Radio. It’s very much alive, and it’s beginning to thrive. The staple for any kitchen, office, bedroom… or anywhere else that your normal system isn’t. DABs make fantastic gifts – for yourself or another – the content is provided in some shape or form, so you don’t have to panic about gifting your loved one with something that will in turn cost them money. And it’s the gift that will keep on giving too! Whether they like music (of any conceivable genre), chat, news, sports, politics (etc.), your gift will be what brings them fresh content. Day after day, year after year.
With the arrival of DAB – and the ever ascending popularly of Internet Radio – there are more makes and models to chose from than ever before. But which way do you go? Never fear, Audio Affair are here. We stock many of the best radios in the market and we can meet pretty much any budget – so let’s get your juices flowing with our very own top 5 of the best and most gift-worthy, radios.
Remember, all prices stated were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Pure Evoke D2 – £81.90
It’s simple, it’s compact and it has impressed every critic and audiophile in its path. Pure are one of the most dedicated radio manufacturers out there, and their expertise never fails to shine through, even at the lower end of the market. But don’t let the price fool you, you get a lot of bang for your buck for the tiny little Evoke D2. Stylish real wood casing, both DAB and FM radio, a tuned speaker and a hi-end digital amplifier all ensures class-leading audio quality. And the critics agree! It’s tiny size means it is suitable for pretty much any space – and its 20 presets, alarm and timer functions and AUX in (for an MP3 player) means it will really earn its keep, wherever it may sit.
Why do we like it?
It’s a little bit deceptive – and we like surprises! The size – and price tag – is small, but its sound is big.
Why do they like it?
‘An excellent unit from radio specialists Pure. Superb value for money […] detailed sound, price [and] build’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
2. Pure Evoke F4 – £159.95
The second of the Pure Evoke range on our list is the distinctively tailored F4. This slinky little black number is quite the all-in-one system, with everything you could ever want from a radio. It features DAB, FM, Internet Radio and even Bluetooth compatibility, so it will also act as a high-quality streamer. The F4 also features Pure Music a feature which allows for unlimited streaming for just £4.99 a month – exclusive to certain models of Pure radios. There are a whole host of other features too. Whoever picks this up would spend an inordinate time discovering them all if it weren’t so easy to use – which it fortunately is.
Why do we like it?
It sounds great, it looks even better and it has multi-room capability too (Jongo wireless compatible), so this is an excellent value radio. You can barely call it a radio – there’s just so much more to it! And with one small upgrade, it is completely portable too.
Why do they like it?
‘The Pure Evoke F4 certainly covers a lot of bases, and its ability to deliver multiroom music streaming, internet radio, DAB radio and FM is unmatched.’ (PC Pro)
3. Geneva Model XS – £174
There probably aren’t very many radios on the market that could be mistaken for modern art – the Geneva Model XS could be left lying about in the Tate and the curators would simply let it lie. In three beautiful colours, the XS is a sight to behold. It isn’t a DAB, but it does have Bluetooth – so all you need is a smart phone, laptop or tablet to get it fired up. Failing that, it has an excellent FM tuner. The XS is completely portable too! What’s more – it’s tiny, and folds up neatly to slip into a handbag or briefcase with ease. An excellent little gift for a lively, creative type who is always on-the-go, with an inbuilt digital amp, subwoofer and tweeters.
Why do we like it?
It’s portability in the truest sense of the word, and functions beautifully as a speaker. You have to hear this little thing to believe it!
Why do they like it?
’If you’re a globetrotter who craves entertainment on the go (and don’t forget that this can include internet radio from your mobile device), or even just want a swish clock-radio, the XS could be just the ticket.’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
4. Ruark Audio R1 MkIII – £199
This elegant little radio is latest incarnation of the award winning original R1. It’s both the same… and completely different! It has absolutely everything you could want from a radio of its size, with DAB, DAB+ (thus future-proof!) and Bluetooth compatibility, so you can stream with your smartphone or tablet too. It comes in three stylish finishes, which can easily blend into any space. What makes it a step-up from the original? Everything is refined – which means the sound is greatly improved. If hi-end sound and an array of versatile features is what you seek then look no further.
Why do we like it?
Its very new – one of the latest radios on the market (if not the latest), and it’s always nice to have the latest incarnation. Aside from its good looks and sound, its in-built DAB+ means it will provide seamless entertainment for years to come. As gifts go, consider this one an investment.
5. Revo SuperConnect – £249.95
And finally, the best of the best. The Revo SuperConnect may be a little eye-watering, price-wise, but when you see what it has to offer, you will quickly understand. This radio has everything. Completely wireless and featuring DAB, DAB+, FM with RDS, the SuperConnect also features internet radio, offering access to over 16,000 stations. Spotify is built-in too, so the possibilities are endless and plentiful. Constructed entirely from hi-grade components, this radio has excellent staying power. Even its cabinet is solid American walnut. And it sounds as good as the price tag says it will.
Why do we like it?
It’s a serious contender for the best in class – everything about it screams good quality.
Why do they like it?‘Not many radios we review manage to impress on so many fronts. Design, ease of use, and sound quality – the Revo has it all. SuperConnect by name, super by nature.’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)