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Reviews Roundup: Best digital DAB+ radios

The nation's airwaves - well, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth anyway - have now been switched on to the invisible digital delights of DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) radio, the single largest ever radio broadcasting switch-on in Australian history.

Eight years in the planning, it has taken a while for Australia to follow in the likes of the UK's DAB broadcasting footsteps, but we've been waiting for the past couple of years to adopt the latest DAB+ format and will be the first country in the world to introduce the new, more bandwidth-efficient standard.

DAB+ offers more stations with better reception, much improved stereo audio quality and accompanying text information; plus it's all free. So, what's the catch? If you think you'd like to hear (and see) what all the fuss is about, you're going to have to buy a new radio. Yes, DAB+ radios are going to be popping up all over the place, from hand-held portables to full size home stereo components. Here is a round-up of half a dozen to give you a taste of what DAB+ has to offer.

For a more comprehensive explanation of this new digital radio phenomenon, check out our feature Digital Radio: All You Need To Know.

About the test

All radios were tested on the lower Central Coast, north of Sydney. Twelve DAB+ radio stations were well received in the test area using a rooftop antenna and the radios were also tested with their own supplied antennae whenever appropriate. Location plays a big part in actual DAB+ reception - for more info check www.digitalradioplus.com.au which lists coverage and station availability nationwide.