4 replies to this topic

[aabrass53]

Hi,

New to the forum and looking at a Ford Mondeo 2.0TDCI Ghia second hand from Motorpoint.  Could go for an 08 plate but does not have the DAB radio whereas if I hold out for the 58 plates to come through then DAB radio as standard.  Wondered if the unit justifies my wait/extra expense?  Have used a Pure Highway before in my car and whilst it gets rave reviews and was easy to set up I was not impressed with the stereo separation compared to FM.  More stations yes.... More engaging musical experience no..Have gone back to FM.  If DAB sets not particularly good then can save myself some dosh and just have the FM version.  Do the DAB radios have an FM option also?

Thankyou for reading my very first post and thanks in advance for your responses


Regards



aabrass53

[Lord Buckingham]

I have the DAB option in mine, and on the whole its pretty good. Coverage wise there are a few gaps, I have used it mainly in the South / Midlands and I have to admit it says on DAB most of the time.

I guess it may depend on what your taste in music is :rocker:

Cheers

Richard

[silo24]

The DAB unit has an inbuilt FM tuner too, so no problems there.

The system is actually fairly good, as it has a good 'Service Link' system which will automatically drop you back onto the FM version of a channel if the DAB signal drops.

You'll notice the different dynamic ranges however. The FM broadcasts generally feel more rich in terms of emphasis on the lower frequencies, however I find there is a clear difference in quality and DAB is a more balanced sound across the spectrum, despite the low-ish bit rates in the UK.

Also, Five Live & Sports Extra are reason enough for me, as the AM versions of these are shocking.

[Pooh_Bore]

I haven't used FM yet. Quite happy even in south wales with the recepion on DAB.  Planet rock and Gold keep me happy.

[Gary_Boldie]

I had a JVC aftermarket stereo with DAB in my last car, with an external aerial, and I always thought the sound quality was fine for use in a running car. Having said that, and dispite the marketing hype, DAB isn't about sound quality. The bit-rates are low and, with the car parked, it did show if you listened for it. Some of the channels aren't even stereo.
For me, the extra channels easily outweighed the quality issues but, if you're a hi-fi buff, you may think differently.

Cheers,

Gary.