# Digital Radio - Technical **URL:** \ **Category:** General Radio and Digital\ **Created:** [September 2, 2020, 11:20am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242 "2020-09-02T11:20:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 118
**Author:** ![Bas\_Tech](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/bas_tech/32/486741_2.png) [@Bas\_Tech](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Bas_Tech)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2025, 9:24am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2369 "2025-12-26T09:24:51Z")
Here’s a updated list I measured this month (based on @radiohead’s but updated): 8D 1RPH - 48Kbps 1WAY - 48 Kbps 2CA - 96 Kbps 2CC - 96 Kbps 2XX - 48 Kbps 60’s Music - 96 kbps 70’s Music - 64 kbps ArtSound - 48 kbps Blender Beats - 32 kbps CADA - 32 kbps Club Lime Radio - 64 kbps CMS Digital - 48 kbps Coles Radio - 32 kbps HiT104.7 - 96 kbps iHeart Australia - 32 kbps iHeart Country - 32 kbps MIX106.3 - 32 kbps MMM 90s - 32 kbps MMM Country - 32 kbps NIGE! - 32 kbps Snow DAB+ - 64 kbps TikTok - 32 kbps 9C ABC Canberra - 64 Kbps ABC Classic - 120 Kbps ABC Country - 72 Kbps ABC Jazz - 88 Kbps ABC KIDS listen - 64 kbps ABC NewsRadio - 40 kbps ABC Sport - 40 kbps ABC Radio National - 64 kbps Double J - 72 kbps SBS Arabic - 48 kbps SBS Chill - 72 kbps SBS PopAsia - 72 kbps SBS Radio 1 - 40 kbps SBS Radio 2 - 40 kbps SBS Radio 3 - 40 kbps SBS South Asian - 64 kbps triple j - 72 kbps triplejunearthed - 72 kbps ---
**Author:** ![Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/radiohead/32/21429_2.png) [@Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Radiohead)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2026, 10:22am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2370 "2026-01-05T10:22:19Z")
I’m assuming the 8D Sydney East test transmissions are no longer on air? Down in Sydney tonight, can’t seem to get them at Chatswood where I’m staying. ---
**Author:** ![Laoma](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Laoma](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Laoma)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2026, 10:39am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2371 "2026-01-05T10:39:35Z")
I forgot about the 8D thing 😊. ---
**Author:** ![ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/9de053/32.png) [@ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/ozbark)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2026, 2:06am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2372 "2026-01-06T02:06:28Z")
> [@Laoma](#): > > I forgot about the 8D thing 😊. Me too. I’ll check out later today. ---
**Author:** ![Parex11](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/parex11/32/355962_2.png) [@Parex11](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Parex11)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2026, 5:40am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2373 "2026-01-06T05:40:24Z")
Wasn’t there last time I was down there in mid December. ---
**Author:** ![robtog](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@robtog](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/robtog)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 9:52am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2374 "2026-01-13T09:52:36Z")
Just did a random search today for the latest in radio hifi systems. I can now understand why DAB+ will be forever doomed at 32 kbps. I can’t believe my now 7 year old Panasonic is the only one left for hifi DAB+: > **[Panasonic SC-PMX92GN Premium Micro CD Hi-Fi System (Silver)](https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/panasonic-sc-pmx92gn-premium-micro-cd-hi-fi-system-silver)** > > With PANASONIC keep the competition on their toes with their latest installation. Check out our bargain prices online at JB Hi-Fi The only audio products you get from JB and GG are TV soundbars, bluetooth speakers, and leftover mini hifi systems. Top of the range (in terms of power as well as performance) audio is now either soundbars or bluetooth speakers. Neither of these do radio, although with mini hifi you have more choice with FM. Poor West Coast Radio on Mandurah DAB+ with CoastFM and The Wave running with 96 kbps, my SC-PMX92 Panasonic is the only radio that can tell the difference in quality. The future is definitely streaming for personal hifi music listening (did I forget to mention bluetooth headphones?) and radio for when you want background music or talk. ---
**Author:** ![melbournefan](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/bcef8e/32.png) [@melbournefan](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/melbournefan)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 10:02am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2375 "2026-01-13T10:02:06Z")
You’ll be surprised what car speakers can put out, the stores don’t even sell set top boxes these days. Seems that it’s cheaper to put a Bluetooth chip rather than an actual RF tuner into everything thesedays ---
