Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Ron, who shares a link to Jay Allen’s review of the Sangean HDR-18.
Jay gives the HDR-18 high marks for audio fidelity, and HD radio sensitivity. He’s also impressed with its noise-free power supply.
In general, HD radios fly beneath my radar–they’re not terribly useful to me in the rural, mountainous area where I live. HD propagation footprints are much smaller than their analog counterparts. Indeed, I can’t reliably receive a single HD broadcast unless I’m driving in town. My friends who live in larger urban areas, though, often like the added music selection HD channels offer.
When I first noticed the HDR-18, I had hoped it also included WiFi radio functionality, but it does not. (Sangean: take note for your next HD radio!)
At time of posting, Amazon’s price for the HDR-18 is $176.10 (shipped) and Universal Radio’s price is $169.99 (plus shipping).