Stiftung Warentest: Internet radio and DAB + in the test
In the 08/13 issue, Stiftung Warentest calls internet radios and digital radios (DAB +) for a sound check: 20 radios have been tested for sound quality, reception and user comfort. In this article we summarize which radio receivers were silent and which devices are the future of radio.
Internet radio product test winner: "Peaq" is an all-round talent
The Internet radio Peaq PDR 300 was at the top in the goods test with a grade of 2.0 ("good"): With the latest technology, a rich and noise-free sound, you can hear thousands of stations from Germany and around the world. The test winner convinced:
- The product test experts awarded the Peaq PDR 300 a "tonal delight", which convinced with internet streaming and also with reception via DAB +. Even radio interference, for example from a smartphone, cannot harm the reception quality. Price: approx. 200 euros.
- The docking station for the iPod turns the radio into a small stereo system that benefits from the good sound. You don't have an iPod? You can also connect your MP3 player or a USB stick and play songs.
- Internet radio, on the other hand, was only mediocre when it was received via the conventional FM frequency. That was not very important in the ranking - after all, "online" is the future.
Test winner in the "DAB +" segment: The TechniSat Digitradio 300
Digital radios are significantly cheaper than internet radios because they can only receive the frequencies via DAB + and FM. Both worked without problems for the test winner "TechniSat Digitalradio 300" and were enough for a "good" (grade 2.2). The details:
- The digital radio 300 promises reliable reception and can almost always keep the promise despite sources of interference. Since the radio does not need an internet connection, you can also use it on the go in battery mode. Price about 100 euros.
- The reception quality is typical "DAB +": No noise, no crackling, but the best music enjoyment. The display shows you further information such as music title, artist and the name of the program and the moderator. However, the number of channels remains covered: In the test, it fluctuated between 8 and 49 channels depending on the city.
- Tip: You can also equip your PC with DAB + and listen to the radio without noise.
Radio silence instead of enjoying music: These devices failed in the test
- Internet radio: The "IN200" from Scansonic only creates a "satisfactory". The commissioning works perfectly, but the sound quality did not convince either experts or listeners. In addition, the Internet radio lacks "DAB +" reception.
- DAB +: The "Teac R5" actually made a good impression until the experts looked at the batteries and identified a safety risk: If one battery cell fails, the others can overheat and battery fluid can leak. The goods test judgment therefore "poorly".
- You can read all the details for a fee at test.de.
Internet radio stations - the best tips from the CHIP editorial team
As with Stiftung Warentest, we came to the conclusion in the CHIP test laboratory: The cheapest internet radios are not the best. In our top 3 we show you the recommendation of the CHIP editorial team.
- "TerraTec Noxon iRadio 360": For around 150 euros there is an extensive station search and a decent sound, which you can optimize with a second speaker. The device can also access music from the home server (UPnP).
- "DNT IP-Square": FM frequencies, DAB + and Internet streams are no problem for the IP-Square, but the two small speakers only provide weak bass when it comes to stereo sound. There are no other shortcomings on the radio for about 110 euros.
- "Pure Digital One Flow": With around 100 euros, the One Flow is not only cheap, but can also be connected to the iPhone via a docking station. Visually and acoustically, it is reminiscent of a portable radio: compact and with acceptable treble and bass.
- We will introduce you to other models in our practice check. You will also find the listening tips from the CHIP editorial staff there.
Tip: Read in the next article how to automatically record your favorite radio program.