Hi guys,

After scouring the net and not finding an answer I thought I would ask the wise people of seabreaze.

I'm having trouble finding out what is the best head deck for FM reception. A short time ago I brough a top of the time clarion deck with all the fruit, (DVD, camera etc) added a redicoulus long antenna and I still get **** reeceptiuon. My misses stock Hyundai gets reception twice the distance.

So after chatting to a few people they advised me that its all the extras that effect you reception and to just revert back to a basic deck for better reception.

So my question is, what is the best deck for reception?? Has anyone any tips, secrets that may help. I spend a shed load of time cruising up and down the coast and reception is by far the most important feature now.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance.

the stick-on thin wire antenna (looks like rear window demister) is supposed to be way better than a long "normal" antenna.....

What's the make/model/year of your car ?

Your wife's car is no doubt using an antenna amplifier. Are you using one now ?. Did it use one before your install ? (ie: was it factory default ?)

2008 Nissan Patrol. It had an aftermarket cheapy that wasn't working.

No im not using an antenna amplifier,. I thought that was only for AM,.. my issue is im trying to get FM??

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Gazuki said..

2008 Nissan Patrol. It had an aftermarket cheapy that wasn't working.

No im not using an antenna amplifier,. I thought that was only for AM,.. my issue is im trying to get FM??

What did your car originally have ?. Did the original antenna have two cables ?

No, FM antennas can have amplifiers as well (Low Noise Amplifier - aka LNA). They are normally located near or inside the antenna assembly.

Below is an example of an antenna + LNA. A Toyota Corolla antenna. The LNA is located inside the base of the antenna.

If you are after the best brand for FM reception , I have been told by a suitably trained radio tech that Kenwood , Yamaha , or Alpine are the best .
And you don't need all the bells and whistles . The basic unit will do it best as they use Quality components.

Slightly of topic but does anyone make DAB car radios ? I use one at home as it got rid of all the interference my other electronics seemed to be throwing out, as well as giving a hell of a lot more stations. I will confess I haven't actually looked in a shop for one but have wondered for a while if they were available. Also wondered what sort of range DAB has.

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jeff2 said..
If you are after the best brand for FM reception , I have been told by a suitably trained radio tech that Kenwood , Yamaha , or Alpine are the best .
And you don't need all the bells and whistles . The basic unit will do it best as they use Quality components.

I agree with Jeffo, I had a crappy old Falcon, but put in a Kenwood stereo. A mate of mine got in and said "that is a great rig, good tunes too", I thought that was a pretty good reception..