Which DAB, DLNA, Bluetooth mini system please?

broona · 26 Jan 2017 at 22:58

Currently using a TDA 7492 connected to a spare pair of Canton home cinema speakers, but would like something that's more of a jack of all trades.

I'm just going to re-use the Canton speakers for now as they're compact and sound reasonable, but I want a system to use with my Amazon Dot that can also do internet radio and DAB as I really like 6 Music.

Any suggestions please? I've found the Pioneer XCHM82D on Richer Sounds for £250 that looks half decent but open to alternatives too - PIONEER XCHM82DBlack Streaming Mini System EXC Speakers

Marsman · 26 Jan 2017 at 23:23

If you can stretch an extra £50, I'd probably go for the Marantz MCR611 instead. £150 higher RRP than the Pioneer so likely better quality and has a higher score with more user reviews.

dbmzk1 · 27 Jan 2017 at 02:39

Marsman said:
If you can stretch an extra £50, I'd probably go for the Marantz MCR611 instead. £150 higher RRP than the Pioneer so likely better quality and has a higher score with more user reviews.

The Denon Ceol N9 is almost identical internally (same company) but £50 cheaper. Both are better than the Pioneer.

broona · 27 Jan 2017 at 12:32

Thanks for the replies, I'll check out the Marantz and the Denon, both look good.

broona · 27 Jan 2017 at 12:34

Just reading through the specs, the Denon hasn't got a DAB radio, shame.

broona · 31 Jan 2017 at 21:14

Just a thought, do I need DAB if I have WiFi/DLNA/internet radio, or can I get the DAB channels through those?

Marsman · 31 Jan 2017 at 22:00

If all the channels that are on DAB are available online, then no. You'd only need DAB if there is no internet.

George Hincapie · 31 Jan 2017 at 22:16

Have a look at the Brennan B2. Streams Tidal/Qobuz/Spotify, rips CDs to FLAC and stores them internally and plays internet radio/podcasts. You can output to a seperate DAC via optical SPDIF, or connect to active speakers via the connections at the rear. It will also act as a source for a Sonos/BlueNode system. It has bluetooth and will play music stored on a mobile or tablet also.

Excellent bit of kit.

broona · 31 Jan 2017 at 22:31

Marsman said:
If all the channels that are on DAB are available online, then no. You'd only need DAB if there is no internet.

Thanks, opens up some more options then.

George Hincapie said:
Have a look at the Brennan B2. Streams Tidal/Qobuz/Spotify, rips CDs to FLAC and stores them internally and plays internet radio/podcasts. You can output to a seperate DAC via optical SPDIF, or connect to active speakers via the connections at the rear. It will also act as a source for a Sonos/BlueNode system. It has bluetooth and will play music stored on a mobile or tablet also.

Excellent bit of kit.

Looks great but way over budget when I factor in some active speakers, looking at £300 max but preferably less.

jpaul · 31 Jan 2017 at 22:43

yes if you want 6 music the bbc stream
http://a.files.bbci.co.uk/media/live/manifesto/audio/simulcast/hls/uk/sbr_high/ak/bbc_6music.m3u8
is 320Kb's and will walk over DAB - listening now with MPC on windows