ARCAM announces first DAB+ digital radio tuner
British hi-fi manufacturer has announced one of the first digital radio tuners to be sold in Australia, but hang onto your hats cos it's gonna cost ya.
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Digital radio may not have the profile that Freeview enjoys at the moment, but it's coming at about the same time — May 2009. The first radio we've seen that supports Australia's DAB+ standard is the ARCAM T32.
It's a stand-alone AM/FM/DAB+ tuner with an optional iPod dock. The T32 comes with everything you'd expect from the British hi-fi manufacturer, including a 24-bit Wolfson DAC, large VFD display and "discrete audiophile FM/AM tuner circuitry".
Of course, something like this doesn't come cheap, priced at AU$1,898, and because it's a component, it also needs an amplifier and set of speakers to work. If you're looking for a tuner without DAB+ you can shave AU$300 off as it's priced at AU$1,598. Both will be available in February 2009.
The T32 comes in a choice of either black or silver. Station selection is via presets or the large front panel knob. The tuner will enable iPod control via a "bespoke" iPod interface using the Arcam rDock or rLead and promises "pristine audio quality".
While the analog radio spectrum will remain — unlike digital TV — digital radio will have its own benefits including zero static, better choice, and song information.
The Arcam T32 features a DAB+ tuner and iPod connectivity. (Credit: ARCAM)