Digital radio is here and it is here to stay. In a few years time the analogue system will be turned off, and without a DAB+ digital radio, you simply will not be able to listen to the radio. So which model to buy? This guide will help you decide which model is right for you.

The first issue to cover is sound quality, and there is much conjecture over the sound quality of digital radio. The reality is this: Compared to good quality FM, there is no real advantage and many would say they prefer the sound quality of FM over DAB+. But when we reference the AM band against DAB+ then there is no contest. AM has had it's day and for talk back listeners, you can now enjoy what by comparison is crystal clear sound.

Some of the features promoted as benefits of DAB+ apart from the 'sound quality', is the additional information that stations can provide on the radios display, but the truth is few take advantage of this feature at this stage other than to show song titles, or the call in number for talk back stations. 

Another much touted features is the ability to pause and rewind live radio, just like you do with TV now if you have a digital PVR. The reality once again is that there are few models available with this function, and it drives the price up making the radio seem to have less value. At this point in time, we have no table top or portable models with this feature, but we do have one hi-fi component that does, the Digitalview DDR-103.

Oxx Digital Pocket

The Oxx Digital Pocket is a totally portable and 'pocketable' DAB+ and FM radio. It offers EQ settings to tailor the sound to suit you, and comes with a pair of JAYS a-Jays1 headphones, so sound quality is very good, and unlike most other product on the market the Pocket is not a portable radio you need to buy a descent headphone for to get the best out of it. Small, easy to use, and great value.
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Oxx Digital Vantage

So, lets look at the range, starting with the Oxx Digital Vantage, designed as an AC powered and battery powered portable radio. Portable in the sense of moving it from room to room, not pocketable. The Vantage offers DAB+ and FM with 10 presets, Stereo Line Out which can be fed into a stereo system for bigger sound, Alarm Clock with Snooze Function, Battery or Mains Power and comes with a 24 Months Warranty. Sound quality is good for the type of radio it is and will satisfy the talk back listener no end, but the music lover might want for something better.
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Oxx Digital Classic

The biggest selling radio we have is the Oxx Digital Classic and for good reason: the Classic offers a great deal of features, stylish looks, good sound quality and ultimately value for money. As well as DAB+ and FM bands, the Classic also offers a line in for your iPod, music streaming from your computer, and internet radio to access thousands of radio stations from all around the world. Available in gloss black or gloss white, the Classic like the Vantage offers alarm clock features and is certainly a stylish option, but mostly, for the money it is hard to beat.
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Vita Audio R1

The Vita Audio range of radio's come out of the UK and are touted as the Aston Martin of radios, they certainly offer the most stylish looks. So do they deliver? The Vita Audio R1 is their entry level product, but the list of features is far from entry level and include DAB+ and FM tuners with 10 presets, line in for iPod, headphone output, dual alarms, auto dimming display, and 9 watts of power which is 3 watts more than the Oxx Digital Classic offers. In addition there is an optional battery pack and leather carry case enabling this smart and well made radio to be totally portable. Ultimately though, at the price being asked it needs to sound good and thankfully we can confirm it is the best sounding DAB+ radio we have heard, by far. The 3" driver offers far greater top end detail and significantly more bass output giving music more weight, and voices on talk back radio greater depth. If you have the budget, buy this radio!
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Geneva Sound Model S DAB

The Geneva Sound Model S DAB is a very clever design, with it's motorized Aston Martin like hidden iPod dock that rotates to reveal itself when required. The high quality piano gloss finish is beautiful, and the included option of a small desk stand is a nice touch. Unlike other models here, the Model S DAB offers stereo output from what appears to be a single driver front panel. But behind that grille are two 3" full range drivers, and two bass ports for extended bottom end. The Model S DAB is the most expensive unit here, but it is also the only one with an iPod dock and stereo speakers.
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