DAB Radio BORING QUESTIONS...

[Gorvid]

Hello.

I have a 2002 Mercedes E320CDi that serves (brilliantly) as a load lugger and a motorway miles eater.

The radio is OK, steering wheel controls etc, but loses signal too much for my liking, so I thought it might be time to update it to a DAB one.

I want a DAB radio:

1. To still be able to operate it via the steering controls.
2. To have an iPhone adapter to listen to music from.
3. Fitted entirely by someone else so I do nothing at all.

I'm guessing I could go for a complete new radio or some kind of fancy adapter?

Any advice, suggestions, recommendations or info welcomed.

Help.

[A900ss]

I don't have DAB in my car but I do have a Tunein radio app on my smartphone that bluetooths to my radio.

Could be a cheap option for you if you have a big enough data plan.

Good luck.

[MarshPhantom]

Got a Sony Xplod DAB unit in our camper. We have an ipod wired in and I'm sure it has a connection for steering wheel controls. It's a good stereo.



Not too OTT looks wise either.

Edited by MarshPhantom on Sunday 15th December 14:23

[okie592]

Lots of new head units from halfords will have dab, and 90% are made for iPod now. Usually for the steering wheel controls to work you just need a adaptor which they sell too.

Sony seem to be pretty good. Always have a sale in halfords too.

Not sure if you have to upgrade the aerial tho

[garycat]

This is a good site for DAB

http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/

I got a Pure Highway to fit to my Mazda 6MPS. You will need a specific DAB aerial and the supplied windscreen aerial was crap so I bought this

http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_DRA-6004_FM-A...

...and reception was much improved but I still get drop-outs in remote locations & valleys.

[Rich_W]

MarshPhantom said:

Got a Sony Xplod DAB unit in our camper. We have an ipod wired in and I'm sure it has a connection for steering wheel controls. It's a good stereo.



Not too OTT looks wise either.

Not too OTT is relative.

Why don't the car radio manufacturers make something a bit more sensible looking. Why do they all have to have tiny buttons, stupid graphic displays in multi colours. Instead of all that tinsel they could fit decent insides. Good amplifiers and processors, fast cd operation, iPod connectivity.

There's something to be said for the simplicity of some radios. All I want to do is adjust the bass to compensate for tyre/engine/wind noise drowning it out. And let the Treble be just so. I don't expect the same quality as at home. I don't need an animated display of a fish swimming. Or green lights that flash when it gets too loud.





Nakamichi come close



I'm reminded of the old Clarkson thing.

http://youtu.be/LSYD4a3RzW4?t=14m38s

Keep it simple!

Edited by Rich_W on Sunday 15th December 17:16