Modification, Repair, and Sale of the Sony XDR-F1HD Tuner
Specializing in the Sony XDR-F1HD since 2013 with over 700 units completed.
"I don't work on anything else!"
Comparing fringe reception on the Sony XDR-F1HD & Sangean HDT-20.
I've upgraded, modified, and repaired somewhere over 700 Sony XDR-F1HD tuners since 2013. I stand behind every tuner with a 60 or 120-day "Repair It or Replace It" warranty: If something isn't right, tell me and I'll make it right. Your satisfaction is important to me.
Please ask questions if you're not sure about anything described on my website!
Five Reasons Why the Sony XDR-F1HD is Worth Repairing or Modding & Upgrading
- The XDR-F1HD's FM reception is unmatched by almost any other consumer gear, vintage or new. Its ability to pull in difficult FM stations might be unsurpassed by any other tuner at any price. The video above comparing the Sony to the Sangean HDT-20 demonstrates the XDR making weak fringe stations listenable.
- These things run WAY too hot, dramatically reducing the tuner's service life. Sony probably saved $1 in the cost of building these by omitting a cooling fan. If you don't keep the thing cool, it can literally fry itself over time.
- The XDR-F1HD is capable of sounding VERY good! I never make any claims about the Sony being "audiophile" gear. Sony mass-produced these to retail for $100. There is nothing audiophile about its build quality. Would a component tuner aimed at the audiophile market have an injection-molded plastic case? But the digital processing of the XDR's Tuner/DSP section is EXCELLENT. Its stock audio quality can be significantly improved.
- Sony left out some user convenience features and made a few dubious decisions in the design process:
- The display is always lit up whether the tuner is On or Off. Yes, you can turn down the brightness, but are you going to mess with that every time you use the tuner?
- The clock time and station presets are lost within seconds every time power is removed. Very annoying.
- There's no way for the user to force the tuner into Analog-Only mode when HD is present.
- The factory FM alignment is a little off on every single one of these. I've never run into one that couldn't be improved at least slightly. Other technicians and engineers have confirmed this.
My upgrades & mods can mitigate all these issues. If you're interested in upgrading your XDR-F1HD and extending its service life, contact me.
NOTE: Ability to mod & upgrade your XDR-F1HD is contingent on it being in good condition and not overly heat-stressed when I receive it. If I discover any issues with that, we’ll discuss how to proceed.
XDRGUY, LLC / dave@xdrguy.com