Mark Levinson Stereo.. Dab

[ganzoom]

So have been playing with the various features on the IS Premier with the Mark Levison stereo.

One thing I have noticed is that FM stations sound much better in terms of sound staging, clarity of vocals, and general balance of the sound compared to the same station on DAB. This is regardless of what setting I choose.

I know DAB is compressed, but haven't noticed this much difference before. But than again the only other time I listen to DAB is in my BMW, which has a much worse sound system. So I suspect it may just be the fact the Mark Levison setup is good enough to show up flaws in the original audio source, rather than anything a miss with my IS.....In which case, the question has to be asked 'What on earth is the point of DAB is sound quality is worse than FM stereo'

Any one else notice the same??

[capese21]

DAB is digital like an Mp3 and only at around 128k. Imagine ripping a CD at 128k. You would need 256k or imho 320k to keep the quality and detail of the original.

DAB will be either on or off so no fading or hiss. FM probably will sound better if the signal strength is very strong but will fade and suffer from background hiss when the signal strength drops.

I find the DAB in my car sounds better because there is no background hiss whereas the FM fades in and out a little. I would say it depends where you are in relation to the transmitter.

Ed