Nextwave DAB-190 : DAB+ Digital Radio With Digital Optical Audio

The Nextwave DAB-190 Digital Radio adaptor is a cost effective way to get high quality DAB+ digital radio on your existing Hi-Fi stereo system.

The stand-out feature of the DAB-190 is that it comes with a Coaxial Digital Audio output.
This means that if your Hi-Fi amp is Digital Audio capable, you get digital audio end to end.

 

It also has line-level stereo outputs via common RCA connectors for use with all Hi-Fi systems.

It comes with a remote control, stereo cable and power adaptor.

The Nextwave DAB-190 doesn't include an internal antenna. Instead it connects to a standard TV aerial for the best possible reception. This is because DAB+ Digital Radio signals are broadcast from the same transmitters as Digital TV.

Available from on-line retailers such as specialist supplier, DPandA.com.au
Nextwave DAB-190 Digital Radio Adaptor

How To Upgrade an Existing Hi-Fi Audio System to Digital Radio with Plum Audio DAB+ Adaptor

The majority of DAB+ digital radios on the market are stand-alone portables that aren't really suited for connection to an existing Hi-Fi stereo system. Most have mini stereo output sockets that are intended for headsets, etc.

A dedicated adaptor is your best choice and although there are currently only a few on the market, they are affordable and very easy to set up.

The Plum Audio adaptor is an entry level device that does the job well. It has line-level stereo outputs via common RCA connectors. It comes with its own antenna, a remote control, stereo cable and power adaptor.

Just connect the supplied stereo RCA cable to the left and right stereo outputs of the PLUM Audio and the opposite end to any spare stereo audio input on your stereo amplifier or tuner amp.
Plug in the supplied power adaptor and wire antenna, and start the automatic tuning routine.
It will find all the available stations and you are done!

Audio performace is impressive and you will get a great deal more enjoyment from your Hi-Fi for very little outlay!

Available from on-line retailers such as specialist supplier, DPandA.com.au
Plum Audio DAB+ Digital Radio Adaptor

The OXX Digital Classic DAB+ Radio : Review

First Glance

The OXX Digital Classic DAB+ Desktop Radio comes as a sizeable, solid wooden case with a high gloss black or white finish.

Viewing the front panel we see a big 3.5-inch speaker, and two fairly large knobs; one for Volume and the other for Scrolling and Selecting

The blue backlit display shows four lines of text.

The radio also comes with “play” controls which are also pre-sets for storing stations. The
power button is situated in the middle of the buttons.


Functionality

The OXX Digital Classic DAB+ desktop radio has a choice of five modes: FM Radio, DAB+ Digital Radio, Auxiliary Input Mode, Internet Radio and DLNA streaming.

It has a built-in aerial but lacks an input for an external antenna.

The OXX Digital Classic includes an Ethernet port for Internet radio and network file streaming, as well as wireless networking. It also offers MP3 and WMA streaming from other devices on your network.

The OXX Digital Classic has four pre-sets for each mode. Storing them is accomplished by holding down the relevant button.

The auxiliary input port is for a 3.5mm stereo jack for connecting any external audio source such as an I-Pod.

It also comes with a stereo headphone socket.

Final Impressions

In summary, the OXX Digital Classic performed well in all its functions and the audio quality was great.

It is a good buy for the RRP of $299 but can be found for less on-line.

Australian Digital Radio : What is It?

What it is is relatively new. What it isn't is well known!

The commercial Australian radio stations launched digital broadcasting in five capital cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in May 2009.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) commenced its Digital Radio Broadcasts later in the year.

Coverage is being extended all the time and more Australians will have access to the services in 2010.

Australian Digital Radio is different. Where most of the world's digital radio broadasters use the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) standard, Australia decided to adopt the newer DAB+ (Plus) standard.

This meant that DAB radios that had been available in other countries would not work in Australia.

So how does it work?
The audio is converted into a digital format for transmission on the radio wave as a stream of ones and zeros. Most of us are familiar with streaming audio from the Internet or our mobile phones and it's essentially the same process on a bigger scale.

W'ell be publishing more information in future posts including something exclusive and very special we just found out about, so stay tuned!