**Author:** ![crankymedia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/35a633/32.png) [@crankymedia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/crankymedia)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 10:34am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2376 "2026-01-13T10:34:24Z")
> [@robtog](#): > > my SC-PMX92 Panasonic is the only radio that can tell the difference in quality. As @melbournefan has said, many good car stereo systems remaining. > [@melbournefan](#): > > the stores don’t even sell set top boxes these days. What a shame, will have to bin my CRT at the holiday unit due to only a SD STB (thank goodness!) ---
**Author:** ![motosenokia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/motosenokia/32/235445_2.png) [@motosenokia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/motosenokia)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 10:44am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2377 "2026-01-13T10:44:44Z")
> [@robtog](#): > > The only audio products you get from JB and GG are TV soundbars, bluetooth speakers, and leftover mini hifi systems. There’s still plenty of other options in dedicated Hi-Fi shops although they are few and far between. I was in Len Wallis audio in Lane Cove, Sydney the other week and believe it or not they were playing ABC Classical via DAB on a nice Ruark mini seperate system which bar some occasional reception drop outs sounded good I thought. > [@robtog](#): > > Top of the range (in terms of power as well as performance) audio is now either soundbars or bluetooth speakers. Don’t underestimate the popularity of Sonos multiroom audio speakers. They are almost ubiquitous these days. ---
**Author:** ![anthonyeden](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/anthonyeden/32/362119_2.png) [@anthonyeden](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/anthonyeden)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 10:54am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2378 "2026-01-13T10:54:55Z")
> [@melbournefan](#): > > Seems that it’s cheaper to put a Bluetooth chip rather than an actual RF tuner into everything thesedays Not necessarily. Bluetooth certification is very expensive and complicated. DAB doesn’t have any of that. But Bluetooth gives consumers a lot more choice and functionality than DAB (plus Bluetooth will work everywhere - DAB is region dependant), so it’s a no brainer if you as a manufacturer have to choose between those two options. Plus DAB really needs a screen for tuning, which Bluetooth doesn’t. Most soundbars I’ve seen don’t have a screen. ---
**Author:** ![ElCapitanCranky](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/elcapitancranky/32/531872_2.png) [@ElCapitanCranky](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/ElCapitanCranky)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 11:34am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2379 "2026-01-13T11:34:53Z")
That’s why you need one of these beauties for home ![image](https://mediaspy-org-s3.s3.dualstack.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/original/4X/a/1/f/a1f793a53f48925ad12ade318125b1167e0da0c9.jpeg) Sadly there isn’t one small enough for taking around that can do AM/FM/DAB and Bluetooth. This Blaupunkt one comes close, but no Bluetooth. I had one but it got lost or wrecked during a flood. ![image](https://mediaspy-org-s3.s3.dualstack.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/original/4X/f/f/b/ffb968963af6902220c01d4bd2b44472e50525ef.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![TV.Cynic](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/tv.cynic/32/316932_2.png) [@TV.Cynic](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/TV.Cynic)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 12:45pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2380 "2026-01-13T12:45:27Z")
These are DAB + FM with Bluetooth > **[Tivoli Audio PAL+ BT Bluetooth/DAB+/FM/Portable radio](https://www.todds.com.au/products/tivoli-audio-pal-plus-bt)** > > Tivoli Audio - PAL+ BT Add a splash of color to your home, or take the PAL+ BT with you to express your unique style. The weather-resistant PAL+ BT has a battery that lasts a minimum of 12 hours, making it the optimum portable companion. With... ![image](https://mediaspy-org-s3.s3.dualstack.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/original/4X/4/f/a/4fa3b37a6140838180b3aca729dc3c2102a40bf3.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ElCapitanCranky](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/elcapitancranky/32/531872_2.png) [@ElCapitanCranky](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/ElCapitanCranky)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 8:38pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2381 "2026-01-13T20:38:01Z")
But no AM. I know DAB covers that, but you want a radio you take out into the sticks if you wanna listen to the cricket or some unhinged RWNJ. ---
