Car Stereos: HD radio reception, antenna amplifier, factory antenna

Question
I just read your answer to KevO about his reception problem. Mine is similar. Intermittent reception. The big difference is that I have a Dual XHD5425 in an MGB (1976) with the standard old whip type antenna. I didn't have it installed by an audio shop could that power connection you mentioned in KevO's answer be the problem here? How can it be checked and fixed if that is in fact the problem? Thanks, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

I'm certain that a 1976 MGB won't be equipped with a factory antenna amplifier, so I doubt the power connection is an issue (unless, of course, it's a telescoping power antenna).  

I can tell you that I haven't been impressed with the tuner section of Dual head units in general, though I haven't tested your particular model.  HD radio tuners in particular can be pretty frustrating, as they require a strong signal to receive the HD radio broadcast.  Most head units will automatically switch back to the analog antenna signal if they can't keep the HD signal locked in; depending on the radio station, the transition can be pretty jarring.  

You might want to try picking up a universal after-market AM/FM antenna, and temporarily connect it to the new head unit to see if your reception improves.  You don't have to mount the new antenna for this test; it will still pick up FM radio stations if you leave it unmounted (though it might not do so well with AM stations).  This at least will tell you if the problem is in the factory antenna or your new radio.

Hope this helps!

Brian