Still running an older head unit but want digital radio, streaming and hands-free calling? The Blaupunkt DAB’N’PLAY 550 basically sorts all of that without needing to rip your dashboard apart.
At its core, it’s a retrofit DAB+ upgrade that turns almost any existing car stereo into a modern digital system. The set-up is split into two parts: a small receiver box that hides away in the car, and a wireless control unit that sits on your dash or air vents.
The receiver handles all the clever stuff – DAB+ radio, Bluetooth streaming, and call processing – while the control unit gives you simple buttons and a display so you’re not digging through menus while driving.
And installation is about as painless as it gets. The receiver box gets tucked away behind the dash or in the glovebox and is powered either via the cigarette lighter or a 12V feed. It then connects to your existing head unit either through an Aux cable or an FM transmitter.
The control unit runs wirelessly on batteries, so you can stick it wherever is convenient – vent mount, dash mount, wherever feels natural.
Once it’s up and running, you get proper DAB+ digital radio, including features like service following (so the station doesn’t drop out when you travel), traffic updates, and 15 station presets.
You also get Bluetooth audio streaming, so your phone basically becomes your music source without needing cables everywhere.
And there’s a hands-free calling system built in too, with an external microphone and simple answer/end buttons on the controller. No diving into touchscreen menus while you’re trying to drive.
Let's face it - not everyone can justify replacing their whole infotainment system. But at the same time, more and more drivers expect smartphone connectivity and digital radio as standard. If you just want DAB+, streaming and hands-free calling without the hassle, the DAB’N’PLAY 550 is a tidy little upgrade.
Available now from Blaupunkt's UK distributors, Autosound, priced at £159, including VAT.
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