Love listening to the radio in your car but tired of poor sound quality and limited station choices? Then upgrading to DAB+ is the perfect solution! By retrofitting a DAB antenna to your car, you can experience crystal-clear sound, a wider selection of stations, and many additional features. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about retrofitting a DAB antenna.
What Does Retrofitting a DAB Antenna in Your Car Mean?
Before we get into the details, let’s clarify the most important question: What exactly does retrofitting a DAB antenna in your car mean? Simply put, it means upgrading your existing car radio with a DAB+ receiver and installing a new antenna optimized for receiving digital radio signals.
“Many of my customers are surprised at how easy and affordable retrofitting a DAB antenna can be,” says Andreas Bauer, master mechanic at Autoteile Schmidt. “With just a few steps and the right equipment, you can soon enjoy all the benefits of digital radio.”
Installing a DAB antenna in a car
DAB+ Radio: Benefits of the Digital Revolution
The advantages of DAB+ are obvious:
- Crystal-clear sound: Say goodbye to static and crackling stations! DAB+ delivers digital sound in CD quality.
- Huge station selection: Discover a variety of new stations and genres that are not available on FM.
- Additional information: Enjoy extra information such as song titles, artists, traffic reports, and much more directly on your car radio display.
- Easy operation: DAB+ radios offer intuitive menu navigation and convenient search functions.
How to Upgrade Your Car with DAB+
Retrofitting a DAB antenna is easier than you might think. Basically, there are three options:
1. DAB+ Adapter
A DAB+ adapter is the simplest and most cost-effective solution. It simply plugs into your car radio’s cigarette lighter or AUX jack and receives digital radio signals via a separate antenna, which is usually attached to the windshield.
2. DAB+ Car Radio
If you want to replace your old car radio completely, a DAB+ car radio is the best choice. In addition to digital radio reception, these devices usually offer other features such as Bluetooth, hands-free calling, or a USB port.
3. DAB+ Antenna Splitter
A DAB+ antenna splitter allows you to use your car’s existing FM antenna for DAB+ reception. This solution is particularly suitable for vehicles where installing a separate antenna is difficult.
What to Consider When Choosing a DAB Antenna
Choosing the right DAB antenna is crucial for optimal reception. When buying, pay attention to the following criteria:
- Reception performance: Choose an antenna with high reception performance to ensure interference-free listening pleasure even in areas with weak signal reception.
- Mounting type: There are various mounting options for DAB antennas, e.g., windshield antennas, magnetic base antennas, or roof antennas. Choose the variant that best suits your vehicle.
- Cable length: Make sure the cable is long enough to optimally route the antenna in the vehicle.
Retrofitting a DAB Antenna in Your Car: Costs
The costs for retrofitting a DAB antenna vary depending on the solution chosen. A DAB+ adapter is available from around 30 euros, while a new DAB+ car radio can cost several hundred euros. Installation by a specialist workshop usually costs between 50 and 100 euros.
Is Retrofitting a DAB Antenna Worth It?
If you value first-class radio enjoyment and want to enjoy the benefits of digital radio, retrofitting a DAB antenna is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Enjoying digital radio in a car
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retrofit a DAB antenna in any car?
Yes, in principle you can retrofit a DAB antenna in any car. However, depending on the vehicle model and equipment, there are different installation options.
Do I need a special antenna for DAB+?
Yes, you need a special DAB antenna to receive DAB+ signals. Your car’s existing FM antenna is not designed to receive digital radio signals.
How do I find the right DAB antenna for my car?
You will find a large selection of DAB antennas in specialist shops or online. When buying, pay attention to the criteria mentioned above, such as reception performance, mounting type, and cable length.
Can I install the DAB antenna myself?
Installing a DAB antenna is relatively easy and can be done yourself with a little DIY skill. However, if you are not confident in doing the installation yourself, you should rather consult a specialist workshop.
Conclusion
Retrofitting a DAB antenna is a worthwhile investment for all car drivers who value first-class radio enjoyment. With little effort and manageable costs, you will soon experience all the benefits of digital radio.
Do You Need Help Retrofitting Your DAB Antenna?
Contact us! Our car experts will be happy to advise you and support you in choosing the right antenna and professional installation. Call us or send us a message – we will be happy to help you!
