Herculodge

My Sangean HDR-1 Radio

I finally broke down and bought an HD radio, the Sangean HDR-1 Radio, which I reviewed on Amazon. So far I've been pleased, especially on AM, where the band is absent of chirps, birdy, static and has a clean digital sound. Because most of the functions require a remote control, I don't recommend it for the bedside. Who wants to squint at remote functions while lying in bed in a dark bedroom? But for my office where I want a radio far from my computer interference, the HDR-1 is giving me strong sensitivity and full, rich sound.

Update: The built-in internal ferrite antenna seems weak so that the HD is really dependent on the external AM antenna. Each AM station has its own needs as well so you have to relocate the external AM antenna. This can be a bit of a drag. I wonder if the Sangean HDR-1 skimped on the internal ferrite device to make room for the HD technology. If anyone knows, please e-mail me at herculogical@earthlink.net.

The Great Headphone Debate

About a month ago, I decided to get a good pair of headphones and the more I researched the more confused and helpless I became, in part because I have no stereo store that has a good selection of headphones that I can try; therefore, I would be making an Internet purchase based on arduous research. After reading hundreds of blogs, websites, etc., I have found a great primer on deciding on a pair of headphones. We can thank Trance.Nu V3 for a succinct, no B.S. explanation of headphones, their types, their rankings, and a few recommendations.

Goodbye, Satellite Radio

After a year of having XM satellite radio installed in my Volvo, I've been very unhappy with it and decided not to renew the subscription for the following reasons:

1. Intermittent loud hissing sound.
2. General compromised, muffled sound.
3. I was underwhelmed by talk and music formats.
4. Installation of satellite radio resulted in rattles and loud vibrations in my car's dash area, which I now must pay to fix.
5. Outright no signal in many areas.
6. On long drives, you have to change the FM default to a station that has no "air space," a process that is time-consuming and impossible (also unsafe) if driving alone.
7. Free "radio" websites such as Pandora allow you to create your own custom "playlists."

If I lived in a sparse radio market, I might consider satellite radio for the home but not here in Los Angeles with its abundant terrrestial radio stations. Based on the reported losses of the two satellite radio companies and the competition from other venues, I can already hear the death knell for satellite radio's failed venture. I'm not a hater of satellite radio. If it succeeds, that's great for those involved, but it certainly has its fair share of hurdles to overcome if it's going to be viable in the long-term.

For Your Computer Room: Keep Your Radio Far Away

I've learned the hard way that even my top-performing radios, including my Kaito 1103, my Grundig G4000, my Tivoli Songbook, and my Eton S350 DL, suffer from compromised reception when they're within a couple feet of my computer. On AM I get horrible birdy and gurgle noises. FM is often degraded. Move any of those radios to my filing cabinet six feet away and the radio performs with the utmost clarity, like it should. Had I known this, I would have bought a radio with a remote control, so I can toggle the stations from my computer desk while my radio sits safely in the distance. The problem is I have only one remote-control radio in my home, my bedside Sangean WR-2, which I have grown more and more fond of over the last year and a half (knock on wood, no LCD screen problems). After turning on the AFC switch in the back, I'm getting excellent AM reception. The pigtail antenna is more than adequate for FM. Only one station can be touchy (89.3 KPCC) but draping the pigtail over the radio center makes it fine. I'm keeping the Sangean in my bedroom in part because if I toss and turn at night with my earphones, the radio is firmly positioned on the table and won't fall. I can't say this about my other radios. So I'll need another remote-control radio for my computer office. I'm going to wait and get the Eton Sound 100, which, based on earlier radio convention photos I saw on my favorite radio website RadioIntel, is probably made by Tecsun and badged by Eton. I'm annoyed at Eton over their confusion. My Atlantic magazine says it's currently on sale for 100 dollars. But J&R Electronics WAS (but not anymore) accepting pre-orders for $159. I called Eton and the customer service knew NOTHING about the Eton Sound 100. I have no idea when it will be available but I love its look and I especially love its remote control feature. Until then I'll be playing my radios away from my desk.   

Herculodge Top Ten Cars for 2007

1. 40 K range: BMW 330 coupe
2. 35 K range: Lexus IS 350
3. 30 K range: Acura TSX
4. 25 K range for sedan: Toyota Camry SE
5. 25 K range for small car: Mini Cooper
6. 24 K range for sedan: Nissan Altima SE
7. 22K range: Mazda 3 Sport
8. 21K range: Honda Civic EX with 17-inch wheel upgrade
9. 20K range: Scion TC
10. 18K range: Honda Fit Sport Package