**Author:** ![anon5771272](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/278dde/32.png) [@anon5771272](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/anon5771272)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2382 "2026-01-13T21:08:50Z")
> [@motosenokia](#): > > I was in Len Wallis audio in Lane Cove, Sydney the other week and believe it or not they were playing ABC Classical via DAB on a nice Ruark mini seperate system which bar some occasional reception drop outs sounded good It was dropping out in the shop? ---
**Author:** ![motosenokia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/motosenokia/32/235445_2.png) [@motosenokia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/motosenokia)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 11:54pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2383 "2026-01-13T23:54:14Z")
> [@anon5771272](#): > > It was dropping out in the shop? Yeah but admittedly I didn’t look to see what they had connected for an antenna. ---
**Author:** ![robtog](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@robtog](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/robtog)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2026, 1:40am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2384 "2026-01-14T01:40:31Z")
> [@crankymedia](#): > > has said, many good car stereo systems remaining. I am guess I am reminiscing of last century where you listen to stereo speakers coming from a high-end hifi system (with turntable, cassette desk and of course AM/FM radio). With portable bluebooth speakers you lose any stereo, and ditto with cars where you are right one side or the other (not between L and R speakers). This is to be contrasted with home theatre which goes out of its way to produce a more “immersive” sound, albeit more so virtually (powered by AI) than physically (3 front and 2 rear speakers). The irony is technology is much advanced, modern amps and speakers are smaller and more powerful than ever before. ---
**Author:** ![Global](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/g/b77776/32.png) [@Global](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Global)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2026, 2:34am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2385 "2026-01-14T02:34:05Z")
There’s still a range of HiFi DAB+ tuners from Denon, Yamaha and Panasonic though they are quite expensive. There’s probably more options if you shop around. ---
**Author:** ![anon5771272](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/278dde/32.png) [@anon5771272](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/anon5771272)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2026, 9:00am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2386 "2026-01-14T09:00:30Z")
> [@motosenokia](#): > > Yeah but admittedly I didn’t look to see what they had connected for an antenna. Bizarre to me that a place like that would choose to demonstrate their equipment with a signal more compressed than the worst mp3 you could find off Napster in 2002, and on a means of transmission so unreliable it’s dropping out even on high end gear ---
**Author:** ![temp](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/f04885/32.png) [@temp](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/temp)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2026, 10:45am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2387 "2026-01-14T10:45:55Z")
It doesn’t seem that odd to me. ABC Classic has a decent bitrate on DAB (120kbit LC-AAC). Actually, short of their television broadcasts (256kbit MP2) you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer digital transmission of ABC Classic. And considering digital reception was marginal, FM probably wouldn’t have sounded any better. ---
**Author:** ![motosenokia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/motosenokia/32/235445_2.png) [@motosenokia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/motosenokia)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2026, 11:48am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242/2388 "2026-01-14T11:48:07Z")
> [@anon5771272](#): > > Bizarre to me that a place like that would choose to demonstrate their equipment with a signal more compressed than the worst mp3 It’s possible a customer prior to my arrival asked to see a unit with DAB+ reception. Mind you at $3,599 you’d need deep pockets. It did also have a range of other streaming options available. The unit in question. > **[Ruark R610 with Saber-R Bundle – Aesthetically Driven Stereo Solution - Len...](https://lenwallisaudio.com/products/hifi/hi-fi-bundles/ruark-r610-with-saber-r/)** > > Discover Pristine Audio with the Ruark R610 with Saber-R Bundle Experience exceptional performance at Len Wallis Audio’s Lane Cove showroom or enquire online. Key Features High-Res Streaming: R610 supports 32-bit/384kHz via AirPlay, Chromecast. 2-Way... [Previous page](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242.md?page=117) [Next page](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/digital-radio-technical/15242.md?page=119)