... *can't think of anything worse*

Oh... Digital Radio Mondale, right... sorry :D

You can get around DRM if you burn the audio to CD and then rip it back into MP3. I found that out after buying hundreds of $$ of music off of iTunes. Tell me I can't listen to my music!

Two weeks ago I purchased the Sangean HDR-1 Receiver at Fry’s Electronics in Downers Grove, Illinois. I put the receiver on my nightstand and tried it out using the stock FM whip and AM loop antennas.

After one day I was thinking of taking the receiver back, realizing I spent $250 for an AM/FM radio, of which I have many. After a few more days passed, I began to discover the strengths of this receiver and am glad I didn’t hastily return it.

Features

The HDR-1 has a simple, classic look that is very pleasing to the eye. It looks quite nice on a nightstand, although I have it positioned forward instead of toward the bed, because of the bright display. The controls (or should I say “control”) on the front is nice, but the remote is needed for various functions, even to change between AM and FM.

Audio

Even though this unit has fairly small speakers, it sounds sweet. It appears that there is some sort of bass reflex/resonance port on the back which helps richen the sound. The equalizer presets and the “my bass / my treble” settings are nice. I’ve settled on the “Classic” EQ setting, which seems to provide a brighter, sharper sound that is still rich with bass.

Chicago has an HD2 channel with Traditional Jazz that sounds really nice on the HDR-1. The sound quality on the HD1 channels is more crisp, and has more depth, than most of the analog counterparts. The HD2 channels sound better than I expected. The overall sound quality surpasses the music streams on XM and Sirius. The HDR-1 also has a pleasant quick-fade between analog, HD1 and HD2 stations, instead of doing abrupt flips from one to the other.

Reception

Here is where a few surprises made me decide to keep this relatively expensive receiver.

At first, I was dismayed with FM reception. The Chicago stations, 35 miles north of me, seem strong enough to get throughout the house on other receivers. I was having trouble with many of them on the HDR-1 regardless of where I moved the unit. I could sometimes lock the RDS data, but could only get reliable HD Radio reception from one station that is 1 mile away. At first I thought the nearby station was overloading the front-end of the HDR-1. Using another radio revealed the problem. The internal electronics of the HDR-1 cause interference which is received by its own stock antenna.

Fortunately, the internal noise seems to only travel a couple feet from the unit, so replacing the whip with a small set of rabbit ears on three feet of coax greatly reduced the problem. I am able to reliably get 10 of the 18 Chicago stations transmitting in HD, plus two more suburban stations. I am sure I could get the remainder of HD stations with a better antenna and better placement. As for RDS, the HDR-1 is far more sensitive than my Sangean ATS-909. For the stations where I cannot quite get the HD signal, the text info still comes through via RDS. The FM selectivity of the HDR-1 is a pleasant surprise. I can get weaker stations on first-adjacent channels (0.2 MHz away) from strong stations very well, as long as the stronger stations are not running HD.

The AM reception and sound quality, analog or HD, is exceptional. During the day, the HD signals lock with the loop antenna regardless of where I put it or position it. The AM HD stations sound pretty good, too.

The receiver is equally sensitive from 530 through 1700. The selectivity is very tight without penalizing audio quality. During the day I can pick up KTRS St. Louis on 550, which is 230 miles away, even though WIND Chicago has a strong signal on 560 only 18 miles away. At night I can actually listen to WCBS New York on 880, even though I’m relatively close to flamethrower WLS on 890. To compare, I parked my Sangean ATS-909 next to the HDR-1 and could barely hear a trace of either station.

I stumbled across another surprise, too. A few stations on AM show up as “Stereo” at night, even though there are no HD signals to be found. This receiver apparently receives C-QUAM AM Stereo, even though there is no mention of it in the manual or tech specs. I tuned in 1040 WHO Des Moines and the audio was most certainly in stereo. It’s too bad more stations don’t run C-QUAM at night in place of HD.

Defects

I came across a few defects so far. Once the receiver locked up while I was fiddling with the antenna for an extended period while tuned to an HD2 channel. I’ve messed with the antenna a lot more with no further incidents. Unplugging the unit fixed the problem.

A defect with the backlight level settings is rather annoying. The backlight level can be set from 0 through 7, but that level only applies to the first few seconds after pressing a button. After a few seconds of inactivity (no buttons being pressed), the display always returns to a level of approximately 3, regardless of the actual setting. It even happens of the level is set to zero (off). Turn the dial, the display goes dark. Wait a few seconds and it’s back on!

