We have recently bought two new DAB radios.
The first was a Roberts Ecologic 1. We bought this for the
house we own in Wells-next-the Sea in Norfolk.
This is an area where we are told that DAB radio signals are
not available (http://www.ukdigitalradio.com/images/coverage-map.gif) but with the Ecologic 1 we are able to get good signals from two
multiplexers and one more when the radio is upstairs. By comparison, my older
Sony XDR-S55 radio does not get anything there on DAB.
The Ecologic 1 is a small DAB/FM radio with ½ Watt audio
output. This is fine for normal listening, but is not really powerful enough
for use in the kitchen when there is lots of background noise. Otherwise, it is
a very good radio with excellent mono (stereo with headphones) sound quality. It
is well designed and very easy to use. The only thing I don’t like is that it
has push-button volume control, but this is a matter of personal preference.
The Roberts Unologic DAB / FM radio is a bit larger but with
1 Watt audio output it is better for use in normal areas. This radio also has excellent
sensitivity, but I have not yet done a side-by-side comparison. The Unologic
has an analogue volume control, which I like. The controls are large and easy
to use so it would be suitable for old or infirm people.
DAB radios eat batteries, but at long last, a DAB radio
designer has realised that we don’t want to run our radios from mains power or
change the batteries every 10 hours or so. The Roberts Ecologic 1 and Unologic both
have built-in battery chargers so can be run on AA alkali batteries (if you are
very rich) or rechargeable batteries. The only criticism I have of the design
is that it is not possible to charge the batteries while listening.
All round, these are both excellent radios and well worth
the recommended price of £60. It is particularly suitable if you want to use it
in a poor signal area.
