Digital radio showdown
- — 08 October, 2009 14:30
The OXX Digital Classic DAB+ is our choice in the $200-$400 mid range category.
The market for DAB+ digital radios is starting to heat up in Australia, with companies like Pure, Sangean and Grundig releasing products. While digital radios are generally pretty expensive — you’d be hard pressed to find one for under $150 — there’s still good value to be found in all market segments. We've taken a look at the best digital radios at three different price points.
Ultra-budget — under $200
There aren’t many digital radios on the market for less than $200. Your main choices are the Kogan Digital Radio with Wi-Fi and iPod Dock and the Bush BR10DAB digital radio, both of which cost $169. The Kogan wins out on features — it has an iPod dock and Wi-Fi music streaming — but the Bush is portable. Personally, we’d take the Kogan for its versatility.
Winner: Kogan Digital Radio with Wi-Fi and iPod Dock
RRP: $169
What’s Hot: Plenty of multimedia features, reasonable USB and iPod support
Mid-range — $200 to $400
This is where the market is packed, with at least half a dozen manufacturers offering competitive products. There is Sangean’s offering, the DPR-99, as well the Revo Uno, Grundig GDR700DAB and GDR710DABIP, the Pure ONE Classic — we could go on and on. But we really think the standout contenders in this segment are the Pure ONE Classic and the OXX Digital Classic DAB+. Go for the Pure ONE Classic if you need a simple and portable unit — it has 40 hours of battery life using Pure’s proprietary rechargeable battery pack — but the best all-rounder has got to be the OXX. It’s well built and it has Wi-Fi streaming, a great interface and a great LCD display.
Winner: OXX Digital Classic DAB+
RRP: $299
What’s Hot: Great design, useful four line display, decent speaker, simple interface
Premium — $400 and over
If money is burning a hole in your pocket, why not splash out on a top-of-the-line DAB+ receiver? There are high-end solutions on offer like the Sangean WFT-1D and the Yamaha TSX-130, but our vote would have to go to the Pure EVOKE Flow. It may not have the stereo speakers of the larger Pure EVOKE-2S, but you can order a standalone speaker as an optional attachment. It’s the most stylish digital radio bar none, and its OLED screen is excellent.
Winner: Pure EVOKE Flow
RRP: $699
What’s Hot: Wireless music streaming, great interface and screen, stylish design
Follow GoodGearGuide on Twitter: @Goodgearguide
