D.A.B or No D.A.B

[Kerr1992]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my Sound System,

However,

This is really a field I do not know much about.

I have been looking at D.A.B Radios but I'm unsure if they are any good, and also I wouldn't know which one to get.

Also because both my door speakers were blown before I purchased the car I need to replace them too, so again, unsure which ones to go for and would prefer ones that screw straight in without having to cut bits and pieces

I have a Grande Punto

Any help would be much appreciated

Thanks
Craig

 

[Eklipze3k]

DAB is the future of radio and analogue radio will be phased out (as analogue TV has) by 2015 according to the current schedule, but I suspect that'll get pushed back as the gov't can't agree on anything.
Bottom line - do you listen to radio and do you want to be ahead of the game? If the answer to both is yes then go with a DAB unit, if either answer is no then I'd say the initial outlay isn't worth it.

 

[Kerr1992]

I guess my answer is yes to both

So what kind of thing would I be looking for in a D.A.B?

 

[Kerr1992]

Does this one look any good? seems to be getting plenty good reviews

http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/reviews_m-jvc-kd-db52_p-26933.htm

What's the deal with the steering wheel controls though ... I have read they will only work with a certain adaptor ... Will said adapter fit any CD Player?

 

[Eklipze3k]

That one looks good to me, the Connects2 steering control adaptor has an optional JVC interface which should work with that headunit.

 

[Kerr1992]

That's great

You don't also happen to know the size of the door speakers in a Grande do you?

 

[Eklipze3k]

16.5cm up front, 13cm in the back

 

[Kerr1992]

Dude! ... Your awesome, Thanks

 

[Eklipze3k]

I've just done an install in sh4dow's Grande so just happened to remember all this stuff, that and I work for the company responsible for the digital switch over for TV so a bit of insider info there on DAB killing off analogue at some point

 

[Kerr1992]

I knew it was going to be happening at some point

Just didn't know when

 

[dave]

II work for the company responsible for the digital switch over for TV so a bit of insider info there on DAB killing off analogue at some point

where have all my freeview channels gone since they switched my normal tv off?

 

[Eklipze3k]

where have all my freeview channels gone since they switched my normal tv off?

Rescan, if that doesn't work your aerial is crap.

 

[dave]

Rescan, if that doesn't work your aerial is crap.

i did the rescan thing loads thats when i lost loads of channels, how come my aerial wasn't crap before the switch over but it is now?

 

[Eklipze3k]

http://help.digitaluk.co.uk/display/4/kb/article.aspx?aid=5997

 

[Kerr1992]

Why doesn't Car Audio Centre have 16.5cm Speakers?! Seriously!

They have the 13cm

What kind of wattage am I looking for? :O

 

[dave]

ive already got this http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/205513 though

 

[Eklipze3k]

Why doesn't Car Audio Centre have 16.5cm Speakers?! Seriously!

They have the 13cm

What kind of wattage am I looking for? :O

If you're running them off the headunit rather than getting a separate amp then 50wRMS per speaker by the looks of it.

ive already got this http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/205513 though

Probably pointed the wrong way, get up there and adjust it! :devil:

 

[Kerr1992]

Is 50w good?

I would prefer not to fit an amp because then my mind goes

"You need a sub to go with that"

Then before I know it, NO BOOT SPACE! :O lol

 

[Eklipze3k]

I was getting my measurements confused, I meant 6.5"/17cm
50w is pretty good, having a couple of amps and a sub doesn't mean losing your entire boot, if you're clever about how you install it

I'm sure there's a thread in here with a few pictures of Grande boot builds.

 

[Kerr1992]

Aww lol

I would love a boot build mate

Don't think the Girlfriend would be too chuffed

I may get one at some point in the future anyway lol

Is 50w better than the standard speakers?