Anyone tried a DAB Tuner Pure/Kenwood/Pioneer?

[Shakrally]

I just wondered if anyone tried fitting a DAB tuner to overcome the lack of Bluetooth connectivity to their car?

You will need AUX for it to work, but I'm thinking of doing it as a one solution sorts all kind of thing.

Only needs plugging into AUX and power from cigar lighter (or can be hard wired) then you have Bluetooth, phone and DAB radio.

The Kenwood model (KTC-500DAB) I wanted is now discontinued and I don't see many of the Pure Highway 400/600 models for sale much, but the Pioneer unit (SDA-11DAB) is still available. The Alpine unit (which looks exactly like the Pure) is also discontinued.

[SnineT]

I've had 3 DD units in the past, one was a Chinese one that could shake the back window out on 3/4 volume, the other two were a Pioneer that I quickly swapped out for a Sony Mirrorlink one which was vastly better than any factory unit features,function and sound.

If you don't have to cut the dash about this is where I'd go and aim for a 50x50w output unit, the Sony had it all other than DAB and once I'd got a faceplate and iso loom & Ariel booster it was plug n play, Mirrorlink was awesome, like an unrestricted Carplay, Google maps in real picture mode so you could view the houses you were driving by at the time.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Shakrally

I just wondered if anyone tried fitting a DAB tuner to overcome the lack of Bluetooth connectivity to their car?

You will need AUX for it to work, but I'm thinking of doing it as a one solution sorts all kind of thing.

Only needs plugging into AUX and power from cigar lighter (or can be hard wired) then you have Bluetooth, phone and DAB radio.

The Kenwood model (KTC-500DAB) I wanted is now discontinued and I don't see many of the Pure Highway 400/600 models for sale much, but the Pioneer unit (SDA-11DAB) is still available. The Alpine unit (which looks exactly like the Pure) is also discontinued.

The Pure 300i modes with the O-Led display has a relatively short life as the screen went dull after about 5 years, It was a volvo accessory around 2012 and did all you wanted.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Clan

The Pure 300i modes with the O-Led display has a relatively short life as the screen went dull after about 5 years, It was a volvo accessory around 2012 and did all you wanted.

oddly enough
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pure-Highwa...ct_top?ie=UTF8

shows them as still available, obs not "volvo specific"

Pure Highway 600 us also an option adding phone handsfree

[Clan]

Originally Posted by andy_d

oddly enough
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pure-Highwa...ct_top?ie=UTF8

shows them as still available, obs not "volvo specific"

Pure Highway 600 us also an option adding phone handsfree

The volvo 300i kit had all the looms and wiring etc supplied to suit the model of volvo ,so plug in. if you used the unit a lot the display will fade to be too dim to read after about 5 years. To prevent a 200 ma current drain turn the head/display OFF before you turn the ignition off . Rather than letting the unit go off when the ignition is cut off. 👍

[Shakrally]

Thanks for these.

I bit the bullet and bought a Pioneer unit (SDA-11DAB) as it was only £60 from Halfords. Will attempt fitting it at some point this week, but on the face of things it looks like it will do everything. I just need to get a longer AUX cable for it.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Shakrally

Thanks for these.

I bit the bullet and bought a Pioneer unit (SDA-11DAB) as it was only £60 from Halfords. Will attempt fitting it at some point this week, but on the face of things it looks like it will do everything. I just need to get a longer AUX cable for it.

if it also does handsfree ill be interested in your findings/thoughts once its in

[Shakrally]

Originally Posted by andy_d

if it also does handsfree ill be interested in your findings/thoughts once its in

It does indeed do handsfree. It has a built in microphone so no separate one to install.

Just trying to decide where to install the unit that is not in the way, but is also in clear line to my voice.

I'll hopefully have it fitted this weekend and update with pics and a review.

[robbyefe]

Shakrally,

Any feedback on the Pioneer SDA-11DAB? I'd be keen to buy one.

Could you please also advise if was instore in Halfords as I'm struggling to find online....

Cheers

[Teddy1975]

You can also take it to the next step and bypass the factory audio system altogether, so you don't end up converting the sound from digital to analogue, back to digital and finally once more to analogue.

I've since updated the Pioneer headunit in my car to a DAB+ Pioneer, although I tend to listen to mp3s from my phone via Bluetooth more than the radio.