DAB - does it sound better than freeview radio stations?

[PoloMint]

My freeview box is hooked up to a HiFi system and I listen to the radio stations on freeview from time to (Both the BBC and things like Q).

However the sound quality of these, especially the music ones like Q, is terrible. If I bought a DAB tuner would it be any better, or still sound like a low bitrate mp3?

 

[Analoguesat]

Stick to Freeview!

http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/dab/digital_radio_bit_rates.htm

From the channel list its a bit out of date, but will give you an idea.

 

[PoloMint]

Thanks for that, quite shocking really. I can understand the justification for cramming radio channels on freeview as most people probably listen through a TV so there is not that much need for high quality sound, but reducing the bitrate on DAB even further seems greedy.

Maybe I should just buy an FM tuner.

 

[rolfw]

I got DAB for listening in the van, for this purpose it is great, much better than the stations which I had to listen to on AM, but I have heard a few audiophiles who say the sound is awful.

 

[RedDevil_UK]

maybe it depends on what set you buy.

i had a proline dab radio, bought from comet for £39

it was nicked off a building site

i bought a Pure Evoke II also from comet for £119 and its the mutts nuts

not just better sound but, also a better reception too.

i think like with most things you get what you pay for.

 

[tech88]

Even though dab bit-rates can be low quite a lot depends on how well the audio has been setup particularly the processing. Some 64k bitrate stations can sound better than 128k stations.

The main problem with listening to Freeview stations through your hi-fi is not being able to turn your TV screen totally off. On satellite just your STB remains on, most Freeview users have it incorporated within the TV.

Both my Samsung and Philips flatscreen will not allow the video to be switched off......unless I'm missing something