Kenwood and HD Radio

BobQ · 02-08-2010, 10:39 AM

I am looking at doing a new stereo, I like the kenwood 6140 but was wondering if anyone knows how the HD Radio works, do you need anything extra like for satellite radio or does it just work out of the box? also is the quality any good compared to CD's?

Thanks Bob

AK370Z · 02-08-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobQ

I am looking at doing a new stereo, I like the kenwood 6140 but was wondering if anyone knows how the HD Radio works, do you need anything extra like for satellite radio or does it just work out of the box? also is the quality any good compared to CD's?

Thanks Bob

Hey Bob,
Welcome to The370Z.com.

Here's what's listed on Kenwood website:

Kenwood DNX6140

Quote:

• 2DIN Fixed 6.1” QVGA TFT Active Matrix Display
• Built-in Garmin® Navigation With USA, Canada, PR, Alaska, Hawaii Mapping
• Built-In Bluetooth by Parrot®
• TMC Traffic Ready
• 24-Bit Digital-To-Analog Converter
• DVD-Video Playback
• iPhone/iPod Audio Video USB Direct Control
• Variable Color Illumination
• Selectable Wallpapers & Customizable Backgrounds
• SAT Ready (Requires CA-SR20V + Sirius SC-C1 Tuner or KCA-XM100V + XM Mini Tuner)
• HD Radio Ready
• Dual 2.0 Volt Pre-outs (rear pre-out is switchable to "subwoofer"
• 1 x USB Input, 1 x Front AV Input, 1 x Rear Camera Input, 1 x AV Output
• Firmware upgradeable (go to Car Electronics Support Information | Kenwood Corporation for latest firmware versions)
• 1-Year Warranty

Which means, you have to buy one of these (either one will work) to get HD Radio.

This one or This one

I went with SIRIUS and have been VERY pleased. Hope this helps.

AK

JB-370z · 02-08-2010, 11:41 AM

Instead of buying the HD radio kit I would go with XM or Sirus Radio. You will enjoy your morning trips to work much better! I promise.

bigaudiofanat · 02-08-2010, 02:27 PM

I agree I would rather spend money and get actual music stations dedicated to music I want to listen to.

ChrisSlicks · 02-08-2010, 03:53 PM

Some of us have a problem with paying a monthly fee for crappy sounding digital radio (the bitrates XM use are far too low on most channels).

If you really want to listen to top quality music then the only choice is to plug in your player.

cab83_750 · 02-08-2010, 04:03 PM

I have a Kenwood unit with built-in HD. I did not need to buy extra units/antenna for it.

The AM sounds great - better than regular FM.
FM sounds awesome - almost like CD.

Cons:
Sometimes you lose signal ---- the broadcast just dies for a few seconds and it comes back.

My preliminary guideline/recommendation:
If you do not live near the city and if the intermittent lost of connection bothers you, don't get it.

BobQ · 02-09-2010, 07:51 AM

Thanks guys, I was not sure if the HD ready would just work or needed the extra box, thanks.

02-08-2010, 10:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
BobQ Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Conn Posts: 20 Drives: 370 Z Nizmo Rep Power: 16	Kenwood and HD Radio I am looking at doing a new stereo, I like the kenwood 6140 but was wondering if anyone knows how the HD Radio works, do you need anything extra like for satellite radio or does it just work out of the box? also is the quality any good compared to CD's? Thanks Bob

02-08-2010, 11:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
JB-370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 1,859 Drives: Stage 2 Twin Turbos Rep Power: 19	Instead of buying the HD radio kit I would go with XM or Sirus Radio. You will enjoy your morning trips to work much better! I promise. __________________ ll Baker Tuning ll GTM ll Powerhouse Amuse ll HKS ll Up-Rev ll iForged ll AP Racing ll Pioneer ll SPL ll Bride ll Top Secret ll OS Giken ll GTM Stage 2 Twin Turboed 370z (First in Texas, Thanks To Baker Tuning)

02-08-2010, 02:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I agree I would rather spend money and get actual music stations dedicated to music I want to listen to. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

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02-08-2010, 03:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	Some of us have a problem with paying a monthly fee for crappy sounding digital radio (the bitrates XM use are far too low on most channels). If you really want to listen to top quality music then the only choice is to plug in your player.

02-08-2010, 04:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	I have a Kenwood unit with built-in HD. I did not need to buy extra units/antenna for it. The AM sounds great - better than regular FM. FM sounds awesome - almost like CD. Cons: Sometimes you lose signal ---- the broadcast just dies for a few seconds and it comes back. My preliminary guideline/recommendation: If you do not live near the city and if the intermittent lost of connection bothers you, don't get it.

02-09-2010, 07:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
BobQ Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Conn Posts: 20 Drives: 370 Z Nizmo Rep Power: 16	Thanks guys, I was not sure if the HD ready would just work or needed the extra box, thanks.