Subscribe now

DIGITAL radios costing many hundreds of pounds can make some types of music
sound worse than it does on FM radio, equipment reviews have revealed. Until
now, backers of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) technology had promised
listeners “near CD-quality” sound.

The February issue of the British magazine Hi-Fi Choice compares the
DAB radio receivers now available from Arcam, Cymbol and Technics, which cost
from £500 to £1000. The reviewer was Richard Black, who is a concert
pianist and electronics engineer. He found that all three receivers produced
good sound with some material, but says “it all went horribly wrong” with…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop