Customer Reviews

RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Seems to work quite well. Used it in place of power antenna, which was too tall and sucked power from the battery while motoring up and down.

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Limited range

Easy to I stall but so far it has very limited range. I'll move it around to see what happens but it's certainly not working well being under the dash.

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Good antenna and same brand as my radio

This is a very nice product. I stuck it under my dash right behind my radio and it not only sticks well, but it also picked up the hardest station to pick up where I live, and i was in a garage. so it is definitely a five star product.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Easy to install, once the power wire was identified. Reception good. I'm happy to be able to leave the original antenna in place on my 1984 BMW 325e, preserving the stock appearance.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

It worked when installed . i put the dash back together ,it would not pick up any stations. I pulled it apart. it must have a broken wire in the antenna it self . if I held it in a certain position it would work fine .

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Crutchfield response on 6/5/2023

Once we saw this review, our Tech Support specialist, AJ, reached out to John to help him further. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team right away. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Hidden antennas do not work

Do not waste your time with a hidden antenna. If hidden antenna's actually worked, car manufacturers would have been installing them in new cars/trucks for the past 60 years but they never have. Why? Because hidden antennas don't work. I read all the bad reviews on this HPA1 but decided to try it anyway and sure enough, it barely pulled in a couple local FM stations if the wind was blowing right on certain days but still with plenty of static. I had it mounted on top of the dash too where it could get a clear view of the sky through the windshield but that didn't help. Then I took it out of my truck and placed it in the garbage can where it belongs. I then bought the RetroSound MC-8207 external antenna and mounted it in one of the stake pockets in the bed and guess what, it pulls in every station possible in my region clear as a bell. Go figure.

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Does not meet expectation

After spending over 2 hours of my time to install, I had to remove the Instrument Panel (I/P) center section, glove box and door, and side trim, route the cable away from HVAC motor and Passenger Air Bag, securing extra cable and properly grounding it (light sanding the grounding surface) and then putting I/P together. I plug the RS HPA-1 into y new Sony radio and tuning in AM there was only static. I disconnected the blue power wire and the static volume decrease. Switching over to FM the local radio station was barely coming in, so I attached the blue power wire and the volume increased but not the reception. Disconnect RS HPA-1 and connected a metal coat hanger wire to the radio. Both AM and FM reception single was strong and could pick up stations from cities over 60 miles away. Disconnected the coat hanger and connected the factory antenna. FM reception acceptable, AM weak. Lucky for me Crutchfield refunded my money and allowed me to leave the RS HPA-1 under the dash. Thank God I didn't have to spend two hours removing it. Check the reviews at Crutchfield and the big online retailer plenty of people having the same reviews.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Confident I installed properly and wasn't an improvement. Very poor signal

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Crutchfield response on 9/20/2022

Randy, we're sorry you're having issues with your antenna. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team. They can help you solve the problem or set up a return within 60 days of purchase. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Did not work not please at all

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Crutchfield response on 5/23/2022

Michael contacted our Customer Support team and set up a return. Purchases from Crutchfield can be returned or exchanged within 60 days

Not So Good...

There must be a quality control issue with this antenna! I would return it but I haven't found time to uninstall it. I did finally get it to work by bending the wires a certain way, me holding the antenna, and my body in a certain position. Change any one of them and the station is gone. On the other hand the universal window mount antenna I purchased works great.

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Crutchfield response on 5/4/2022

We're sorry John is having issues with his antenna. Since his order is beyond Crutchfield's 60-day return policy, our Tech Support specialist, AJ, reached out to John to give him the warranty info on this antenna. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team right away. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Works great!

This hidden antenna works great on my classic car without the need to replace the factory antenna (which has been difficult to locate).

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No improvement - did not work

I'll have to join the other 1 star raters and give this a thumbs down. I installed this to match up with my new BOSS head unit I purchased from here. I confirmed the antenna was being properly powered and grounded using my multimeter. No improvement at all. I moved it to different places and moved the ground wire as well in case that was the issue. One other thing, the ground wire on the unit is horribly short at around 6 inches. I wish I could return it, but I added to the horribly short ground wire (6 inches on the unit) to enable me to connect to a good ground on my 2001 Ranger. Minor other point... the directions included were for WPA1 antenna.

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Crutchfield response on 1/17/2022

Once we saw this review, our Tech Support specialist, AJ, reached out to Stephen to help him further. We'll either help him get the antenna working the way it should or help him return it for an exchange or refund.

Good quality

The antenna seems to be a good quality build, we are just having problems with the install. We had it under the dash and it picked up the alternator wine when in the throttle, moved it and still picks it up but works good.

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Antenna replacement.

This is a great way to get signal while being hidden! Easy install in my 68 classic!

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Mine might be defective.

I installed this up high on the A pillar of the car, drilled a new hole and grounded it and applied power from the head unit to the power wire. I could not get AM stations at all, and I could only get the strongest FM stations in the area, and they were weak at best. Usually, if I can't get AM, that means the antenna isn't powered - I double-checked power, so I must have gotten a defective unit. I don't feel like removing it so I am not going to try to return it. Oh well.

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Crutchfield response on 7/12/2021

We're sorry you're having issues with your antenna. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team. They can help you solve the problem or set up a return within 60 days of purchase. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Cant seem to make this thing work

I can't seem to get any reception out of this. I found some online asy instructs that said the extra wire (not the one that goes into the antenna jack) should be connected to the power antenna connection but I do not have one of those on my Pyle stereo on my Harley. I tried connecting to an "always hot" wire, and I tried connecting it to the ground wire for my stereo, but I get no reception no matter what. Not sure what to try next.

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Crutchfield response on 6/21/2021

Dave, we're sorry you're having issues with your antenna. If you purchased this product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can help you solve the problem or set up a return within 60 days of purchase. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Wish it worked as hoped.

2007 Toyota 4Runner: factory radio has 2 antenna leads, and factory head unit has some circuitry that switches from one to the other as needed. New JVC head unit is great, but only 1 antenna plug. AM...FM...doesn't matter in a major market like Cleveland...poor reception at best. Bought this antenna based on reviews. Installed. 0% improvement when run along A pillar, roofline and grounded to the body above the rear door. Relocated to roof under and around sunroof cover panels. 0% improvement. Removed and hung on a camera tripod set on the roof, and grounded to chassis. 0% signal improvement. Currently under the headliner and grounded behind driver side rear door. Taking it out and returning it in the hopes that some day, my marvel of modern engineering touch screen stereo will get the same radio reception the 14 year old head unit got....

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Great concept, Lousy execution.

Save your money! This antenna does not work. I tried moving it to various locations. Tried it hooked to power, or with power disconnected. It made no difference. A plain piece of antenna wire pulled a better reception than this.

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Crutchfield response on 6/2/2021

David, we're sorry you're disappointed with your antenna. Whenever you are not completely satisfied with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Customer Support team at 1-800-955-9091. Purchases from Crutchfield can be returned or exchanged within 60 days of the purchase.

RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Made it super easy to replace the antenna

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

does not work that will at all thinking of sending it back just have to take the dash apart again to git it out

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Crutchfield response on 4/20/2021

This customer contacted our Tech Support team for help. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team right away. They can help you solve the problem or set up a return within 60 days of purchase. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

2013 Honda Civic LX

It works. Just not as well as the factory installed antenna

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

my major complaint regarding this product is that it took far too long to get delivered. as far as performance, it seems to work similarly with other versions offered by crutchfield.

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Easy replacement.

I installed this in a Ford F-150 regular cab. Just made sure it had power hookup and a good ground. I cleaned the plastic with adhesive remover and the antenna attached with no problem and it's not coming off easily. I did run the antenna to the upper rear of the cab. The reception is great and I live in a country area and found channels that I didn't know were out there. I have no complaints and recommend the antenna to anyone who needs an easy replacement. Used with Sony stereo.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

This product was easy to install and worked perfectly for my application ('77 Chevy C10). The product did not include instructions, a diagram, spec sheet, or any documentation, just a branded plastic bag containing the unit - which is why I kept the rating to 4 stars. Solid purchase.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

works good

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Hidden under the dash - no holes to drill. Clear reception. Love it, Thank you!

