Why does DAB radio sound so much worse than FM which it seeks to replace?

Question

I have noticed that, while DAB sounds ok for the news, or cricket, it sounds appallingly bad while listening to music, much worse than FM.

Answer 1

It's a problem specific to the UK, see th elink for details

Each station is given far less space on the multiplex, as they would elsewhere - which causes lower quality audio.

Answer 2

very true, but dab is set for better things march 2009, so i guess we  will al have to wait and see if they make good on what they say

regards x kitti x

Answer 3

In optimum conditions, DAB does sound better than FM.

If your experience is different here are some possible causes:

- you are not getting a good DAB reception

- your DAB radio is cheap and nasty, and has a poor quality output/speaker

- the station you are listening to is not broadcasting full quality DAB properly