Pure DRX-701ES

I quite like this Pure DRX-701ES radio and definitely appreciate the extra channels that I can receive on it, it is easy to get a good signal even from an internal ariel, and it does sound as good on DAB as much more expensive DAB units on the market - but there is a downside - it is not because this sounds amazing it is because in comparison to high end analogue tuners fed with a decent signal DAB is limited. It could be the bit rates that broadcasters are using, but whatever the reason it is just not as good.

I spend about £1000 a unit in my hifi so a £200 tuner is at a disadvantage anyway, but as I stated earlier it sounds almost the same as much more expensive units and for the DAB format I can see no point in buying anything that costs more, it is great for speech and if you like listening to sports commentary (my main use for it) I thoroughly recommend it, but if you want to "upgrade" a decent analogue tuner for listening to music through then this is not the way to do it.

The Pure DRX-701ES is a fantastic radio. I sold my Arcam which originally cost £800 (I didn't pay that - I won the radio in a BBC Proms competition)for a good price and bought this later generation Pure (Videologic). Worked much better than the Arcam in Central London and immediately picked up all available stations using its wire antenna pinned to my ground floor window. Amazing. I love it, and unhesitatingly recommend it.

I bought the Pure DRX-701ES and made the change to DAB about 8 months ago as I was getting tired of my CD collection. Being keen on my music and having a decent hifi, I decided that spending the extra on a DAB would complement the rest of the setup. I chose the Pure due to good reviews in most magazines, and was impressed by it's good looks. I chose the 701ES over the 702ES (which includes analogue channels in addition to digital) and have found that for my use, I've never needed anything else. It is very easy to use and the remote is easy to use and looks good on the table. Ths only hassle was getting the cable in the right position as slight miss-alignments/twists etc quickly reduce the reception. Perhaps it's due to electrical interference from the other electronics, but once set it's been a pleasure. I can definitely recommend both DAB and the Pure 701 to anybody keen on listenting to distortion free/hiss free radio.