Advice on device output and sound please

Hebrews12

Hi all. We have a DAB radio but the speaker doesn't give us very good sound. I'm looking at getting something better but before I do, I'm just wondering whether it's worth getting some small speakers with better sound to plug into the headphone jack. Would that work or is it more dependent on the output?

In the event of having to buy a new one, what should I be looking for in terms of sound quality - is it just a case of the output wattage? I know I'm not going to get great sound due to the size and budget I'll be looking at but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

forgotmyname

Depends on the amplifier in the device. Cheap speakers then the amp is probably equally cheap.

Output watts is OK if your using the RMS figure not the PMPO figure than many devices use. I remember a mate
buying a stereo with over 400watts (PMPO). Looking at the rear that equated to just 2.4watts RMS.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6669561/advice-on-device-output-and-sound-please

Given that you've not mentioned your budget the following may be a starting point:-

https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-dab-radios-portable-bluetooth-in-car

Rodders53

DAB doesn't have the best sound quality due to the relatively low bitrates etc.,. Many stations are mono only, not stereo.

My advice (and I was involved in the Broadcast Industry for most of my working life) is to get a quality speaker with streaming capability to get better quality sound (higher streaming bitrates).

But without knowing your budget, nor what you like to listen to, it's all a moot point.
So what is your budget?
What do you listen to the most?

Ib06

We have a couple of "Roberts" DAB radios which we are happy with and have recently bought a couple of Amazon echo devices which we found surprisingly good for streaming internet radio… My understanding is that DAB is not as good as internet streamed audio because of bit rates, compression etc. but we are quite happy with both - a lot depends on you, your expectations and if you're an "audiophile"..!!

We also have a Yahama cinema sound system that gets DAB and can stream internet radio and to be honest I can't hear the difference, the Amazon echos are easy to use and can control other household automation (lighting etc..)

Vitor

OP, are you sure it's the speaker and not poor reception? DAB tends to 'burble' when the signal becomes marginal due to heavy rain etc.

If you have reliable broadband, WiiM devices are very good - WiiM Sound Lite Smart Speaker, Hi‑Res 24‑bit/192 kHz, AI RoomFit™ Room Correction, 100W Peak, Wi‑Fi 6E/Bluetooth 5.3, Multi‑Room & Stereo Pairing, Black : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

mta999

I would also agree that you investigate an internet connected speaker as you will get much better quality than DAB

dnpark38

I think the DAB sound in my car is very good but my house DAB radio not impressive and tuning station horrible.

Listening to radio on my AV receiver no better and streaming on TV not impressive, so I've stopped listening to radio except in the car.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82009810#Comment_82009810

Is the radio on your AV receiver through an aerial or through a stream?

dnpark38

@JSmithy45AD stream, HEOS.

twopenny

I had a problem with reception on my dab radio. Used to drop off right at the vital moment in a play.

I bought an Honour tablet for the sound quality which is excellent and listen to all broadcasts on that. Can carry it round the house and garden.

I've listened on the TV before but we get signal break up in fog or heatwave. Not so through the router.