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Retro DAB+ Radio 

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It is described as Retro with a leather over the top grab handle to allow movement. This offering from View Quest is up to date in that it has Dab, FM, iPod and Auxiliary Input. The sound is also up to date in that it is Stereo.

View Quest Retro DAB Radio with Lightning Connector for iPod and iPhone Dock
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My unit was a bright yellow (called mustard) and cream, there are I am told another seven colour combinations in their range of this British made unit. On checking their website the display showed ten different colour combinations.

It is 29x9.5x16cm. those figures do not include the soft leather carry handle that can extend 8cm above the last figure or the seven piece bar aerial that when fully extended rises 70cm from its stored position at the top of the back.

Talking of the back there four items to mention, the internal battery bay, on/off slider button, DC input socket and the Auxiliary socket.

Most of the action is on the face, either side are the twin stereo 10watt speakers with the iPod dock mounted flush (when not in use) between them. There are apparently two versions one for those of us that have the standard 30 pin connector which Apple used from early offerings, or the Lightning version used on their most recent offerings.

There are two lines of six equally sized buttons with buttons 3 and 4 on line two being combined for the all-important snooze button to give you that little extra respite after the alarm wakes you.

There is also a display to give information it is of the character design of 16 per line and there are two lines with information scrolling if needed.

Setting up and using the unit really required no documentation; useful as the instructions with the unit I was sent had gone AWOL before arriving with me.

Once you have inserted batteries or plugged in the 1.5metre long mains lead that ends in a 7x5x3cm DC adapter / mains plug. Raise the aerial and slide the rear on/off to on you can press the left most button on the top line and the display lights are shows the time on the lower of the two lines. Press the button again and whichever station (DAB or FM) you were last listening to is tuned in at whatever volume you last used.

The left most button on the second line changes sequentially through DAB/FM/iPod/Aux. The second button on the top line initialises an Autotune which is useful if you move any distance as other stations may be available. My unit found 64.

Even if power is removed for an extended period (without batteries inserted) it has a memory so your presets and the last listened station are still stored.

I was sent the Lightning version so I was unable to test the iPod dock. I can only comment on sound quality for DAB, FM and Auxiliary inputs and these were all fine.

The mustard yellow grew on me as initially it was too bright for my taste.

This is an ideal unit to move around providing where you want it is within 1.5metres of a power socket. You could otherwise use batteries but it does not take the more normal ‘AA’ or ‘AAA’ batteries and these larger offering are less easily obtainable.

Be careful to order the correct model for your type of iPod and always which colour with the Lounge Police before purchase.

The Retro DAB+ from View Quest is available for between £77.75 and £99.99 according to colour and iPod type from the link below which does include free delivery.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00E5H6N46?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

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OverallRetro DAB+ Radio rated 76 out of 100

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