A good question and yep, I do have an answer, its only my opinion of
course but I feel I'm in good company when "My Hi-Fi" magazine have
voted the Roark Audio R1 the best Portable Digital Radio of the year for
the third year running, I agree absolutely.
The radio ranges in price froun around $250 up to $500 depending on what
model you're after, the Ruark R1 MKII is the one I chose at $250, its
simple enough with a 3.5 inch speaker driver on the front above which is
the 3 line display, all the controls are on the top of the radio, a
spring-loaded digital volume knob with 12 buttons around it.
The MKII has the FM/Digital Radio bands as well as a line-in function,
the MKIII model has Bluetooth streaming which I didn't think I needed
given that I have enough devices here to do that but it would be a good
option for someone to consider if they wanted everything in the one box.
The radio is about as big as a wine cask so its bigger than the Tivolia
Model 10+ I discussed on this list a little while ago and certainly
larger than the Tivoli Audio Pal+.
Sound is magic particularly coming from only one mono speaker,
incredibly loud the radio can go with little distortion so if this radio
were to be taken out into a garden it would have no trouble punching
above its weight in enjoyable sound, often radio sound "Gets lost" in
open spaces.
By default the Ruark R1 can only run with the provided AC power adapter
but a leather carry case/rechargeable battery pack can be purchased to
add the extra portability.
The R1 would also be the perfect bedside alarm clock featuring 2
independent alarms which can be set to either your favourite radio
station or Buzzer and to wake you at your favourite volume, on various
weekdays or on the weekends etc so plenty of flexibility there.
Stereo headphones can be connected to the R1 and the headphone output
didn't disappoint me whatever, a lovely sounding headphone amplifier
which I'm looking to enjoying in full when I have time to later today.
Naturally the R1 can be connected to another stereo system or powered
speakers through its line-out connector though - given the sound this
radio gives out - its hard to wonder why one would bother.
I've done some brief reception tests though I need not have wasting my
time with this as the radio passed my usual reference DAB+ reception
test, I was able to pull in all stations with the antenna retracted
Reception only dropped out when the antenna was folded down flush with
the radio and this was to be expected, I've only seen 2 radio sets that
work with the antenna folded awya, the Panasonic RF-d10 and the Sangean
DPR-67, two smaller portable sets but both worth their weight in gold.
The R1 comes with a telescopic antenna which has to be bolted onto the
radio before use via the use of a standard F Connector at the back of
the radio, a tool is supplied so you may tighten, remove or replace the
telescopic antenna with an external antenna cable if you have such an
installation.
I've not tried this radio on its FM band yet so I hope i'm not
disappointed though the FM band is secondary for my listening needs.
The radio comes out of the box in a draw string felt like carry pouch,
the idea being that you can store the radio in the pouch when it is not
in use.
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Those who need help are those who are prepared to help themselves
