DAB radios for hi-fi nutters
Round-up reviews let you compare four related products and find out which one is best for you
Round-up by: Chris Stevens
Last updated: 10 Mar 2006
All these digital tuners have been built under the assumption that you love radio to the extent that a psychologist might be interested in your case. Forget the half-hearted squealing of kitchen radios, these are full-blown stackable hi-fi separates. If you have an existing amplifer and speakers, these are the DAB tuners you should be looking at.
Anyone who was getting tired of the saccharine pop that pollutes analogue airwaves, rejoice. Although the bit rate (which roughly translates as fidelity) of UK DAB broadcasts doesn't set us on fire, the choice of programming does. True audiophiles will stick to FM for the Proms because it offers a much better sound quality.
Mystified? You should be. We were all given the impression that DAB would be superior in quality to FM, but the problem is that UK broadcasters don't transmit at a quality that's even as good as a standard MP3 file. The difference of course is in the reception, which is variable with FM, but with DAB is either perfect or non-existent.
The offerings on show here range from Yamaha's attractive mini-system all the way up to PURE's world-class DRX-702ES. Happy DABbing, radio freaks!
Compare Products
 Sony ST-SDB900 |
 PURE Digital DRX-702ES |
 Yamaha CRX-M170 |
 Denon TU-1800DAB |
|
| Review date | 9 Mar 06 | 9 Feb 06 | 3 Jan 06 | 2 Dec 05 |
| Editors' rating |
7.5
|
8.3
|
7.9
|
8.2
|
| Price range | £195 | £330 | £187 | £220 |
| Review summary | Sony has delivered a strong offering to the entry-level hi-fi enthusiast. Though it may not have the edge, at this price the ST-SDB900 is an exceptionally capable tuner. For ease of set-up and sound quality it's up there with the best of them Read full review |
This is another very well-specified DAB from Pure, with excellent sonic characteristics and a durable, stylish build. Though DAB broadcasts in the UK won't impress anyone looking for CD-quality sound, within the limitations of the medium, the DRX-702ES delivers a sterling performance Read full review |
Though hardcore audiophiles are quick to dismiss integrated units, the CRX-M170 demonstrates that packing a CD player, amplifer and DAB radio into the same unit doesn't always result in compromised sound. Most listeners will be impressed by this mini system's fidelity and power output Read full review |
The range of stations on offer to DAB listeners and the minimal interference with a good aerial makes the format superior to FM, however those expecting anything near CD quality will be disappointed. Luckily the TU-1800DAB is future-proof and will be able to recieve higher bit rate broadcasts when, or if, they become available. Nonetheless it's one of the best tuners we've heard. If you love radio, you'll love this Read full review |
| User rating | ||||
| Product type | Separate | Separate | Mini system | Separate |
| Sound output mode | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Output options | Other | Other | Speaker, Headphones | Other |
| DAB frequency range | Band III | 174 - 240 MHz | 174-240MHz | Band III; L-Band |
| FM tuner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power source(s) | Mains | Mains | Mains | Mains |
| DAB presets | n/a | 99 | n/a | n/a |
| FM presets | n/a | 99 | n/a | n/a |
| Display size (W x H) | n/a | n/a | 10 x 12 mm | n/a |
| Full specification | Full specification | Full specification | Full specification |
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