Introduction
The radio landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. If you’re still using an old FM radio, you might be missing out on the crystal-clear sound and expanded station selection that DAB offers. As we settle into 2025, more UK listeners are making the switch to digital radio than ever before.
We’ve helped hundreds of Bath residents upgrade their listening experience with the perfect DAB radio setup. From kitchen countertops to integrated home systems, our team knows exactly how to bring digital radio into your home. What exactly is DAB radio and how does it work?
What is DAB Radio?
DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting – the technology that’s gradually replacing traditional FM radio across the UK. Unlike the analogue signals of old, DAB transmits radio stations as digital data, similar to how digital TV works.
The main advantage? One frequency can carry multiple radio stations instead of just one. This means more choice, better clarity, and extra features like track information displayed right on your radio’s screen.
Most of the UK now has excellent DAB coverage, including Bath and the surrounding Somerset areas. The government has invested heavily in the DAB network, recognizing it as the future of radio broadcasting.
How Does DAB Radio Work?
The technology behind DAB is quite clever. Here’s the simple version:
Your favourite radio stations are converted to digital data and bundled together in what’s called a multiplex – essentially a package of several stations broadcast together.
When you tune your DAB radio, it picks up this digital signal, separates the stations, and lists them all by name on your display. No more fiddling with dials or trying to remember frequencies!
The digital signal travels through the air from transmitters positioned across the country. When you select a station, your radio decodes just that portion of the signal and plays it back.
The big improvement over FM is consistency – when you have a good signal, there’s no background hiss or interference. It’s either perfect sound or nothing at all.
What is the Difference Between DAB and DAB+ Radio?
We often chat with customers confused about the distinction between DAB and DAB+. It’s straightforward once explained:
DAB+ is simply a newer, more efficient version of the original technology. It uses advanced audio compression (think of it like MP3 versus MP4) to squeeze better sound quality into less broadcast space.
The key benefits of DAB+ include:
- Clearer sound at the same broadcast strength
- More stations can fit into the available spectrum
- Better reception in tricky locations
- Less battery drain on portable radios
Any DAB radio purchased in the last decade should handle both standards without issue. The Roberts, Ruark Audio, and Loewe models in our showroom all support both DAB and DAB+, so you’re covered for years to come.
DAB Radio in 2025: What’s Changed?
The radio market has evolved significantly since DAB first appeared. Today’s models offer far more than just radio reception:
Many now include internet connectivity, giving access to thousands of stations worldwide plus podcasts and streaming services. Bluetooth connectivity lets you send music from your phone through your radio’s speakers. Some models even integrate with smart home systems.
Sound quality has improved dramatically too. The Ruark Audio models we stock deliver audio that rivals dedicated hi-fi systems, despite their compact size.
Battery technology has advanced as well, with portable DAB radios now lasting days between charges instead of hours.
Choosing Your Perfect DAB Radio
After helping countless Bath residents select their ideal radio, we’ve noticed everyone has different priorities:
Sound That Suits Your Ears
Each brand has its own sound signature:
Roberts radios tend to deliver warm, full-bodied sound that works brilliantly for both speech and music.
Ruark Audio focuses on clarity and detail, making their radios perfect for discerning listeners who appreciate acoustic nuance.
Loewe combines stunning design with precise German engineering for an exceptional listening experience.
The best way to decide? Pop into our Bath showroom and listen for yourself. Your ears will tell you what’s right.
Finding the Right Fit
DAB radios come in all shapes and sizes:
Compact bedside models with alarm functions and headphone outputs, statement pieces that double as room features, kitchen-friendly designs with splash-resistant finishes and portable options for garden listening or travels
We’ve installed DAB systems in everything from tiny cottages to sprawling country homes around Bath. Our experience with the city’s historic buildings means we know exactly how to work with thick stone walls and listed property restrictions.
Beyond Basic Radio
Today’s top models offer:
- Internet radio access (thousands more stations)
- Streaming service compatibility
- Multi-room synchronization
- Voice control options
Getting the Best DAB Reception
Bath’s unique topography and stone buildings can sometimes present reception challenges. Our installation team has spent decades finding solutions to these exact issues.
Sometimes it’s as simple as positioning your radio near a window. Other times, especially in Bath’s older buildings with thick walls, we might recommend an external aerial for perfect reception.
Final Thoughts
DAB radio offers a genuine upgrade to your listening experience – more stations, better sound, and added features that traditional radio can’t match.
With over 60 years of helping Bath residents with their audio needs, we’ve seen firsthand how much joy a good radio brings to a home. Our carefully selected range from Roberts, Ruark Audio, and Loewe offers something for every taste and budget.
Drop by our shop in the heart of Bath to chat about your options. We’re always happy to talk radio without any sales pressure – just honest advice from local experts who love what they do.
