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Whats good Optical digital out for recording to a Mini Disk Rich, full sound Simple operation Whats bad Slightly overpriced

Sony XDR-S1

Can Sonys first DAB radio wipe the (kitchen) floor with the competition?
gnoring traditional kitchen radio style, Sony has produced something that looks completely new for its first entrant to the crowded DAB radio market. Theres more here than a design coup, though. As with many Sony products, the XDR-S1 was designed with the user well in mind. For such a conservatively sized model, the remote control at first seems overkill for a unit surely destined for a kitchen or bedroom. Do any of us really need another remote? Maybe; the two 2.3W output speakers pump out such a decent volume that the mains-only operating XDR-S1s fantastic sound fills a large room well. Connectivity, too, expands possibilities because recording of DAB stations is possible by connecting
analogue equipment via line out or to a MiniDisc using the optical digital out. Its also equipped with a MegaBass option and preset audio modes to emphasise bass, mid-range and treble. The subtle, well-lit and spacious LCD screen tells us all we need to know about signal strength and frequency, and displays programme information rather clearer than many DAB radios. Its even possible to record and store text transmitted with DAB broadcasts, such as web addresses or track details. Chosen stations tune in with very little delay, but scrolling through DAB radio stations is one-by-one only, which doesnt compare well with the Pure Evoke-1 (reviewed below), but with 10 preset buttons laid-out
below the LCD screen, this isnt a major concern. Timers can be set to turn on or switch off the unit at chosen times, with alarm and snooze functions also included. Also comprising an analogue tuner (FM, MW, AM) for those out of reach of DAB signals, the XDR-S1s digital radio operates on both Band III and L Band, meaning Europe-wide DAB reception eventually. Its forward and backward-looking, which makes it all the more surprising that Sonys first DAB radio venture is devoid of advanced features like pause or rewind of live radio. Presumably, its only a matter of time. For now, were very happy with the optical digital connection, easy operation, wonderful sound and sleek look: the XDR-S1 is in the premier league of DAB radios.
Whats good Simple and quick operation Very easy to use Whats bad Mono sound Poor sound quality Price

Pure Evoke-1

Its only got a solo speaker, but heres proof that theres more to DAB radios than sound
down to the quality of the DAB signal. With its one tiny speaker, the Evoke-1 delivers mid-range sound with virtually no bass. Stereo sound (and some essential extra bass) can only be obtained by investing another 30 in an add-on ST-1 speaker, available via Pure Digitals website. In our mind, its an essential purchase. Yet despite its shortcomings it is worth a look, if not a listen. While other DAB radios are fiddly to use and difficult to get to know, the Evoke-1 pushes all the right buttons straight out of the box. Like most DAB radios, it autotunes when switched-on for the first time, an operation that can be simply repeated if it needs to be moved into another room. A tuning knob means scanning through available stations is by far the quickest of any model in this test, and a simple push similarly selects and tunes-in much faster than other models. Manual tuning, toggling between various displays and even deleting radio stations from the master list is also possible: this is a very user-friendly unit. With its small size, easy operation, but limited sound output, the Evoke-1 does sit well in a kitchen. Where it will curry favour with those after much higher quality audio is as an add-on to a DAB-less hi-fi set-up, and we have no qualms about recommending the Pure Evoke-1 for this purpose. Invest in that extra speaker, though, and it could stand-up well on its own next to the best of the others in this test. If its value youre after, though, it may be better to look elsewhere.
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his latest DAB from Pure may have a real wood veneer, but it looks like something a fourth former has brought home from woodwork class. Its appearance may be basic, but as well as being small and sturdy, the Evoke-1 is extremely functional and will suit a casual kitchen user really well. Despite being tiny, dont make plans to travel with it, though: its mains-operated only and there is no remote control. Connectivity is limited to a 3.5mm headphone socket, an analogue line out for connecting to an external amplifier, MiniDisc or hi-fi. This and an auxiliary speaker socket are essential, because the Evoke-1s mono sound output is quite restricting. Although giving crystal clear sound, thats wholly

