The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Feeds
  • print
  • alert

Agentless Backup is Not a Myth

View Quest Retro Wi-Fi Radio

RH Numbers
RH Recommended Medal

The original View Quest Retro DAB/FM radio pumped out a substantial sound and its iPod dock inclusion at a reasonable price gave it the edge over some better known brands. The only trouble was its reliance on buttons, as it lacked a particular retro nicety: a volume knob. The Wi-Fi version not only adds this feature for output and navigation but includes a much better screen. Indeed, it’s improvements all round with the Retro Wi-Fi model, even the plastic fascia has a nicer look and feel to it.

The sound from its 2 x 10W speakers remains robust as ever, although the aux input seems a little brighter than the original Retro but it’s not especially harsh, thankfully. It’s definitely easier to use – finding Internet radio stations is a breeze – although saving the weather location can be a tad confusing at first. Alas, no USB facilities although it’s Wi-Fi capabilities go beyond Internet radio, as you can even hook it up to a UPNP media server. With the on-board alarm, retractable iPod dock, aux input and battery operation option from standard cells, it’s a very versatile prospect, especially if you're keen on portability. Sure, Pure offers the One Flow for outdoors use, but it has a mono speaker and no dock. For what it does, the Retro Wi-Fi is certainly affordable and, available in black or cream, it looks pretty cool too.

View Quest Retro Wi-Fi Radio

Reg Rating 85%
Price £150
More info View Quest

Yamaha TSX-140

RH Numbers
RH Editor's Choice

Hats off to Yamaha for making this look more like a proper hi-fi system packed into one unit, rather than an ordinary radio. Indeed, its looks are also in line with its features – it offers DAB, FM, iPod/iPhone docking (and sync from any USB-linked PC), aux input, USB playback for MP3/WMA and even a slot loading CD drive. There’s a wire antenna, connected using a standard F-connector.

It’s powerful, too, belting out deep yet refined bass when needed and dealing nimbly with higher frequencies. It is the best sounding item in this round-up and superb value too. ®

Yamaha TSX-140 digital radio

Reg Rating 90%
Price £269
More info Yamaha

Customer Success Testimonial: Recovery is Everything

this is radio

Worth nothing more than a £19.99 jobbie from asda. I suppose the idiots actually paying 249 are the same fools who think we need more radio than radio 4, test match special and world service.

33
3

"To suit all budgets?"

A quick trip to Amazon revealed a lot of sub-£100 digital radios (some as low as £24).

What happened to the reviews for these?

27
0

Re: "To suit all budgets?"

That, surely, is a better investigation for a reviewer: out of all the sub £100 gadgets, which ones aren't going to fall apart in a week?

Honestly, El Reg, you keep doing this. No one has any bloody money, so we need to know how to squeeze every last penny.

20
1

More from The Register

 breaking news
Curtain drops on Apple Store ahead of WWDC: What lies behind?
Steve Jobs watching from on high. No pressure, lads
 breaking news
Cold, dead hands of Steve Jobs slip from iPhones: The Cult of Ive is upon us
Billionaire biz baron's death clears way for uber-shiny iOS 7
Airbus imagines suitcases that find themselves
Point your mobe at your smalls to track their every move
Surprise! Intel smartphone trounces ARM in power trials
Tests show equal performance while sipping significantly less juice
First look: iOS 7 for iPad
No, Apple hasn't released it yet, but that doesn't stop intrepid devs
Apple said to be 'exploring' 5.7-inch iPhone
Who's the copycat this time, Mr. Cook?
Review: Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock
Missing Mac ports reunited, for a price
 breaking news
Australian 'Apple tax' repealed for MacBook Air
But the new MacPro is priced at a premium