Top tips for picking the best DAB radio

There’s a bewildering choice when it comes to DAB radios. Whether you want top-notch audio on a budget, something to play other stations and formats, or a future-proofed set that won’t be outdated any time soon, making the right selection is simple if you follow these top tips.

Step 1: DAB-only, or FM too?
Not all DAB radios are created equal. While digital purists will insist it’s time to ditch analogue FM signals, there’s a good argument for grabbing a tuner with an old-style tuner built in too. There are plenty of stations not yet available on DAB, and most cover local areas, serving up regional information such as traffic and weather.

The Roberts RD59 packs in both a DAB and an FM receiver, but at £38 it doesn’t charge for the privilege. It’s a tiny little tuner that’ll run on battery power or the mains. There are also 10 presets, which will remember which station is on FM or DAB, so all you have to do is prod for the right station.

Step 2: Web-friendly DAB
DAB might be high tech at the moment, but there’s no guarantee it’ll stay cutting edge for ever, If you want a radio that’s truly future-proof, look for one that’ll also pick up online broadcasts and update its software whenever there’re improvements available.

Pure’s Evoke Flow is a brilliant all-in-one, with DAB and FM radios, as well as Wi-Fi to hook up to your home network and stream radio from around the world. The choice of stations is mind-boggling, and whenever there’s new software available, it’ll update itself. Future-proofing at its very best.

Step 3: Brilliant broadcasts
DAB broadcasts in digital stereo quality, but despite the fantastic sound on offer, few digital sets pack more than one speaker.

To solve the problem, and hear DAB as it was intended, you’ll need a proper Hi-Fi separate, or a purpose-built stereo with a DAB tuner.

At £210, the Sony NAS-E35HD will serve up all the music you could ask for. Inside there are radio tuners for every type of broadcast, as well as a CD player and an 80GB hard drive for all your digital music files.

If you already have a Hi-Fi set up, check out the Yamaha TX761DAB. It’ll hook up to your existing kit and pump DAB radio into the speakers you already have. At £170, it’s cheaper than buying a new stereo too.

Get chatting about all the best DAB radios over at the PriceRunner forum

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