2012 vs 2013 HD radio

If your OB is a premium that does not include the H/K amp under the passenger front seat than you have a long road ahead of you. Basically you would have to source all of the wiring, amp, and radio to get it to work. Or you can go with an aftermarket unit that probably does most things better. The kit offered from Metra in my '12 fits and looks good. There is an option for a double din OEM dash kit from Europe that someone procured, but at a much higher price. You would still need to use an aftermarket unit though.

Ouch!
Considering cost/effort and the result, at this point the best option is to go aftermarket (aside from staying 0-cost stock).

The "HK" radio isn't worth "upgrading" to. Go aftermarket.

Do many stations broadcast in HD? That would determine whether it is worth it.

Ron

Another problem with the HD in the HK radio is that the reception is awful.

The FM reception is pretty poor in comparison to my other cars. In our Jetta I could get DC101 all the way to Fredericksburg but in the Outback I only make it about halfway before it gets staticy.

The HD reception is even worse. Just driving around Northern VA (Fairfax, Reston, Centreville, Gainesville) the HD signal is constantly cutting in and out. When it cuts out the radio reverts to a standard FM signal and there is a slight volume change so it's fairly obvious. Of course if you are listening to a HD-only channel it cuts out completely. As a result I have just have the HD setting disabled.

The FM and HD reception are one of the very short list of things that bug me about my car.

Rockin Ronnie said:

Do many stations broadcast in HD? That would determine whether it is worth it.

Ron

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In my area most of the stations broadcast in HD. For me the real jewel is all the substations. Some stations have more than one.

GasGuzz said:

It would also be interesting what parts/assys would be available for this ‘upgrade’ (keep in mind the HK has steering controls too). Given you can/probably only get this from the dealer, I would expect being raked over coals.

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As long as the OP is willing to forgo the steering controls, I'm thinking it's going to be just as easy, maybe easier, to install the factory HK stereo as any aftermarket unit.

Usually, to install a aftermarket unit, it's an adapter to fit the head unit in the same space as the factory unit and a wiring harness adapter.. If the aftermarket unit needs a separate amps, it's no different then the HK unit, since most amps are installed in the trunk space or under a seat..

I feel the only reason to go aftermarket is you usually get a much better unit for the price.

crabjoe said:

I feel the only reason to go aftermarket is you usually get a much better unit for the price.

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Aftermarket head units typically have more features, better functionality and better sound quality.

crabjoe said:

As long as the OP is willing to forgo the steering controls, I'm thinking it's going to be just as easy, maybe easier, to install the factory HK stereo as any aftermarket unit.

Usually, to install a aftermarket unit, it's an adapter to fit the head unit in the same space as the factory unit and a wiring harness adapter.. If the aftermarket unit needs a separate amps, it's no different then the HK unit, since most amps are installed in the trunk space or under a seat..

I feel the only reason to go aftermarket is you usually get a much better unit for the price.

Click to expand...

If the OP has anything other than a limited then he will have to add the amp that is under the seat as well as the wiring. The H/K head unit is a dead head. Personally the best (and economical) is to go with an aftermarket.