There is a defect with the auto-clock set feature, too. Any station that I’ve tried who sends an RDS CT signal causes the hours to be loaded with a number above 200, regardless of if the receiver is set to use AM/PM or 24hr time. The only way to correct the problem is to set the time manually afterward. At first it took me forever to scroll the number down to 12. I have since found that scrolling upward quickly fixes it.

It would be helpful if there was better internal shielding around whatever components generate the most RF interference from within the unit. Even though the interference is not extreme, if it were gone, the stock antenna might actually work for moderate signals.

Wish List

-- Switch between AM or FM by scrolling past the end of either band, so that the remote isn’t needed to switch bands

-- Ability to disable HD for weaker stations

-- PTY search for RDS and HD stations

-- Lower light levels for the display (and fix the inactivity-dimmer defect)

Summary

Overall, I am happy with this receiver. I like the additional HD2 channels, and it has also made me rediscover AM stations like 650 WSM Nashville, which boom in clearly at night. It is on my nightstand to stay.

That is a very nice review. Thank you very much! Now, it will be interesting to have a face off between the Sangean and the Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 820 HD.

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=landing_radio820hd

At least we have a few choices now with the Sangean, Boston, Radio Shack Accurian, soon the Radiosophy MultiStream.

I found one more very minor but flaky thing with the HDR-1... About a dozen of the stations very briefly show some fictitious callsigns when first tuned in, once in a while. 93.9 FM will sometimes show KAAI, and 95.5 will show KFQC, just before showing the "real" FM station's RDS PS. It's almost like an easter egg from the firmware programmers... :)

Phil, does your HDR-1 have a bit error rate display like my HDT-1? I'm curious because the HDT-1 BER display doesn't work right and I'm wondering if yours does.

Brian

Phil, does your HDR-1 have a bit error rate display like my HDT-1? I'm curious because the HDT-1 BER display doesn't work right and I'm wondering if yours does.

Brian
Okay, add that to the list of quirks. The BER display always shows INVALID. AM, FM, weak signal, strong signal... INVALID. I did a system reset and it's the same.

Two weeks ago I purchased the Sangean HDR-1 Receiver .Can an additional pair of speakers be connected to this (or any other) HD table top radio?

I would like to buy one and put it in my bathroom and was hoping to connect it to an additional set of small speakers in the same room.

Any ideas?

TIA

Phil, invalid is normal for BER when you're not tuned to an HD signal.

Brian

Phil, invalid is normal for BER when you're not tuned to an HD signal.

Brian
Ummm... Yeah, I know what a bit-error-rate is. I am only talking about stations where I have a lock on the HD Radio signal.

I don't see a line out, just headphone out, which would shut off the internal speakers if used as an amp input.

You mean when the CNR display shows a value the BER display says invalid?

Brian

You mean when the CNR display shows a value the BER display says invalid?

BrianWhen the unit is locked on a weak HD signal (~58dB) or strong HD signal (I have one station that is 1 mile away at ~72dB) I still get BER "INVALID". I get the stations' addresses, PTY, etc. but never a valid BER reading.

Sounds like Sangean recognized that they had a problem but were unable to fix it. Does this happen on both AM and FM?

Brian

Sounds like Sangean recognized that they had a problem but were unable to fix it. Does this happen on both AM and FM?
Yes, AM or FM.

Version info on my receiver...

UI Ver: 2006.11.16 C
HW: M1181 V2.0A
S/W: DRI-352-00 1751DF-CMRL-V014

I actually saw a brief glimpse of a BER reading today when I was tuned to 1690 WVON Berwyn-Chicago, which is slightly weaker than the powerhouses of WGN, WBBM and WLS. It flashed between Invalid and a number around 5.00 e-1.

So, now I know the BER actually shows something. I realize that this new development has no significant impact on anything. :)

Well I must say to those of you who bought this radio. . .I am quite surprised at your enjoyment with it. . . You must have gotten one of the better units, or I am just more critical against products our company releases.

I have had the HDR-1 on my desk for some time now and feel the audio is lacking, the bass adjustment muffles the sound and doesn't increase bass.

Reception isn't horrible, but I do notice problems. . . but perhaps I have a bad one and you got the good one. Either way, we are looking into the HDR-1 and feel that we will make a pass at trying to make it better.

Well MT... If there is any way to adjust any of the existing features in my HDR-1 I would do it! I don't suppose it has non-volatile RAM for which the firmware can be updated, does it?

As for the sound quality, I've been using the Classic setting. The My Bass setting seems to do what you're saying.

