|
|
|
|
|
|
home | listen live | news | DAB digital radio | feedback | features
|
|
portable | handheld | clock alarm | hi-fi systems & separates tuners | DAB radio aerials | PC DAB
|
|
Further information DAB digital radios, tuners and hi-fi system reviews Fast find DAB digital radio products DAB digital radio portables and receivers DAB portables at the cheaper end Alarm clock DAB radios Handheld/personal/pocket DAB radios DAB digital radio systems - hifi and tuners DAB digital radio FAQs more DAB digital radio stockists 
|
Roberts RD49 Gemini 49 DAB radio review
Visitor review
Smart iPod white, the Roberts RD49 looks like a much smaller version of the Roberts RD15. Feels surprisingly heavy in the hand loaded with rechargeables. All buttons and controls have a weighted, quality feel and the whole unit looks and feels better than you would expect for the price.
I used 6 x AA high capacity NIMH 2700 mah batteries for long life. The radio charges batteries only when it is switched off. Charge time is quoted as 7 houtrs. On the first charge, the radio ran on DAB for around twenty hours.
The Roberts RD49 Gemini 49 has a large two line display which has an amber glow when used on mains supply. When batteries are used it is illuminated for twelve seconds on each button touch, but reverts to an unlit black on green LCD display afterwards to save battery power.
Roberts RD49 Gemini 49 produces a good clean sound and reasonable volume from a very small speaker. Turning to maximum volume failed to distort the sound. The tone has more low end than you would expect and this is due to an enhanced bass output from the unit. The trade off for this is that when headphones are used the stereo output is a little too bass heavy for Planet Rock but actually gave a very warm deep sound to Classic FM, a bit like my grand dad's giant radiogram. There is no tone control. Overall the sound is good for a very small portable and for spoken word broadcasts it hits the spot but for listening to music it is never going to replace a decent mains unit. Very sensitive reception and pulled in DAB stations from adjoining areas on full scan that I had never encountered before.
Feature wise, there are no alarms, with only the usual DAB display features but lacking USB upgradeability and, more importantly - considering its impressive sensitivity - station trim.
Overall, the Roberts RD49 Gemini 49 is much better than I dared hope for the money and I would not hesitate to recommend it as a battery portable; but I won't be throwing the Pure Evoke 1XT away.
With thanks to Richard for his review.
Images
Related links: |
