Digital – or not? Unfortunately, the terms are often mixed up: A “digital radio” actually refers to a receiver for digital broadcasting, i.e. DAB+. However, some dealers also refer to a device as this that offers a numeric frequency display for FM, but only receives analogue signals. Others describe internet radio as digital radio because digital data is also processed here. But without the Internet, an Internet radio cannot receive anything, but a DAB+ device can.
And then there is also the term “web radio”, which is further confusing because such a device does not “receive” websites, but rather data streams. These are usually listed on the station’s homepage, but the device retrieves them directly. “Internet radio” is therefore the more sensible term. In this guide we look at the most important categories.
We show you more about digital broadcasting in your own four walls in the following articles:
All-in-one solutions for digital radio
If you want to listen to the radio via all channels, do you need a radio for FM, one for DAB+ and one for Internet? In principle yes, but in terms of acquisition and operating costs, operation and space requirements, it makes sense to combine this in one device in which only the respective reception path is switched.
Certain reception methods are almost always included anyway. Most DAB+ receivers also receive FM, only pure supplementary tuners or in particular the Harman Kardon Oasis DAB+ (test report) do not. This can simultaneously act as a multiroom-compatible smart speaker and therefore as an internet radio and can also access other streaming services such as Spotify or the current weather via Google Assistant.
Modern entertainment systems in cars now switch over automatically when a reception path is no longer available: If the DAB+ supply is lost, the station currently being listened to is picked up from FM and, when it ends there too, then from the Internet. Only when the mobile phone network fails does the radio fall silent or look for another station.
This is not common for home devices and you should make sure to listen to local stations via analogue or digital reception if possible in order to be independent of the internet connection, which can stutter under high load. In any case, it is not an option for providing information in emergencies because the data networks are often the first to fail. The EWF (advice) warning function, which works via DAB+, is useful here. But of course many stations can be reached via the Internet where it is not possible otherwise.
Harman Kardon Citation Oasis DAB – photo gallery
Template – photo series
Internetradios & Multiroom
In addition to these “reception channels”, there are many other options if there is already an internet connection. This includes accessing streaming services (guides) such as Spotify, which of course no longer has anything to do with “radio”, or playing music and podcasts from local networks, smartphones or USB sticks. Other options include multi-room operation, i.e. being able to listen to music synchronously in different rooms, voice control and even playing CDs. Many devices can then also function as Bluetooth speakers for music from your cell phone or as a hands-free speaker.
The playable formats should be as diverse as possible. MP3 is almost always available as a radio stream; However, AAC streams now offer better sound quality at the same bit rate. If you want to play local files or Hi-Res streams, .flac or .wav without compression can also be used.
Most users won’t need everything – those who use streaming services often no longer listen to CDs or already have them digitized in their local network. Multiroom (theme world) makes sense if you want to listen to streaming or Internet radio in more than one room, otherwise the data traffic will multiply, the streams will not run synchronously and with paid services you will not be able to access more than one stream.
Telestar: EWF pioneer also offers internet radio
If internet radio is important to you, you are well served with a device like the Telestar MIRA M 1 A (test report). The radio can also access different stream qualities. This device is also a good choice if the EWF warning system is required and, according to the manufacturer, in the mobile version it can also be operated for 15 hours by the built-in battery in the event of a power failure. Of course, internet radio is not an issue; The infrastructure requires a regular mains power supply, whether switching centers, connection boxes or the router at home.
An interesting solution to satisfy many interests, and in addition to EWF, the device also has a unique selling point with the recording function: you can record the current program – or program recordings, as with a video recorder. Whether from FM, DAB+ or Internet.
The Roberts Radio Stream 67 (test report) is also interesting as a “jack of all trades”. This can even be used via multiroom to play other devices from this manufacturer and other brands that use the Undok app with analogue program sources such as FM radio or a connected record player.
Roberts Radio Stream 67 – photo series
Roberts Radio Stream 67 – photo series
Telestar also offers compact systems that can also play CDs, such as the Dira S32i CD model or the Imperial Dabman models. Most of these are standalone radios with built-in speakers; But there are also models for connecting to existing systems.
Tuner for DAB+ for retrofitting
DAB tuners, on the other hand, do not have their own amplifiers or speakers, but are smaller and cheaper, like the VR radio IRS-40 (test report). The cheapest solution for retrofitting an existing stereo system with new reception channels – DAB+, Internet or streaming.
Conclusion
If you want to buy a new radio today that doesn’t just receive the local station, you should get a multifunctional device that offers internet radio and streaming functions in addition to FM and DAB+. You can also listen to Radio Caroline from England in stereo as if the station was around the corner, but also local stations when the DSL goes on strike again, or play treasures from your MP3 collection.