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Crutchfield was super fast getting item shipped but it was shipped direct from the manufacturer and they used Fedex. Unfortunately it's been from Nevada to Bloomington Ca twice and they keep sending it to North Carolina. It's been almost 2 weeks and I still don't have the items. Fedex is worthless, can't speak to a person to tell them it keeps going back East when I'm in California.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Easy install worked as promised

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Works flawlessly. Installed in dash behind radio and have had no noise/ fallout or other issues. Very pleased with it's performance

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Fácil de instalar buena recepción de canales , lo recomiendo

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Fairly good reception. Now as good as the whip antenna i broke off and didnt want to tear the car apart to replace. Maybe 85% of what i used to get. Overall easy to install.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

I had to replace the windshield (Which has an embedded antenna.) in my antique car. Compared to the original, the antenna in the new glass is marginal. The HPA-1 provides better reception. Maybe not a good as a mast, but better than the embedded one.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Extremely easy to install and mount in dash. I live in Las Vegas and great to support a local Henderson company as well.

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Works OK but not great

The ground wire is in an odd/awkward spot and short and needed to be modified to make it work. Reception is only fair. Will likely replace it with a normal antenna when I get the chance (replacing the normal antenna requires removing the front fender and fender liner)

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save your time and money

it is a good idea that simply doesn't work. returned it promptly

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

I was told that it works really Will not be installing it for 6 months. car is in restoration.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Did nothing for radio reception.

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Crutchfield response on 1/21/2020

We're sorry you're having issues with your antenna. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team. They can help you solve the problem or set up a return within 60 days of purchase. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Easy to install. Quick way to replace antenna without rewiring the whole car.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Seems like a quality product as I have several Retrosound components, however as was indicated on an earlier review, the ground comes out of the opposite side of the power which makes a clean installation impossible. I talked with Crutchfield prior to ordering and was told all the wires come out of the same side NOT. I ended up taking it apart and rerouting ground and extending the way to short power wire. A lot of extra work. Unit seems to function well however

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Works very good and you can hide it out of view.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Improved reception slightly but not enough. Did not work for my application.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Not fan of the antenna. It didn't pick up any better than the antenna that was in the car. The antenna is larger than one might think so installing in a small space can be somewhat difficult.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Just what wanted.

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Customer Service

Product may be of quality have not gotten the time to try it yet. As far as the service from Crutchfield, TERRIBLE...... I was completely dissatisfied with service and felt I should have been given a refund on my order. I would not advise to buy from Crutchfield unless completely neccessary.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

While this antenna may work for some, it was not a solution for me. I received it as a work-around because my OEM antenna had two prongs and the radio I was installing only had one prong hole. The self-sticking antenna wouldn't. I found a flat plastic piece under the dash that was as wide as the antenna and attempted to have it stick upside down on the plastic (I wiped the plastic down first to get rid of any dust). It stuck for 10 seconds before letting go and never stuck any longer than that. Oklahoma is hot and I do not believe it would have stayed very long in the heat without falling and then rattling around until I uninstalled the radio and took the antenna out. I found Metra 95-7417 Dash Kit which was a good adapter for the OEM antenna. Get as good or better reception through the new radio than before. Vehicle is a 1998 Nissan Frontier King Cab 4x4.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Works perfectly will shop here again

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

I like the idea of a hidden antenna, but the reception could be better

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

The Antenna work good.

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Antenna booster

Easy installation but still get static at times.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Works great

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Installation isn't difficult but wires should come out of the same end of the unit. Reception was as expected.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Works good some areas gets bad reception

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hidden antennae

does not work as well as exposed antennae but serves the purpose.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Reception was very weak

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Tough one to review, have a bad window antenna purchased this one because the reviews were higher. I installed this one but did not close up the dash so I could move it around for best reception. Huge difference when not inside the dash, best if mounted high on the windshield going to hide mine behind the review mirror. I cannot figure out why they thought it was good idea to have wires coming out at both ends. Limits your install possibility's on hiding it, and just pisses you off when your trying to do a nice install. So now I have several hours of monkeying around to make it work, just worried now it will last a week because its made in china. When I thought this was an American product from American Company. I would rate this as Just OK, Someone some ware has to do better then this!!!!