Yesterday, from my south-of-Chicago location, Milwaukee was booming in. It wasn't a strong enough tropo event to get "HD" to appear anywhere, but a few RDS streams came through, except...

Except for 97.3 FM, which I was getting on our relatively cheap stereo. I turns out that my HDR-1 has an evil birdie on 97.3, and it is VERY strong. I could only hear a slight warble in the background presumably from WQBW "The Brew."

Well MT... If there is any way to adjust any of the existing features in my HDR-1 I would do it! I don't suppose it has non-volatile RAM for which the firmware can be updated, does it?

As for the sound quality, I've been using the Classic setting. The My Bass setting seems to do what you're saying.

Yesterday, from my south-of-Chicago location, Milwaukee was booming in. It wasn't a strong enough tropo event to get "HD" to appear anywhere, but a few RDS streams came through, except...

Except for 97.3 FM, which I was getting on our relatively cheap stereo. I turns out that my HDR-1 has an evil birdie on 97.3, and it is VERY strong. I could only hear a slight warble in the background presumably from WQBW "The Brew."

Then I will leave the question to you. . . If you could change anything or everything could you make some definite suggestions about what we should look at? At this point we feel like we need to go back to the beginning and start over, but if we can prevent that and simply make some adjustments that would be better.

So, if you could like exactly what you would improve and what you liked about and some "best practices" as we used to call them at Dell, I would be more than happy to hear them and reccomend the changes mentioned.

Here is a short list. I can come back with a longer list during the week. BTW, I have a "preliminary review" which is near the bottom of Page #2 of this thread.

Wish list...

-- Switch between AM or FM by scrolling past the end of either band, so that the remote isn’t needed to switch bands

-- Ability to disable HD for weaker stations

-- PTY search for RDS and HD stations

-- Lower light levels for the display (and fix the inactivity-dimmer defect)

-- Improve the internal shielding over whatever component(s) cause RFI, which makes the stock antenna far less useful. I believe this would also limit any "birdies" on specific frequencies, too. If you need a recording of what this type of interference sounds like, I could produce one.

-- "Line out" would be nice

-- Change the FM tuning to 0.2 MHz increments, or make the radio capable of flipping between AM 9kHz + FM 100kHz, or AM 10kHz + FM 200kHz. After all, this is a great AM-DX radio; some people might buy it just for that attribute

I am announcing it here first. I will tell no one else.

We have sucessfully revised the HDR-1 with the following improvements & features.

Improved Audio Quality
New Menu driven UI allows for full function control from the radio. Strangely enough the only thing missing is the ability to mute.
HDR-1 will now include both the telescoping whip antenna AND dipole antenna for improved reception as well as a handy little tool to remove the installed antenna.
Force Analog Mode - Allows you to turn of HD signal lock
Split Audio Mode - Allows you to split digital in one audio channel, analog in the other.
Stereo/Mono Selection - Allows you to force Mono reception.
Memory Jogging function - Allows you to conveniently jump from memory preset to memory preset.
Dual alarm system allows you to wake to an FM multicast station (Not sure if the original did or not.)

If with the current changes we can see an increase in the sales and reviews of this product we have already begun designing the Gen 2 Version. (Not due for a year or so.)

This is great news!

Is there any way whatsoever to "revise" my version-1 HDR-1? I would love to be able to re-flash my receiver with new firmware!

This is great news!

Is there any way whatsoever to "revise" my version-1 HDR-1? I would love to be able to re-flash my receiver with new firmware!

Unfortunatley there is no way to upgrade firmware on this unit. I would suggest simply getting the new one and finding some creative way to get your money back. I can not suggest any, as any reccomendation I make would likely be unethical. You could try selling it on Ebay or something.

Unfortunatley there is no way to upgrade firmware on this unit. I would suggest simply getting the new one and finding some creative way to get your money back. I can not suggest any, as any reccomendation I make would likely be unethical. You could try selling it on Ebay or something.

How do we tell which is the new version? Are they out yet?

That analog/digital "split" mode will be pretty handy for stations to use in setting up delay!

Will that be available on the HDT-1X as well? (btw... cool feature)

Will that be available on the HDT-1X as well? (btw... cool feature)
The split audio mode is also available on the HDT-1X.

As for knowing the difference between the old version and the new, I am not sure, but it will not be plainly eviden until I verify. I believe we made a different mark or logo on the boxes of the new units so that WE could tell the difference. Once I verify I will let you know.

I can not tell you when it will be available, but when it is there will be a press release.