Dualit DAB Lite radio

A special switch inside the battery compartment lets the user tell the product whether ordinary or rechargeable batteries are to being used and allows the unit to work at maximum efficiency. Still, we couldn’t help thinking an internal rechargeable battery would have been a better choice. However, a very useful feature is the UK/EU plug adaptor that comes as standard, a really handy addition this that more manufacturers should take on-board.

The company makes a point of underlining the product’s ability to project a room-filling sound even for relatively large spaces and at high volume. Back to that wobbly volume knob again, but giving a good tweak we found the claims to be mostly justified. This is where the product does come into its own.

Available in chrome, slick black and country cream

Choosing the BBC’s Asian Nework and some bouncy and complex Bhangra sounds, we found that the unit proved itself versatile enough to cope. Going up a level, we switched to some Iron Maiden out of ‘dad-rock’ station Planet Rock and really cranked up the volume. Again, the unit coped well with a nice rich sound which does maintain clarity at high volume through its 3in, 6W down-ported driver.

Verdict

This is a great looking radio with a good sound. However, sensible additions - protection for the aerial and a European power adapter - are offset by the lack of an extra input for an MP3 player, although the unit does have a headphone socket.

The price tag of £85 feels a little on the heavy side too, and you do feel that you're paying for the styling of the product a little too much. Still, if the looks of the product are to your liking, then perhaps the Dualit might find a happy home next to your smoothie maker and those George Foreman grills that everyone has, but never uses.