EXCLUSIVE REVIEW! Intempo RDI DAB radio/iPod dock £130

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

Technorati Tags: DAB radio, iPod, iPod dock, MP3

Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.