I just added a Sony HD radio converter box to my Sony MEX-DV2000 (multi-channel SACD/Dolby Digital/DTS AM-FM car radio).
The converter box is actually a self-contained AM and FM radio with the iBiquity circuit built in. What did I find?
The stereo AM and FM section in the MEX-DV2000 is more sensitive on both bands! The add on box does not pick up the audio from TV's channel 6, but the MEX-DV2000 does. There is about a 4 sec delay when you tune in a station before the box decides that it can switch to the iBiquity circuit.
Many times, while receiving a clear FM or AM signal the iBiquity circuit does not kick in and often it turns itself on and off.
Most FM stations fail to take any advantage of the digital broadcast. Just a few reduce compression and signal processing to provide superior sound. Mostly there is no advantage to my ears, but on the few stations that provide the dynamic range there is a difference.
On AM, mostly due to the fact that the AM section in the radio is so limited in frequency response, one can hear a huge difference. I doubt this Sony provides a response past 3,000 Hz on analog AM. Overall, Sony needs to do a better job with this technology, but its OK.
Richard
The converter box is actually a self-contained AM and FM radio with the iBiquity circuit built in. What did I find?
The stereo AM and FM section in the MEX-DV2000 is more sensitive on both bands! The add on box does not pick up the audio from TV's channel 6, but the MEX-DV2000 does. There is about a 4 sec delay when you tune in a station before the box decides that it can switch to the iBiquity circuit.
Many times, while receiving a clear FM or AM signal the iBiquity circuit does not kick in and often it turns itself on and off.
Most FM stations fail to take any advantage of the digital broadcast. Just a few reduce compression and signal processing to provide superior sound. Mostly there is no advantage to my ears, but on the few stations that provide the dynamic range there is a difference.
On AM, mostly due to the fact that the AM section in the radio is so limited in frequency response, one can hear a huge difference. I doubt this Sony provides a response past 3,000 Hz on analog AM. Overall, Sony needs to do a better job with this technology, but its OK.
Richard