042 EHC 08 group testspecstable

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DAB Radio Group Test

MAKE MODEL PRICE

SPECIFICATION

Battery operation Stereo/mono CD deck Weight Dimensions (w/h/d) (mm) Tel Web

PURE EVOKE-1 90

No Mono No 1.46kg 210 x 175 x 277477 www.pure-digital.com

GOODMANS 1104 90

No Stereo Yes 5.55kg 475 x 298 x www.goodmans.co.uk

PERSTEL DR601 120

Yes Stereo No 1.45kg 290 x 134 x www.perstel.co.uk

SONY XDR-S1 150

No Stereo No 2.5kg 320 x 142 x 111999 www.sony.co.uk

ALBA TRDAB 2820 50

Yes Mono No 1.24kg 230 x 160 x 8730078 www.alba-radio.co.uk

TEAC SR-20 100

No Stereo Yes 6kg 389 x 213 x 819630 www.teac.com

FEATURES

Wavebands Remote control No. of presets Timer/alarm Bass/treble adjust DAB only No 6 No No DAB only Yes 10 Yes Yes 2 x DAB, FM No 5 Yes No 2 x DAB, FM, MW, LW Yes 40 Yes Yes DAB only No 10 No No DAB, FM Yes 10 Yes Yes

CONNECTIONS

Phono out Phono in Optical digital out Headphones Yes No No Yes We say: Unlike on most
DAB radios, its very easy to quickly scroll through all available stations, while tuning in is lightning quick. Perhaps the most functional DAB radio in this test.
No No No Yes We say: With no connectivity
bar a headphone jack, this really is a stand-alone system. Features are similarly scant, although what there is remains very functional and simple to operate.
No Yes No Yes We say: At this price point
it should include an optical out connection for recording to a Mini Disk, for example, and the LCD screen is rather too small to benefit from the different font sizes and DLS speeds on offer.
Yes Yes Yes Yes We say: It may lack the
advanced recording features we expected, but with an optical digital output to record to a Mini Disk, Sony has trounced the opposition on connectivity. Access to MW and LW is also a feature unique to this model.
Yes No No Yes We say: Kitsch, small and
only equipped with one tiny speaker, this model markets itself as a travel radio, although small buttons make it slightly awkward to operate and the mono sound is woeful.

No No No Yes We say: With only a
headphone jack, dont make plans to either record from DAB station via a Mini Disk or route through an amplifier, although with a subwoofer already inside, the latter option is hardly necessary.

VERDICT

Ease of Use Looks Features Sound Quality Value We say: Simply designed and easy to use, this model suffers from mono sound, having only one speaker. There is an option to buy an add-on speaker, something that we would recommend, because everything else about this basic DAB radio is impressive. We say: This is strictly a budget solution micro system for bedrooms, with adequate quality speakers, but an overall cheap look. Having said that, the switch between DAB and CD is very quick and the functions, albeit limited, are extremely easy to operate. We say: This small, light and portable unit has good, clear sound from the small speakers and more than enough easyto-use functions. While perhaps over-priced, it should serve a bedside table or kitchen top very well. We say: By including almost all features found on other DAB radios and then adding great sound, connectivity and a classic look, Sony has equalled the best DAB radios available at their first attempt. Our only concern is the high price. We say: Although it would work well as a cheap DAB radio add-on to an existing hi-fi system or as a basic travel radio, theres little to trumpet about this Alba in terms of sound quality or functionality. We say: Its style may not appeal to all, but this is a fantastic sounding clock radio nothing more, nothing less. Although easy to use, there are a few problems with switching between modes, but patience brings the reward of fine, bassy sound from all sources.

OVERALL

Winner:
A lot of DAB radios advertise the medium rather than themselves, shouting crystal clear radio! or tunes automatically! from their packaging. Identical features apply to all DAB radios, unlike easy operation and sound quality. Its no surprise that, in the XDR-S1, Sony has produced an elegant marriage of looks, usability and rich, detailed sound. The inclusion of an optical digital output separates it from the runners-up, Teacs SR-20 and Perstels DR601. But while beating-off the challengers in this group test, whether it improves upon Sharps slightly cheaper flagship FVDB1E DAB radio reviewed in issue 41, is debatable. We call a dead heat.
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