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Easy hideaway, and works great on certain channel's. Will be looking for another kind.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Easy install, and high quality equipment from Retro sound! My truck is a radio delete so...... no antenna this was easy slap it under the dash and it sticks good to metal and plastic! Not magnetic though!

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

this product made all the difference. I could not receive AM tuning at all and some FM tuning was very scratchy. This adapter recommended by Buddy made it all work perfectly. A big shout out to the service person named Buddy for suggesting the proper fix.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Not as nearly as good as the stick antenna on out 2001 Suburban I wanted to replace. Moved it all over the Suburban but couldn't receive the one station we listen too.

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Crutchfield response on 11/14/2016

Once we saw this review, our Tech Support team reached out to this customer to issue an apology and help him further. We'll either help him get the antenna working the way it should, or help him return it for an exchange or refund.

Retro antenna works great!

antenna installed and works great - it allowed me to eliminate my power antenna which was no longer retracting. Exactly as described by the sales rep!

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna Reviews

There were no issues with the product, however, it didn't perform as expected and couldn't pull in any radio stations. I'm still fiddling around with it because nothing is straight forward with the Mercedes.

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Anntena

Poor placed in rear window can't receive any AM stations FM stations limited

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Crutchfield response on 6/28/2016

We forwarded this review to our Technical Support team for follow-up. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Pulls in the signal

Pulls in radio signals better than my factory window style antenna.

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hidden antenna

does not work as good as the normal antenna. and I mounted it high in cab of truck. going to add another fm booster to see if that helps

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under dash ant ford f150

This product was nice for me bought 3 aftermarket ant /// broke all three looked online and found what I needed at Crutchfield site thank you nice product very good idea

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Did not work for me

Got this unit to be better than stock window antenna. Was much worse actually.

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Crutchfield response on 9/7/2015

Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our tech support team right away. They can help you solve the problem or set up a return within 60 days of purchase. We forwarded this review to our Technical Support team for follow-up. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Hide away antenna

Used in my 1966 Ford Galaxie 500. I only had the factory AM radio so I installed a new stereo and this antenna to pick up FM stations. Doesn't have perfect signal but works great for what I need. Cheap too.

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Great alternative

Easy to install and mount. It is under the dash and I did notice a lot of static but we don't have the best reception in the area anyway. The hidden antenna is better than using an external antenna or not having FM reception at all. Can't beat the price either.

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antenna

Nice unit with plenty of cable. Works great in my Kit car builds as a hidden antenna.

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Returned without use.

Returned without use. However, physical appearance of high quality.

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RetroSound HPA-1 antenna

Works great, pulls in all local stations and hides nicely under the dash.

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Does the job

Does the job. The connector is a bit fragile, be careful if you have to unplug it.

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easy and good

good antenna, easy to install

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Good replacement

Helped bring in FM stations very clear. However, I am still having difficulty acquiring AM stations with my new JVC KW-R800BT stereo.

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i got nothin'

I hooked this thing up to my kenwood radio for better reception but got nothing but static. I mounted it behind the radio because I have plenty of room back there & the instructions said it was ok. I got literally nothing: just static. It may have worked in a more open location but I wanted it hidden and thats why I bought it. Sorry folks. This one was a let-down

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RS HPA-1 did not improve reception much.

The description and goal of this antenna was to place it anywhere, even under the dash, in order to get great reception. I connected it properly and placed it under the dash. It did not improve reception, and the radio fades in and out. Not worth the money.

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Good product.

It works. Just wish it had a better way of connecting the power cable. As it is, it's sitting rather precariously in the old adapter that came in my car.

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antena review

definitely enhances your signal

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