Replacing FM/DAB tuner with internet radio

[ultraminiature]

I listen to classical music, mostly through BBC Radio 3 but also via ClassicFM.

I’ve investigated DAB+ and have discovered that in many cases internet radio is broadcasting at a higher bit rate than DAB, including BBC radio 3 (192 kbps v 320 kbps).


I am considering purchasing an internet radio to supplement or replace the Arcam T32. I’ve looked at:

I agree with others that internet radio is my choice having been listening to FM with a high quality aerial for decades. Radio 4, 4 Extra, Radio Three are among my main choices. So for most of my audio listening I can use a browser and pop out the current playing programme. My speakers are wireless streaming active speakers and have built in internet radio. This is at a higher quality than DAB, Freeview or Freesat and in stereo when DABs, Freeview and Freesat are mono.

From summer this year they will shift TV to internet streaming with Freeview and Freesat being reduced and disappearing.
Many internet radios used TunelIn which has been blocked from using BBC station with no update. The system used did not bean count listers which the BBC wanted for statistics and to track habits. So you have to check if the radio will connect to BBC stations. B&O updated their internet radio moving from TuneIn and no long announce the service will be disconnected on BBC Radio 5 and Radio 6.

Adding a Beosound Core I know works now. I assume Wiim Pro does as no comment from UK owners not being able to get BBC stations all the others I would ask first.

 

[A-Line]

I use ReVox Joy 119 digital receiver for DAB/HD radio/Bluetooth/Audio Server.
The amp portion is a digital one and has its own DAC. I've no use for the amp.
I run the digital out to my McIntosh MCD 500 CD/SACD player Quad Differential DAC's as it's much better than the internal ReVox DAC.
The regular FM tuner portion is no match to the organic sound from my Magnum Dynalab 90t analog tube tuner. This unit is used with my digital playback system which is all tubes except the CD player and ReVox unit.

This unit affords me more music options especially live broadcasts that are only available in HD radio/DAB.

There are better music servers out there but at much higher price and I'm just a simple analog guy with my money going towards that luscious organic analog sound. 😎

 

[tino]

BBC Sounds isn’t integrated into any streaming device I know of, but as you say it is available as an app on phones and tablets. That’s the second best way to hear BBC radio via the web, by streaming to the SA30.

I bought a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and added piCorePlayer, Logitech (Lyrion) Media Server and BBC Sounds, I can now stream BBC Sounds content including all the BBC radio stations to any DLNA device … such as an Arcam SA30 if I had one.

Took about an hour to set up but now have a BBC Sounds server / streamer for roughly £25. Doesn’t take up too much room … smaller than a cigarette packet.
Maybe too much if a faff if you’re not into DIY.

 

[Gray]

...Freeview and Freesat are mono.

Last time I listened, radio (and TV) stations on those platforms were stereo for me