Updated: Anyone fitted a DAB adapter? Or DAB head unit?

[Mark-Z4]

I'm looking into adding DAB radio, I don't really want to change the head unit. So the options I have are adapters.

First one is a the Connects2 Auto DAB, this one plugs into the OEM head unit and uses the MFSW controls to change the station from FM to DAB. I have M Wheel but not controls so I'd need to find some of these.

Second option is the Dension adapter, plugs into the OEM unit as the other option but instead of using the steering controls it comes with a little remote.

Just wondered what other people have used or if there are better options?

Thanks

 

[85genius]

AFAIK the MFSW buttons just replicate HU buttons so I doubt they are a necessity surely you can just control it with the HU?

 

[Mark-Z4]

Yea I did ask the question but apparently not which I why I was given the Dension as an alternative.

 

[mmm-five]

I've been planning on doing the same for the last 5 years, as I was doing a 200 mile commute twice a week.

Couldn't decide between all the options (Autodab, Dension, Kinetic, Autoleads, DABconnect, DABmotion, etc.), still haven't got round to it, and haven't even installed the intravee I bought before my accident last year to install

Ain't procrastination a wonderful thing.

 

[Mark-Z4]

I've not moved on much from this with being bus. But looking at DAB head units now also, does anyone know if the oem cd changer works with an aftermarket head unit? I'm looking at a decent Alpine, dab, Bluetooth etc.

Also can anyone recommend a place to get a decent dash adapter plate, one that fits nice where the plastic is the same colour as the heater vents etc.

Thanks

Mark

 

[un1eash]

How about a Pure Highway 400/600. Adds hands free calling and streaming if you don't already have them.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I have a Kenwood BT73DAB which I'm very happy with, single DIN isn't the greatest of fits but with a piano black dash it doesn't look too out of place. The facia isn't an exact colour match but it doesn't bother me. I stuck with this unit because the displace matches well with the dot matrix of the rest of the car and you can match key colour almost exactly.

Quality isn't really any better in strong FM reception but it is a lot better in poorer signal areas, on most of the routes I drive I now have uninterrupted listening where there were drop outs before.

Can't help with the CD changer - but it has USB so just rip all your CDs and put them on one memory stick and be done with that ancient tech :lol:

Can get some pics if you like.

 

[SonnyA85]

I have the http://www.pioneer-car.eu/uk/products/deh-x8700dab/specifications installed in mine.

First thing you need to do is find out what OEM system you have installed. I believe there are 3 different setups and the most difficult to upgrade is the top of the range DSP Carver system. This is the system I had installed in mine.

For me I had to buy a new AMP which was £400 to £500. I had to buy static crossovers too and a completely new wiring £100. I then had the head unit itself which was around £150-£170 as it's top of the range pioneer. Then the cost of install which was around £300.

Pros: Sound system is miles better than OEM, clearer, better bass, more control, everything has improved. I now have bluetooth for 2 devices at the same time. DAB offers brilliant choice and I can switch between 3 saved stations with 1 click. I now have a host of other functions like AUX in, USB in with mp3 mixtrax, etc.

Cons: Cost. Built in cd changer no longer works (not that this is a huge con as the built in cd changer is crap and I have so many other sources I barely listen to cd's apart from when going through tunnels, etc.

As for adapters, etc the usual car audio places and ebay sell them, there really only is 1 or 2 options and you can tell quickly from the pictures which one is the better one to go for, so that isn't something you need to research. I don't have a MFSW so can't help you on that front but I use the head unit no issues.

I have pics which I can upload if you would like however if you don't have the DSP carver system it's 100 times easier. You don't need a new amp. Just new head unit and harness your talking less than £300 for it fully installed for a top of the range head unit.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

That was the other unit I was considering, got any pics installed?

 

[Mark-Z4]

Thanks for the replys, the only thing I'm not keen on with the Pure Highway and similar adapters is that they are just stuck there on the dash. Looks crap IMO.

 

[bony_13]

I've just gone to DAB for the zed. My daily has DAB and it was the one thing i really missed when driving the zed, especially on longer journeys and when the cricket test matches are on.

Changed my old headunit for a new pioneer one
http://www.halfords.com/technology/car-audio/dab-car-stereos/pioneer-mvh-x580dab-car-stereo


And replaced the aerial with this (longer than a stubby but shorter than original)
http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_DRA-6003_FM-AM_DAB_car_aerial.html


Very happy overall, flawless DAB signal recieved wherever I've been so far. Love a bit of RadioX/Absolute/Planet Rock and getting the sports TMS/5Live Football and Talksport Also plenty of chart dance and pop like Capital, Kiss and Heart that the mrs prefers.

 

[bony_13]

The other thing I would add, is that my old head unit was like the one linked above - you use a dial to navigate the menus, search through tracklist and ipod and also to change radio stations. A big advantage of the one I've got is it actually has some buttons on the front. I know it sounds stupid, but I really hated the dial system on the move because the z4 is just too bumpy to avoid accidently pressing the dial or unwanted skipping around. Buttons (especially if you channel hop like me!) make life much easier.

I know it sounds a bit daft (and the other units perhaps look cleaner) but I've found it to be a big bonus.