DSE: Pure DAB + Digital Radios. One MI $49.98 Save $30, Pure One Mini $84 Save $14

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  BJReplay on 17/03/2011 - 09:47

  +4

  Both of these radios are let down by fact they use proprietary battery packs rather than AA or AAA batteries - the charge packs are $43/$50 from DSE, so your $50 radio is now $93 or $134 if you want to take it anywhere.

  Cheaper than usual if you're happy to always use it plugged in, but way more expensive than alternatives that will use any sort of rechargable or standard battery.

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  atlas on 17/03/2011 - 09:50

  I got a bigger version of these for Xmas for my mum from JB and she loves it. If I recall correctly, it was marked at $180 and got it down to about $150.

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  rodgo on 17/03/2011 - 10:09

  Stupid question but do you get AM on all these digital radios on the market? I need to fire up SEN for the AFl season.

  • 

    BJReplay on 17/03/2011 - 10:14

    No, but SEN is broadcasting digitally - see http://www.digitalradioplus.com.au/

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    retiredfeline on 17/03/2011 - 10:15

    No, it's a different broadcast technology, not AM or FM. Although many DAB+ radios can receive FM too. However you may find your fave AM station also broadcasts on DAB+ also. Plus many other new stations. Go here to find what stations are available:

    http://www.digitalradioplus.com.au/

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  djones145 on 17/03/2011 - 10:21

  +1

  these aint the radios where u can plug it to ur internet connection and get world radio channels right

  • 

    retiredfeline on 17/03/2011 - 10:29

    No, they are not Internet radios. These are free-to-air broadcasts.

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  hashtagbargain on 17/03/2011 - 10:33

  Can someone volunteer to explain the current state of digital radio in Australia? Im used to listening to the usual FM, will it be a worthy upgrade? good music? good coverage? good quality? let us know your thoughts, if you own one please. Thanks!

  • 

    retiredfeline on 17/03/2011 - 10:41

    +1

    You can find technical details of the technology here:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Audio_Broadcasting

    Sound quality is definitely better than AM, and can be as good as FM, but this depends on the bandwidth allocated. But I wouldn't throw out that FM tuner yet. Not all FM programs are on DAB+. Currently it's supplementing AM stations. I've thrown out my AM tuner. Also good DAB+ tuners are still expensive.

    As for station choice go to http://www.digitalradioplus.com.au/ Remember to check the coverage for your area.

    I've found that DAB+ reception is quite robust. I need nothing more than the telescopic antenna on the radio even though I'm indoors.

    • 

      ESEMCE on 17/03/2011 - 11:59

      +1 to this
      FM quality will in general be better quality than the Digital version as very few stations are broadcasting at a high enough bit rate to get higher quality.
      DAB+ is primarily a better AM alternative (although you lose the massive range that AM has)

  • 

    Stone on 17/03/2011 - 10:47

    +1

    I can't give any professional advice but I have a Pure digital radio. I live 70km SE from Melbourne CBD and have constant reception.

    The audio quality seems much better than FM… I've connected amplified speakers up to it and used it for a couple of parties, so the quality is fine.

    It has the same music as your current stations but there is a few extra stations thrown in.

    I purchased one for my Dad who loves his AM but had to go to extraordinary lengths to get reception with his old radio at his work. The new radio is perfectly clear for all his AM stations with no drop outs.

    This is just my experience, it may vary depending on coverage in your area.

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 17/03/2011 - 11:08

      Agreed - in practice the quality is going to be much better under most scenarios.

  • 

    sublemon on 17/03/2011 - 11:53

    I find no discernible difference in audio quality, but reception is generally better (nova for me).
    Like digital tv, searching for stations is really simple and you don't have to manual tune through the frequencies. Also has ID for the station name and songs playing etc.
    I can't say it's a 'worthy' upgrade at the moment, you are not missing out on much (ala early digital tv days) and prices will surely come down and quality radios will be more affordable.

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  rmk on 17/03/2011 - 10:38

  Which of these is better?

  • 

    g12345567 on 17/03/2011 - 11:03

    If you need 3.5" line out to connect to amplifier or headphones then get the Mini. The MI does not have audio out socket

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  [Deactivated] on 17/03/2011 - 10:45

  These are good prices, and Pure was the best of the "bad bunch" of early DAB brands (think early Digital TV - quirky menus, firmware fixes). However with the likes of Sony now starting to come out with digital radios at reasonable prices, I personally wouldn't touch anything like this.

  • 

    Crownanchor on 17/03/2011 - 13:26

    When it comes to digital radio, these "alternative" brand comparisons do not apply. Pure, Oxx and Roberts are some of the best names for DAB digital for the consumer market.

    The company behind Pure is quite a large corporation.

    Good to see Yamaha and Sony with DAB+ radios. The pricing of the Plum and other professional names are also falling and currently at attractive pricing.

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      [Deactivated] on 17/03/2011 - 13:42

      Pure is one of the best names for DAB I agree, and in evidence of that they have a comprehensive technical FAQ with over 100 articles.

      Over 100 technical FAQs? Well that's certainly not the sort of radio I'd give my mother.

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  rodgo on 17/03/2011 - 10:48

  I just ordered one thorugh DSE online and it came with free shipping also. Hopefully it can play the footy loud and clear.

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  [Deactivated] on 18/03/2011 - 08:00

  ? save $14 on mini. jb hi fi sell it for $87