In Car Dab Radio

[pug_ham 243 3 Cars]

Quick & easy one for the stereo buffs.

 

I recently upgraded the stereo in my 306 for a Pioneer one with a front usb input but in the new year sales I've seen a Sony Dab radio which has caught my interest.

 

The Pioneer unit is fine for what I use it but having used Sony stereos for the last few years, I prefer the interface which is why I'm considering a swap.

 

I know I'll need a separate DAB aerial (~£20) but other than that has anyone got a DAB radio in their car & what are your thoughts?

 

g

[SweetBadger 93]

Loads of stations available, but not many quality ones! Only worth it if there's a particular station you want to listen to which is only available on DAB if you ask me.

 

Have an early Sony DAB radio in the 306 - works a treat and have not lost reception wherever I've driven it (apart from right next to the transmitter in crystal palace! Odd...).

 

Can only comment on the bbc 6 music reception though as it stays tuned to that station.

 

Would recommend the Kenwood Dab-a1 arial - looks neat and works better than a previous unbranded one i had (if you get it just make sure you have phantom power turned on on the radio as it's a powered antenna)

[JamesE 5]

Completely depends on the area. I've just taken my Sony Dab out as the missus bought me a new one for Xmas.

 

I'm supposedly in a strong signal area but it does drop out.

 

Best reason to go dab is if you want a station which isn't on normal radio. In my case that was planet rock. Can't hear a difference in audio quality.

[ScoobyJawa 23]

Had it on my BMW for 2 years, used it about 3 times!

[Carbs4me 45]

Ive had a Kenwood DAB radio for about 2 years in my 205, Seems to me like in bad weather it cant really pick up any stations in summer its great!

[pug_ham 243 3 Cars]

Thanks for the input.

 

I'm not currently sold on DaB radio, I have one at home but rarely listen to i because the reception just drops off randomly.

 

Station wise, it'd be 6music, planet Rock & XFM so maybe its not actually worth it.

 

g

[Carbs4me 45]

Planet rock i very rarely get XFM is the same.... never even picked up 6music!

 

Fortunately for me i listen to Kiss FM which has a pretty good signal... the most likely stations your going to pick up are the BBC ones they seem to work in any condition tbh

[omega 82]

i purchased a digital radio for the home so i could listen to a radio station from my home town,only to find out that it dosnt work like that

[pug_ham 243 3 Cars]

Planet rock i very rarely get XFM is the same.... never even picked up 6music!

 

Fortunately for me i listen to Kiss FM which has a pretty good signal... the most likely stations your going to pick up are the BBC ones they seem to work in any condition tbh

 

I get both Planet rock & 6music at home but not XFM but the DAB coverage website claims I should have all three.

 

Completely depends on the area. I've just taken my Sony Dab out as the missus bought me a new one for Xmas. I'm supposedly in a strong signal area but it does drop out. Best reason to go dab is if you want a station which isn't on normal radio. In my case that was planet rock. Can't hear a difference in audio quality.

 

What model was your old Sony head unit? Might be the one I've seen on sale (half price).

 

Would recommend the Kenwood Dab-a1 arial - looks neat and works better than a previous unbranded one i had (if you get it just make sure you have phantom power turned on on the radio as it's a powered antenna)

With regards to the aerial, if I do get a DAB radio for the 306, I'll buy the correct DAB aerial (£20 from halfords) but I've also seen a much higher spec Sony DAB radio which has one included for a few £'s more than the stereo I'd seen initially.

 

g

[scottbarton 34 1 Cars]

I installed a Kenwood DAB last year, with iPod interface. Had to buy the aerial, I think about £12 off eBay, and its brilliant. Full iPod control via a remote (no more bending down to reach the volume) DAB crystal clear, and when the signal drops off for any reason the unit automatically switches to FM.

 

[scottbarton 34 1 Cars]

This is the kiddie....at a great price too.

http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-kenwood-kdc-dab4551u_p-27102.htm

 

[JamesE 5]

What model was your old Sony head unit? Might be the one I've seen on sale

 

g

 

A dab6650. I'd describe it as 'ok'

[pug_ham 243 3 Cars]

This is the kiddie....at a great price too. http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-kenwood-kdc-dab4551u_p-27102.htm

 

The Sony's I've seen are both close to that price (one cheaper & more less than £5 more) in the new year sales with the Dab aerial.

 

A dab6650. I'd describe it as 'ok'

 

OK, thanks. No usb input or wma support so new version would be preferable but won't be swapping just yet.

 

g