SONY SRF-M10
Typically £68, or £53 from www.unbeatable.co.uk
Three stars
Superstylish and portable, but the FM-only tuner limits its appeal
Sony’s sleek, range-topping “radio Walkman” shows how far ahead analogue still is — in packaging at least. Smaller than a cigarette lighter, it is highly pocketable and runs for days on a single battery. A crisp display and a clever jog-dial control make preset or manual tuning a breeze, although the fussy volume selector could be replaced with a thumb wheel. Reception is good, though sound quality is done no favours by the earphones — replaced by Sennheiser’s MX-500s (£20), things would improve dramatically. It’s a slick piece of kit with only one drawback: the lack of an AM waveband will infuriate Radio 4 and Five Live fans alike.

ROBERTS R761
Typically £70, or £57 from www.unbeatable.co.uk
Five stars
Superlative build, classic design and traditional sound in a radio to relish
While Bush cleverly mixes the old with the new, this Roberts is traditionalism honed to perfection. Although it lacks the facilities that digital radio fans take for granted, it is exquisitely built and a joy to use. The case is made from solid ash, with a soft, stitched-vinyl carrying strap and elegant end-caps. Although inconvenient, the old-school tuning dial and knob are wonderfully tactile, and the sensitive tuner, powerful amplifier and large speaker assure superb sound quality, with a rich and vibrant tone. The inclusion of long wave will be appreciated by cricket fans and Europe-based Radio 4 listeners. For those who remain unconvinced by DAB, nothing compares to this beautiful blast from the past.

DIGITAL

PHILIPS DA1000
Typically £149, or £120 from www.cheapelectricals.com
Four stars
Fine design and superb versatility ensure great value for money
Philips’s first portable digital radio cannot compete with its Sony analogue rival for compactness, but its range of facilities pushes it ahead. The extra digital stations are a bonus, and FM, included as a backup in poor reception areas — surprisingly commonplace with mobile DAB — comes with automatic tuning. The handy joystick, allied to a sharp backlit screen with scrolling text and time display, makes using the Philips a breeze, and the 20 DAB and FM presets are easily reachable. Two rechargeable batteries give only middling playing time, but a charger is provided.

BUSH TR2003DAB
Typically £99, or £80 from www.comet.co.uk
Four stars
Cool looks and functionality make this retro radio a winner
Here is a radio with “traditional values in a modern setting”. Inspired by Bush’s 1960s wirelesses, it sports up-to-the-minute electronics in a pale-grey, rubberised retro case. Digital stations, which are automatically tuned, are loud and clear, thanks to its large telescopic aerial, and it has a scrolling text display and 10 presets. There is a choice of mains or battery operation. For poor DAB-reception areas, there is a preset FM tuner. Impressively versatile, clean-sounding and stylish, this is a Roberts for the digital generation.

Maximum rating five stars
Prices include Vat and delivery

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