Great Dab Radio Hunt

jaz_2

Unless I've missed it, no-one's mentioned the DAB radio I bought - the Sony XDRS1. It was dearer than the other DAB sets I've heard, including the Panasonic, Goodmans, Intempo, Acoustic Solutions and Bush types but it sounds better to me than any of them.

As well as DAB (it will receive Band L broadcasts if any should happen) it has RDS FM/AM/LW as well. Another feature I've found really useful is the digital input/output (and a normal line input) so you can record to/play back from a suitably equipped MiniDisc walkman (or PC). The remote control is handy too, less good are the lack of an external aerial socket and the fact that it's mains only. Oh, and it needs to be left on standby, wasting lots of electricity, if you don't want it to forget it's presets! I turn mine off when not in use...

I paid £115 for mine about a year ago and overall I'm well pleased with it - they're available for less than £100 now - see here:

http://ws4.homecinematv.co.uk/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=SON-XDRS1&warrantyid=

for one costing £77+£6 P&P.

One final thing to mention is that you should not expect fantastic sound quality from DAB - it's a case of more choice but lower audio quality. Only Radio 3 sounds comparable to it's FM counterpart because it's transmitted at a higher bitrate than the other stations. HTH.

droopsnout

I would echo everything jaz says. There is a review of the Sony XDRS1 at the site I mentioned before.

Regarding sets with built-in battery chargers, there are two others that I know of. They are essentially the same radio under different badges. However, it may be that they are not available currently. They were certainly around last March, so it could be worth looking ...

The first is the Aria A-3000, which you could buy at the Aria website . It has RDS on FM. Some people complain about Aria's customer services, but I have no knowledge of this myself.

The second is the Elansat R105, from Maplin . This set doesn't have RDS, but is otherwise the same, I think.

The Aria, with RDS, was £60 dearer, I believe.

droopsnout

The Aria is listed here at £149 - so not a cheapie!!! The description given on this site doesn't mention the battery charging facility, so if you are interested, do ask specifically about it.

scoobie

jaz wrote:

Unless I've missed it, no-one's mentioned the DAB radio I bought - the Sony XDRS1. It was dearer than the other DAB sets I've heard, including the Panasonic, Goodmans, Intempo, Acoustic Solutions and Bush types but it sounds better to me than any of them.

As well as DAB (it will receive Band L broadcasts if any should happen) it has RDS FM/AM/LW as well. Another feature I've found really useful is the digital input/output (and a normal line input) so you can record to/play back from a suitably equipped MiniDisc walkman (or PC). The remote control is handy too, less good are the lack of an external aerial socket and the fact that it's mains only. Oh, and it needs to be left on standby, wasting lots of electricity, if you don't want it to forget it's presets! I turn mine off when not in use...

I paid £115 for mine about a year ago and overall I'm well pleased with it - they're available for less than £100 now - see here:

http://ws4.homecinematv.co.uk/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=SON-XDRS1&warrantyid=

for one costing £77+£6 P&P.

One final thing to mention is that you should not expect fantastic sound quality from DAB - it's a case of more choice but lower audio quality. Only Radio 3 sounds comparable to it's FM counterpart because it's transmitted at a higher bitrate than the other stations. HTH.

You've got to hear them yourself I guess, but I've read a couple of reviews of this one that said they're not very good for sound quality

DonnieH

I wonder if someone could help. I have telephoned both currys and dixons today and it turns out that the Pure DAB 1000 is out of stock now as it was clearance stock. So it must be old technology in the DAB world.

Can anyone recommend a sub £70 pocket DAB radio that I can use at home, office etc. Not looking for a host of features but just a solid radio with great reception.

Thanks

grownup1

grownup1 wrote:

You're right that this cost is worth taking into account. I really wanted a battery DAB radio for my bathroom. I bought a Portal model from Boots (on points!) and it takes 6 C size batteries, which are expensive to buy. The last lot lasted a few (couple of?)months of daily listening while I brushed my teeth but I'm now going to try and reduce the long term running cost by using AA rechrgeables and AA->C converter cases that I bought on ebay. Will let you know how I get on.

Just an update - the method of converting AA to C batteries using a plastic case does work, but the listening time between charges is pretty short. I have to recharge weekly after listening about 30 mins per day.

DonnieH

I've been looking at sub £80 pocket DAB radios and can't make my mind up.

I have narrowed my search down to the following three models and don't know which would be the best one. Any experts know whats the best? Any additional radio info would also be gratefully received.

Pure DAB 1000 £80
Philips AD1000 £70
Perstel BlueNote £50

RightRevBod

Just bought a CDXAB201 from Argos for £49.99. This is a DAB/FM radio with CD and tape.
Box is labled "Bush" but the Adverts all seem to say "Alba". Not bothered as I believe they are both the same company, but strange all the same.

They are available in silver or blue. I got the silver (512/9522).

Not unpacked it yet, so don't know how it sounds. I have a birthday in a couple of days, so I intend to leave it in the packaging until after then, just in case someone has been generous enough to get me another.

Anybody tried one of these and know if it is any good? I have not seen any reviews.

Lil_2

Tesco online has Pure Elan Digital Radio + Free delivery and Tesco Points for £67.36.
Very stylish. Silver.

divadee

This thread will now be closed as Martin has opened a more up to date DAB hunt here.