Premium DAB radio group test
August 21, 2009 by Insider Staff
While FM is still very much alive and kicking, those looking to take their radio listening to the next level should seriously consider investing in a DAB radio. Capable of receiving digital broadcasts, they can tune into far more stations (the likes of Planet Rock and BBC 6 Music) than analogue radios.
Not only that, they offer far clearer sound quality with medium wave stations – that means no more crackle-laden football commentary on BBC Five Live.
While you can pick up basic DABs for as little as £20, we’ve gathered up five premium models that offer that little bit extra – whether it’s top-class sound quality, eye-catching looks or added features like a CD player or Internet radio.
Pure Highway
A fantastically clever, dinky solution for delivering in-car DAB (not to mention music from your MP3 player or iPod via its 3.5mm input), the Highway could save you a great deal of cash. Thanks to its ability to run off batteries, it can even double up as a portable player when you’re out and about. Performance is excellent and setup is a piece of cake, albeit a little messy in comparison to a “proper” dashboard-integrated DAB. Still, if you’re after DAB in your cab at a price that’s fab, then give this a stab. It’s not drab. Right, we’re off to rehab.
Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Pure Highway product page >>
Boston Acoustics Horizon Solo XT
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.
Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Boston Acoustics Horizon Solo XT product page >>
Tangent Cinque
Despite the lack of sharply defined stereo, the Tangent Cinque does deliver ear-pleasingly tasty sound quality, whether you’re listening to the weather report on DAB or The Very Best of Des O’Connor on the CD player (yes, even then). It looks the part too with its delicious walnutty flavour – but all this comes in return for a fairly hefty wedge of cash. If you can afford it, then this is a very pleasing option.
Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Tangent Cinque product page >>
Revo Blik RadioStation
Like a MacGuyver of the radio world, the RadioStation is a resourceful fella. It can’t build a Chieftain tank from three logs, a sink and a length of duct tape but its many talents make it a fantastic all-in-one solution (the Wi-Fi means it can also be used to stream digital music from your PC or Mac). But do bear in mind that the audio quality is more local pub band than London Symphony Orchestra. You can use the stereo line outputs to connect it to a more powerful hi-fi if dynamic audio is a must, though – and in all other areas it’s an impressive product.
Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Vita Audio R2 product page >>
PriceRunner recommended
Vita Audio R2
What is it with DAB radios and their walnut finishes (see the Tangent Cinque)? Don’t get us wrong, we really like it on the Vita Audio R2. It also comes in a glossy cream flavour (is anyone else hungry?) and has a distinctly retro feel. It delivers top class stereo sound with more bass than a fish farm, more warm mids a Brazilian beach, more and crisp, clear highs than a Welsh choir. FM and DAB tuners are included, plus line inputs for connecting up an external audio source.
Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Vita Audio R2 product page >>
Like the sound of these radios? Get chatting about them on the PriceRunner forums.
Related Articles:
- Tangent Cinque DAB radio reviewTangent has produced some of our favourite looking DAB radios in the past (we’re thinking the Tangent Quattro), and now there’s another one to delight our optical taste buds. The Tangent Cinque can play DAB radio broadcasts, MP3s, WMA files and CDs, but what it all comes down to are the sonics. So, are they [...]...
- Vita Audio R2 reviewYou just have to look at the Vita Audio R2 to know you’re getting a DAB radio of substance. The solid build quality and that walnut design would suit pretty much any room in your abode, but ultimately you want to know about sound quality, ease-of-use and all that shizzle. WIthout further ado, we present [...]...
- Group test: iPod docksSpeaker docks allow you to fill a room with your iPod’s sounds whilst charging its battery, which is great – but the sheer number of different options on offer can be downright daunting. And to be fair many of the cheaper examples are so underpowered that they can’t possibly do your iPod’s contents justice. So we’ve [...]...
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