Are HD radios any good?

Do HD radios make CDs or AUX inputs sound better?

• I am looking to get a new aftermarket radio to replace mine now. I want something with an AUX input for my ipod. I rarely listen to the radio but usually play CDs because my radio doesn't have an AUX input. If I get a HD radio will it make my CDs or ipod sound better or just the radio stations?

• Answer:

  No, an HD radio simply advertises the ability to receive HD radio signals. It does not improve the sound quality of your CDs or ipod/mp3 input devices. What that all comes down to is the speakers you have running in your car, the kind of power they're getting, and proper wiring. What you will need, if you do decide to venture down this road of upgrading your car's audio system is a stereo/radio/headunit (whatever you want to call it) with multiple RCA outputs. The more, the better because this allows you to have more control over the levels of sound in your system. Such as being able to accurately control the fade and balance, as well as possibly hook up a set of subwoofers without sending those kind of signals that would be bad for regular speakers and possibly blow them. Subwoofers, rear speakers, front speakers, tweeters, all handle different levels of power and varying audio signals better than others. A radio that has these RCA outputs to hook up front speakers separate from rear speakers and subwoofers is ideal to protect your equipment, but you may also want amplifiers powering your speakers, as this way its not directly coming from your battery and you're less likely to experience electrical failure or short out your battery or other equipment. A radio with subwoofer control is ideal, in my opinion. If none of this concerns you whatsoever, this is basically want you want to look for in terms of sound quality from your stereo. 1. RCA outputs (more the better) 2. Built in CD player (almost standard these days) 3. Auxiliary Input (again almost standard but less frequent than CD players) Find something that appeals to your tastes after that. From there, the sound quality you'll be getting will depend on the speakers, amplifiers, and wiring you have set up in your car.