Overall thoughts on the Boston Acoustics HD Recepter

I can give a lot of credit for the improved sound quality to digital radio feeds, but the Recepter did a superb job for a radio of its size. The combination of the receiver with speaker and satellite speaker gave me stereo playback that enhanced the quality of the listening experience. Even at low volume levels, the radio was able to fill the room I was in with rich, deep sound. It performed well with many songs, from a slower John Mayer song to a rockin' out Arctic Monkeys song. And the simple controls on the receiver and remote made it easy to navigate to my favorite station.

HD Radio conclusions

There was a noticeable improvement in the sound quality from analog FM frequencies to digital FM frequencies. The better sound quality was based on two things: the digital signal was free of the interference that causes pops, crackles, and fades in analog FM radio, and the sound seemed more detailed and deeper than an analog feed. As for the transition from analog AM to digital AM, the same differences were there but less pronounced.

Among the family members and friends who listened to the radio with me, everyone's reactions were quite similar. They thought the sound (especially of the FM feeds) had drastically improved. One even remarked that it sounded "just like a stereo."

But I'd expected improved sound, so the feature that impressed me the most was multicasting; I like the idea that you can hide stations in between other stations. I enjoyed jumping back and forth between two similar music programs and picking the song that I liked better. I think this will only improve as more stations broadcast digitally and develop HD2 programs that really draw in listeners. They're definitely on the right track. (As I conclude writing this review, I've heard that soon Charlottesville will have another HD Radio broadcasting station — WCNR 106.1's digital feed should be up and running in a few weeks.)

HD Radio suggestions

For people out there looking to purchase an HD Radio, here are a few different things to look for:

• Will you listen in your car or from your home? Many radios are available that have HD Radio tuners or are HD Radio ready (meaning you'd have to purchase a separate additional tuner).
• Which of your local stations broadcasts HD radio? Which multicasts? HDRadio.com can give you a good general idea about which stations are already out there and which will be coming soon, but the reception in your area will vary. Also, keep in mind that a station which is multicasting may not be offering different material on its second frequency. And remember, analog reception of a station doesn't always mean that you'll be able to pick up the digital feed when you get your new HD Radio tuner.
• Will your radio be able to pick up multicasting or HD2 frequencies? Most newer models have the ability to pick up HD2 frequencies and even HD3 frequencies, but be sure to doublecheck the specifications for a mention of HD2 compatibility or "multicasting."

Is HD Radio for you?

Through my experience with the Recepter, I found that HD Radio stations improve terrestrial radio in two significant ways: improved sound quality and expanded listening options (in areas where multicasting is available), so I'm looking forward to hearing more stations broadcast digitally and develop HD2 feeds. And what can HD Radio do for you if you've already got satellite radio? It's a great complement to satellite listenings and will give you access to local programming (news, weather and community events) with digital-quality sound.