Member-only content

Portable desktop digital radio reviews

Is digital a better option than analog? We review 23 digital radios, priced from $59 to $349, to see how they perform.
 
Get access to all CHOICE BENEFITS
$1.91/wk
*Billed quarterly
 
 
 
 
  • Updated:4 Feb 2013
  • Author:Chris Ruggles  Chris Ruggles Google Plus
  • rateraterateraterate: Member rating
 

01 .Introduction

Digital radio

Here, we've tested 22 portable desktop digital radios that run on batteries and mains power plus one battery-only model (the Sangean DPR-65). We:


About digital radio

Since May 2009, digital radio broadcasts have been transmitted in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Analog radio hasn't been affected, and there's no immediate plan for it to end.

Listen to Chris Ruggles explain the pros and cons of buying an affordable, portable digital radio in Australia

Keen to learn more about the format? See the CHOICE guide to digital radio.

Brands and models tested

• Akai ADAB300
• Bush Latitude
• Bush TR82DAB
• Kogan KADABXXPIXA
• Laser DAB-DG200AM
• Philips AE5250
• Philips AE5430
• Pure Evoke 1S
• Pure Evoke Mio
• Pure Oasis Flow
• Pure One Flow
• Pure One Mini Series II
• Robert Ecologic 4
• Roberts Elise
• Roberts Recordr
• Roberts Stream 205
• Sangean DAB+Box
• Sangean DPR-17
• Sangean DPR-25 Plus
• Sangean DPR-45
• Sangean DPR-65
• Shintaro SHDR
• Sony XDR-S56DBP

Discontinued models

How we test

Sound quality Our testers listen to each radio at the same volume for distortion, rattles or other odd noises, stereo separation where appropriate and a natural sound across all frequencies.

Ease of use Our tester uses all the main functions of the radios to assess their ease of use. In particular, he looks for ease of the initial setup, clear labelling, placement and functionality of the buttons and knobs, size and clarity of the display and intuitive and logical menus.

Reception We check for reception quality in three different locations. The first site is classed as optimal reception, while the second site represents an area of marginal reception. The final test involves an area with difficult reception due to its distance from the broadcast tower and no line of sight for the signal to reach the radio.

Battery test We use rechargeable batteries, which may not have the same longevity of some other types, but are what we expect many consumers will opt for to save money. The batteries are fully charged and we time how long the radio continues to play at a moderately low volume (approximately 65dB at 1m). This test is repeated at least twice and the times are averaged.

Standby energy We measure the radio's standby energy use with the display at minimum brightness.

Discontinued Models

• Bush BR08 DAB
• Bush BPR07 DAB
• Bush BR20 DAB
• Digitech AR1751
• Digitech AR1754 Portable
• Grundig GPR800 DAB
• MBeat DAB 01W
• Oxx DIgital Pocket
• Oxx Vntage Portable Digital Radio
• Pure Avanti Flow
• Roberts Dreamtime
• sToneTech DB 80F
• Teac DAB 400w

 
 

 
Your say - Choice voice

Make a Comment

Members – Sign in on the top right to contribute to comments