As above really, the signal on my standard MK1 octavia unit isnt the best and was considering a DAB unit to try and improve, but...

... does it actually make a difference?

You may have a problem with the aerial on your car, that's causing the problem. It's seems quite common for water to get in and affect the amplifier built into the base. I think Mk1 octys used this same aerial as used across the whole VW group. My 2002 Audi A3 certainly did.

In general I'd say DAB reception is not as good as FM, but that's mostly because it's hard to get a decent antenna for DAB fitted. The ones that stick inside your window are rubbish. The adaptors that use your existing antenna only work with some types (not for example the amplified ones like on many Skodas) and again aren't that good. On one car I have a through glass one (like a carphone antenna) and that's quite good, but still not as good as FM. On my Roomster, I replaced the roof antenna with one that included DAB and that's pretty good, but it was expensive! At least it looks like the proper one apart from the angle being more upright.

We had a couple of golfs with RCD510s, and the antenna built into the car. These seemed well matched and we never got any reception problems.

So in summary, I'd have a go at improving your FM first. You'll never be able to listen to BBCR6 on it, bt will be richer!

I've got a very good aftermarket DAB/FM aerial which is made by the same company as the OE aerial. Reception is excellent, better than the standard aerial was with FM. I haven't even connected the 12V to the aerial base either, so surprised it was so good.

I've got a very good aftermarket DAB/FM aerial which is made by the same company as the OE aerial. Reception is excellent, better than the standard aerial was with FM. I haven't even connected the 12V to the aerial base either, so surprised it was so good.

I think I have the same one on my Roomy, a Calearo. I think it can also get power up the DAB antenna from your DAB radio.

Would this solution work to improve fm only, and does it need a 12v supply if not being used for dab?

Regards, Mike

(using Tapatalk on Android)

I think I have the same one on my Roomy, a Calearo. I think it can also get power up the DAB antenna from your DAB radio.

I'm not sure it can as there is a separate connection for 12V