Environmentally DAB is highly inferior to FM.
And sound enthusiasts would say inferior too! Progress indeed.
Agreed, I remember when “superior” digital CD’s superceded “inferior” analogue Vinyl - except it wasn’t inferior with a much more involving soundstage. Now, vinyl is making a comeback but is that fashion or for the superior sound??
Back when it started, the BBC's engineers said that 256kbps MUSICAM was "just acceptable". Most stations use 128kbps or less. Even Radio 3 is 192kbps or less (when R5Live Sports Extra is active).
DAB+ can give a good sound at about 64kbps, but many stations use lower bitrates.
It's "pile it high, sell it cheap" philosophy.
DAB chipsets have become more power efficient as they've evolved. The only thing that can beat an FM radio is a crystal set receiving AM (no batteries needed).
CD doesn't have anywhere near the surface noise of vinyl. You have to be very careful with LPs in storing them to avoid static and dust, and use a very expensive turntable to make them sound anywhere near as good as CDs. And CDs have much more
usable dynamic range than LPs
if it's actually used.
The
Loudness Wars have resulted in some abysmally sounding CDs.
