We know many of you on the Forums have been clamouring to know what we think of the new Intempo RDI DAB radio/iPod dock, so here exclusively online, in advance of publication in the February 2008 issue of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, is our verdict.
Hang on to your hats, folks, as you may be in for a surprise...
iPOD DOCK
INTEMPO RDI
3 stars
For
Smart styling; cleverly concealed iPod dock; DAB/FM tuner; great remote control; detailed delivery
Against
Can sound harsh and lightweight; DAB receiver doesn't seem the strongest
Verdict
We can't fault the form or the features, but when it comes to function, this Intempo really feels the pace
While Intempo would have us believe this iPod dock and DAB/FM radio is an industry first, the presence of the Pure Chronos and Technika DAB407 in last month's issue says otherwise.
Still, being much more iPod dock than clock radio, the RDI is well worth a look. As we slide this eagerly awaited product out of the box, we start to think Intempo might be on to a winner. The glossy black finish is smart, with the slide-out dock only adding to the RDI's elan.
We can't help thinking the description of the speakers as '2.1' is a touch cheeky, but it does boast two 30w speakers and a 'subwoofer' at the rear, so who are we to argue?
Responsive controls on the unit or the chunky remote give access to the RDI's myriad functions. Clock, alarm, sleep and snooze functions allude to a clock radio. Thankfully, the Intempo's styling means this is far more than a multi-talented iPod dock.
Sound quality doesn't impress
So we head for the DAB, FM and iPod modes... and that's where our enthusiasm wanes.
First, the RDI doesn't seem to find as many DAB stations as others tested in the same spot. More importantly, the sound quality ain't great. We don't expect miracles, but at a decent volume this sounds hard and thin.
Speech-only stations are clear, and music at low volume is clear and detailed, but at something approaching normal listening volume, voices and guitars grate.
Switch to an iPod and it's more of the same; a 192kbps version of Led Zep's Immigrant Song is scratchy, while a lossless file of PJ Harvey's dainty Dear Darkness, though easier on the ears, still struggles to hold our attention and really engage.
Great looks, but it's skin deep
If you live on a diet of talk radio and folk, and desire the functions the sharp-looking Intempo offers, you might well be happy. But attempt to introduce a hint of rock and it doesn't cut it - industry first or not.
ALSO CONSIDER
PURE CHRONOS IDOCK
5 stars
£100
January 2006
The Pure sounds far superior to the RDI, and while the styling isn't as flash, the end product is far more pleasing for us
TECHNIKA DAB407
4 stars
£70
January 2007
Don't be perturbed by the Tesco connection, this talented Technika is solidly made and sounds composed and focused
