Boston Acoustics Horizon Solo XT review

This may look pretty drab, with the only clue that it’s going to sound anything other than crap coming from its solid feel, but it’s actually a pretty nifty DAB radio. It even has a nifty customisation option, with a choice of purchasable coloured grilles. It’s a bit like putting lipstick on Gordon Brown. Find out what else it can do after the jump…


Pros
With its squat, solid form and rubbery outer skin, the Solo XT may sound like Anthony Worrell-Thompson, but it’s actually one of the sturdiest DABs we’ve encountered. It belts out pleasingly full-bodied audio from its single speaker, the grille of which also acts as a touch-sensitive snooze button when the clock-radio alarm is sounding. So it’s one press and you can roll back to sleep. Just don’t blame us if you’re late for work!

Cons
The single speaker means audio lacks clear stereo separation, and some listeners might find the bass a touch forced and overpowering. Aside from that, there’s little to find fault with here. Apart from the drab looks of course. This looks duller than a Tory convention!

In summary then…
Proof that good things can come in exceedingly dull packages, the workmanlike exterior of the Boston actually hides a cleverly designed clock/DAB radio with some very neat touches. You can set it up landscape or portrait (the display twists round accordingly), or customise the colour with Boston’s selection of additional speaker grilles to give it a bit more life. It also delivers a big and burly sonic performance that should fill most rooms with sound quite easily. It’s a little pricey, but there’s a nice feeling of solidity and quality that goes a long way towards justifying the cost.

Sound quality

Style

Features

Value

Overall

Like the sound of this DAB radio? Get chatting about the Boston Acoustics Horizon Solo XT on the PriceRunner forums.

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