Best DAB+ digital radios

By Nic Tatham on 25 August 2009

The nation's airwaves — well, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth anyway — have now been switched on to the invisible digital delights of DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) radio, the single largest ever radio broadcasting switch-on in Australian history.

Eight years in the planning, it has taken a while for Australia to follow in the likes of the UK's DAB broadcasting footsteps, but we've been waiting for the past couple of years to adopt the latest DAB+ format and will be the first country in the world to introduce the new, more bandwidth-efficient standard.

DAB+ offers more stations with better reception, much improved stereo audio quality and accompanying text information; plus it's all free. So, what's the catch? If you think you'd like to hear (and see) what all the fuss is about, you're going to have to buy a new radio. Yes, DAB+ radios are going to be popping up all over the place, from handheld portables to bedside clock radios to full-size home stereo components. Here is a round-up to give you a taste of what DAB+ has to offer.

For a more comprehensive explanation of this new digital radio phenomenon, check out our feature Digital radio: All you need to know.

About the test

All radios were tested on the lower Central Coast, north of Sydney. Twelve DAB+ radio stations were well received in the test area using a rooftop antenna and the radios were also tested with their own supplied antennas whenever appropriate. Location plays a big part in actual DAB+ reception — for more info check www.digitalradioplus.com.au, which lists coverage and station availability nationwide.

Roberts Stream 202 (Full Review, Specs, Images, Video, Where to Buy)

One of the most intuitive in its operation, the Roberts Stream 202 is a fine sounding and easy-to-use portable device.

Topics: dab, dab+, digital radio, radio, broadcasting, station, test, reception

Related Articles

Comments (16)

  • Trafindcom commented on 01/11/2009 01:15 Report abuse

    the digital radio is use the dsp ic to searcher the program. you like the Kchibo D96L Digital radio. is can use the DIY Feature. the buy url is:http://www.trafind.com/product_info.php?cPath=102&products_id=704

  • norton commented on 02/09/2009 17:29 Report abuse

    I bought a wireless internet radio that sits beside by bed and i can tune 100 no 1000's of stations worldwide and all australian stations to, so whats the difference i can't see any and it was $140 at Aldis

  • bws commented on 26/08/2009 21:18 Report abuse

    I've got a Yamaha TSX-120 at the bedside. Although it's a scrolling display it's pretty wide and extremely bright (auto dimming for different lighting), very easy to read from across the room, no need for glasses with this model. Great sound too, even on low volume.

  • DenMan commented on 19/08/2009 23:11 Report abuse

    NOT one of these radios would I buy as a bed side radio . Anything close has microscopic display . I DONT BELEAVE HOW STUPID DESIGNES GET BUILT.PUT your glasses on to read the time !!!!!!!!!

  • Keith commented on 13/08/2009 22:37 Report abuse

    I spent some of my $900 ruddward(reward)on a revo pico+
    from the revo shop in the U.K.
    because it (& the revo blik)
    are dab+ compatable.
    I got it for AU$250.00.
    It's also a wireless internet radio so it's not not tied to the modem with a cable.
    It's also got lithium rechargble
    batteries to make it truly portable.
    The only downside is that like all the other digital radios so far ,it's only got one speaker,BUT it's got stereo plugs at the back and yes you have to lug around a pair of speakers for stereo.
    Like I said AU$250.00 for a refurbished pico+(when I unpacked it I thought it was new!)against $449.00 for a brand new one ,I reckon I got a bargain for what this little gem does!

  • clemax commented on 06/07/2009 21:57 Report abuse

    I don't know why you not mention the Maximum 200 DAB+ Tuner, which is an outstanding perfect product.
    However, since DAB+ is activated my Harman&Kardon TU970 is quiet. Any idea how to ugrade this device to support DAB+ (from previously DAB) ???

  • wowser commented on 01/07/2009 19:54 Report abuse

    who will pay several hundred bucks for a new radio? what about car radio? what about the FM radio in my phone?
    This will probably go the way of stereo am radio(What's that I hear you say)

  • ad commented on 29/06/2009 22:32 Report abuse

    Do you have to worry about a SAR rating on digital radio. Is it a healthy system compared to the controversy recently surrounding mobile phones, albeit a different system???

  • Strone commented on 27/06/2009 17:37 Report abuse

    What useless descriptions. "Doesn't beat on about itself"- what's that supposed to mean? "What you see is what you get" is a complete waste of screen space.

  • j'rod commented on 18/06/2009 13:10 Report abuse

    are all these radio's am and fm dab+ radio's as i've researched these particular radio's more, and they all just say dab fm radio's

Post your own comment

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 and A..F

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 & A..F

Submit

Enter your personal information to the left, or sign in with your Facebook account by clicking the button below.

Connect

The Explain Series

Must read