Typical price: £90
What is it: Portable DAB, suited to the kitchen, with 40 presets and FM capability
What we think: It's resilient and clean-looking, but the XDR-S20's utilitarian looks are undermined by an unusual tuning system and mediocre sound quality
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 31 January 2006
Tags: Sony, Sony XDR-S20, DAB signal, electronics, sound quality
We like:
Solid construction; clear LCD display
We don't like:
Counter-intuitive tuning control; mono sound
You might also need:
If you don't want to disturb others, you can plug in headphones
CNET UK judgement:
Attention to detail is not quite what it should be here. Despite an initially attractive design and sturdy chassis, the XDR-S20 is let down by below-average audio quality and an unneccesarily complex user interface design. It's reasonable as a kitchen DAB, but there are richer pickings to be found elsewhere
Full review:
Manufacturers like Roberts have made a business out of slipping modern DAB electronics into the husks of 50s radios, but Sony is not well known for its traditionalism. The XDR-S20 is about as retro as Sony gets. There's a hint of Bakelite about the plastic chassis, but apart from that, there's little mistaking this for a vintage model. Continue Reading...
Latest user reviews
October 4, 2006
Posted by: Jan Nerem
"Good quality for the breakfast table"
March 13, 2006
Posted by: Russell Toon
"Sony can do better"
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