[gangzoom]

The Pure 300Di DAB add on can be wired into the 'aux' port. At £150-170 is much cheaper than any other options I looked at since it also give you MP3/USB interface. But even with a powered extern aerial the DAB reception is OK at the best of times, and often useless on M ways. For the last 2 months haven't used DAB once, the USB function is good though.

[Boyd1963]

Originally Posted by gangzoom

The Pure 300Di DAB add on can be wired into the 'aux' port. At £150-170 is much cheaper than any other options I looked at since it also give you MP3/USB interface. But even with a powered extern aerial the DAB reception is OK at the best of times, and often useless on M ways. For the last 2 months haven't used DAB once, the USB function is good though.

I found the opposite to be true. For me it's fine on the motorway but bad around town. Of course amongst other things it also depends on what you are listening to. Most of the stations are fine in Bournemouth but Planet Rock reception is rubbish. The reason for this turns out to be cost. Planet Rock only broadcasts on 2 of the 3 local transmitters to save money.

I tested DAB in a Focus ST and it was superb thanks to the big long antenna on the roof.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by Boyd1963

I found the opposite to be true. For me it's fine on the motorway but bad around town. Of course amongst other things it also depends on what you are listening to. Most of the stations are fine in Bournemouth but Planet Rock reception is rubbish. The reason for this turns out to be cost. Planet Rock only broadcasts on 2 of the 3 local transmitters to save money.

I tested DAB in a Focus ST and it was superb thanks to the big long antenna on the roof.

What type of antenna are you using? I don't like the external windscreen mount one that comes with it!

[BanziBarn]

When does analogue turn off? Won't we all need this at some point?

[Hopeful]

Last I heard 2015 was a possibility but there's no firm date. Ed Vaizey said
''I am not setting a date. The industry believes 2015 is an achievable target date and we will work to support that ambition. And when the weight of public opinion is behind it, with more than half of all radio listening digital, then we can take the decision on when the country will be ready for switchover.''

[IanS100]

A 2015 proposed switch off yet manufacturers are still selling cars without DAB, meaning that in 2015 2 & 3 year old cars could be left without any reception - MAD!

[BanziBarn]

Originally Posted by IanS100

A 2015 proposed switch off yet manufacturers are still selling cars without DAB, meaning that in 2015 2 & 3 year old cars could be left without any reception - MAD!

Totally. I'd almost think that within the warranty period, if they switch off analogue the manufacturer should install DAB free of charge because after all, a radio with no way of receiving a signal is as good as a broken radio.

[Boyd1963]

Originally Posted by IanS100

What type of antenna are you using? I don't like the external windscreen mount one that comes with it!

I've got factory fitted DAB in my current car so the signal is picked up by the aerial on the rear windscreen.

In my previous car where I had an after market DAB I used to use a magnetic aerial that I got from dabonwheels. This worked exceptionally well when mounted on my boot lid but was a bit unsightly. I therefore usually just stuck it upside down in the boot and his worked pretty well most of the time.

My honest opinion is that if you want consistently good DAB reception you need an external aerial.

[Sparks69]

I've fitted the Alpine Ezi-DAB (£275 fitted) to my E91 which is similar to the Pure Highway 300 but uses an internal windscreen mounted aerial. Overall works well plus gives you ipod/usb connectivity!