Perstel DR301 review

This smart, sturdy pocket unit isn’t content with just being an FM and DAB radio – it also includes an SD memory card slot Tested at £150.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Good features, enjoyable to use, and it looks and sounds good to boot

Pros

  • +

    Detailed, intimate sound

  • +

    simple, smart and small

  • +

    doubles as a music player and recorder with SD card

Cons

  • -

    Headphones decidedly average

  • -

    only room for three presets

  • -

    pity you can’t rewind more than one minute

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It may sound like it's made by a detergent manufacturer, but this smart, sturdy pocket unit isn't content with just being an FM and DAB radio. It also includes an SD memory card slot, so you can record DAB radio on it and play MP3s from it.

It's powered by three AA batteries or a mains adapter(not supplied), but while it's easy to find stations on the FM tuner, there are only three presets. Switch to DAB and, after a quick scan, the '301 throws up over 50 stations – all presented with scrolling station info and the right channel labels.

Other useful features include the ability to rewind the last minute of any DAB broadcast, or to record at the bit-rate of your choice, ten minutes at 128kbps using 10MB of SD card capacity. File transfer is PC-only, and the DR301 works with MP3 and WMA formats.

MP3 or DAB sound via the supplied earbuds is on the bright side, but upgrade to a decent pair of headphones, and things are far more balanced.

If you want DAB and MP3 in one, the Perstel is a great option. Try it!

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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