DAB+ is the digital successor to FM broadcasting and was introduced in 2011. The abbreviation stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and uses the MPEG-4 AAC+ codec. It uses digital transmission technology and allows multiple programs to be broadcast on one channel, which is more cost-effective for providers and offers users greater choice. The bit rate of the channels varies, for example BR24 broadcasts at 64 kbps, BR3 at 96 kbps and BR-Klassik at 144 kbps.
The advantages of DAB+ over classic VHF radios with FM are noise-free sound, a diverse selection of programs and the ability to display additional information such as weather maps, traffic information and album covers. The transmission takes place terrestrially between the radio transmitter and antenna, similar to FM transmitters.
The spread of the DAB standard is continuously increasing. Currently, more than 33 percent of all households in Germany have a DAB+ receiver. In Bavaria this proportion is as high as 36 percent, while in Berlin it is only 24.7 percent. The availability of DAB+ stations varies by region.
Anyone who wants to enjoy DAB+ at home can now get inexpensive receivers as retrofit solutions. This means your beloved stereo system can continue to operate. For an older stereo system, a separate DAB tuner is an inexpensive option; these only serve as a receiver and are plugged into the AUX in the system.
These are not just pure tuners, some devices also offer Bluetooth for a smartphone connection or even internet radio via the home WLAN. In this top 10 we show the five best tuners for DAB+ from our tests. Danger: All devices presented here serve as receivers for a stereo system and do not have their own speakers.
Which is the best tuner for DAB+ to retrofit?
If it’s just about the range of functions, then that’s it Technisat Digitradio 11 IR the most powerful device on this leaderboard. In addition to DAB+, the tuner also offers internet radio and podcast playback as well as direct connection to Spotify Connect or Amazon Music via your smartphone. However, the new model comes with a price of 144 Euro significantly more expensive than the other candidates in the test field. The offers the better price-performance ratio Imperial Dabman i400 (test report) for 103 Eurowhich is why the device is our test winner.
Platz 1: Imperial Dabman i400
The test winner is the one Imperial Dabman i400 (Review). The DAB tuner impresses with good sound, many practical functions and a well-thought-out scope of delivery including remote control as well as a pull-up rod antenna and wire antenna. In addition to DAB+ and FM, the digital radio adapter also offers internet radio. Anyone who chooses the device can look forward to a pretty display. The DAB tuner is also suitable as a Bluetooth adapter for connecting your smartphone to the hi-fi system at home. The app is also successful.
Imperial Dabman i400 – photo series
Imperial Dabman i400 – photo series
However, you have to make compromises with the Dabman i400 when it comes to operation. Not all functions were easy to understand right away, and updating the firmware was a bit complicated. Overall, the device is a bit chunky and significantly more massive than the runner-up from Technisat. The DAB adapter is currently out 103 Euro to have.
2nd place: Technisat Digitradio 11 IR
This follows in second place Technisat Digitradio 11 IR (Review). The successor to the popular tuner Digitradio 10 impresses as one of the best products with a good range of functions and a stylish design. In addition to DAB+ and FM, it offers internet radio and also supports Spotify Connect and Amazon Music. It can also be used as a Bluetooth adapter for your cell phone. The equipment also includes an equalizer. The Digitradio 11 IR is significantly more compact than the Dabman i400 and therefore looks less conspicuous on the faucets at home.
Unlike Imperial’s competitor, there is only one wire antenna for radio reception. A telescopic antenna would have been a little more practical, but reception is good. With a price of 144 Euro It is by far the most expensive DAB tuner on this list.
3rd place: Albrecht DR 53
This also convinced us in the test Albrecht DR 53 (Review). The tuner offers a slim design with a nice large display. There is also a special senior mode so that the display can be read more easily by older people. However, it is controlled exclusively via remote control. The tuner has good reception quality and also serves as an adapter for Bluetooth to stream music from your cell phone directly to the stereo system. An equalizer is also on board.
Albrecht DR 53 – photo gallery
Albrecht DR 53 – photo series
The tuner’s workmanship seems a bit cheap. The device does not have an internet connection. Given the lack of internet radio, the price seems to us to be of 93 Euro too exaggerated. But if you just want to use digital radio on your stereo system, you can’t go wrong here.
4th place: Albrecht DR 50B
The Albrecht DR 50B (test report) is a good solution for anyone who is looking for the cheapest and most space-saving solution for DAB+ and Bluetooth on the stereo system. With its compact design, the adapter is hardly noticeable. A remote control is still included in the scope of delivery. If desired, a blue light ring provides some ambient lighting.
As an audio output, there is only a jack socket available as a line out, an adapter for RCA cable as an aux out to the stereo system is included. There is no power supply; a USB connection is used for power supply. The wire antenna is firmly connected to the housing and cannot be replaced with another one. There is no internet radio with the small adapter, but that is included in the price 50 Euro fair. This makes the Albrecht DR 50B our price tip.
Platz 5: VR-Radio IRS-450
The adapter is just as compact as the tuner from Technisat VR-Radio IRS-450 (test report) by Pearl. In addition to FM and DAB+, the model also offers internet radio. There is also a connection for an external indoor antenna, and the scope of delivery includes a telescopic antenna and a remote control. There are also buttons on the top for operation – only a few of the devices shown here offer this.
VR radio IRS-450 – photo gallery
VR radio IRS-450 – photo gallery
Unfortunately, there is no Bluetooth reception option for playing music from your smartphone via your home system, which is annoying. At least Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is possible via WLAN. Using an app, music from the smartphone can then be transferred to the hi-fi system via the device. Disappointingly, reception was not always trouble-free and slight switching noises could be heard again and again. With a price of 68 Euro But the tuner is affordable.
Alternatives
Another inexpensive alternative is the Technisat Digitradio 10 ab 60 Euro – the predecessor of our runner-up. Bluetooth for connecting the smartphone to the stereo system is also possible. The variant Digitradio 10 C with color display is included 77 Euro. A compact alternative comparable to the Albrecht DR 50B is the August DR245 ab 70 Euro.
If you’re already considering a new receiver, you should look for a model with DAB+ when buying. Price wise it goes along with it Receivern von Yamaha at about 228 Euro Come on. The most popular models from Onkyo or Denon are well over 600 euros. AV receivers with DAB+ in this price range usually have a WiFi connection for internet radio. We explain what else is important in an audio receiver in the detailed guide for Yamaha, Denon, Sony & Co.: That’s why audio receivers need eARC, WLAN and Dolby Atmos.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to do without DAB+ at home, you don’t have to buy a new hi-fi system straight away. The cheapest option is a tuner or adapter that you connect to the existing stereo system via cable. Our favorite Imperial Dabman i400 (test report) offers the best overall package of functionality and a fair price. The Technisat Digitradio 11 IR (test report) is also good, even if it is currently a bit expensive. This is a particularly compact and inexpensive solution Albrecht DR 50B (Review).