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[I_want_an_Omega]

As per title of post really. There are a couple of stations available on DAB and Freeview Radio that I like listening to, thing is which offers the best sound quality between them? I honestly can't the difference between them when connected up to a reasonable sound system at home.

DAB gives a nice instant display of the track info which I have to turn the TV on to get with the Freeview option (setbox audio out), however, DAB really suffers from iffy signal and "gargles" every few mins or so. I'm using an external DAB aerial and get the same problem with two different DAB tuners, whereas the Freeview option is, fingers crossed, ok so far.

Comments appreciated.

Thanks - Rob

[Kevin Wood]

I believe both Freeview and DAB transmissions use the outdated MP2 codec at the same bit rate. That's certainly true of the BBC radio stations. Most freeview setups will have a much more stable signal than a DAB radio as the coverage is better and most of us have a decent external antenna for freeview so I would say use freeview for home listening. Not much point in  using DAB in the home, IMHO.

Failing that, listen online. Often online versions of the stations will use a decent audio codec such as AAC so you get better bang for your buck as far as bit rate goes.

Listen back-to-back and see if you can spot a difference. If you can't hear it, it doesn't matter.

[I_want_an_Omega]

I believe both Freeview and DAB transmissions use the outdated MP2 codec at the same bit rate. That's certainly true of the BBC radio stations. Most freeview setups will have a much more stable signal than a DAB radio as the coverage is better and most of us have a decent external antenna for freeview so I would say use freeview for home listening. Not much point in  using DAB in the home, IMHO.

Failing that, listen online. Often online versions of the stations will use a decent audio codec such as AAC so you get better bang for your buck as far as bit rate goes.

Listen back-to-back and see if you can spot a difference. If you can't hear it, it doesn't matter.

That's what I did and couldn't tell the difference! Was just interested to see if there was a difference in coding techniques.

Thanks

[MaxV6]

the majority of DAB stations use variable width systems,  bit rates are reduced for some programmes, and increased slightly for others....     whereas freeview is AFAIK static.

on average you'll have a higher bit rate signal stream, and often a more stable reception on freeview...   

aside from that what it really comes down to is the reproduction side of things.... the DA conversion and the analogue output stage.

sadly most sensibly priced  DAB's and virtually all TV/freeview boxes, use the cheapest shittiest nastiest DA they can find, and the most neolithically basic output stage designs....   

so they all sound crap.....


listening online, can be far far better if you can find a decent bit stream,

 and acquire a decent Replay system , using external D/A conversion over Firewire/USB, or optical SPDIF , for example,   maybe a unit from Apogee, Benchmark, Lavry, or Lynx,   (this rather assumes you have a decent amp + speakers, or quality headphones)

i can happily demonstrate this to those wishing to hear the difference....   


no i don't sell the stuff..... 

[tigers_gonads]

the majority of DAB stations use variable width systems,  bit rates are reduced for some programmes, and increased slightly for others....     whereas freeview is AFAIK static.

on average you'll have a higher bit rate signal stream, and often a more stable reception on freeview...   

aside from that what it really comes down to is the reproduction side of things.... the DA conversion and the analogue output stage.

sadly most sensibly priced  DAB's and virtually all TV/freeview boxes, use the cheapest shittiest nastiest DA they can find, and the most neolithically basic output stage designs....   

so they all sound crap.....


listening online, can be far far better if you can find a decent bit stream,

 and acquire a decent Replay system , using external D/A conversion over Firewire/USB, or optical SPDIF , for example,   maybe a unit from Apogee, Benchmark, Lavry, or Lynx,   (this rather assumes you have a decent amp + speakers, or quality headphones)

i can happily demonstrate this to those wishing to hear the difference....   


no i don't sell the stuff.....

Agreed 

I've been pulling the sound off my digibox and dvd player with a digi coax or fibr optic cable and sending it to my dsp amp for years 
Makes hell of a difference