Pure Digital Sirocco 150 review

This budget micro is impressive on paper, but sadly it struggles where performance is concerned Tested at £150.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Majors on functions but falters on sound quality, even for a budget micro

Pros

  • +

    CD/DAB/iPod dock

  • +

    plenty of functions

  • +

    works with iPhone

  • +

    SD card and USB inputs

Cons

  • -

    Sound quality isn't great

  • -

    remote is clunky

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This Pure Micro is not just 'Made for iPod'; it's also the world's first DAB micro system to boast 'Works with iPhone' certification.

This means it's certified to meet Apple performance standards – and that you won't have to put your iPhone in to 'Airplane Mode'.

The Pure Sirocco 150 certainly packs in the features. There are DAB and FM tuners alongside the CD player and iPod dock, while USB and SD card inputs and a front-mounted 3.5mm input complete an extensive sweep of possible sources.

Lightweight audio
We don't expect the world sonically from something of this price, but we're still disappointed with the results.

Listening to the remastered release of the Beatles' Abbey Road, the sound is lightweight and insubstantial; a lossless file via the dock and an iPod Touch is similarly lacklustre.

Flick the bass mode on and Simian Mobile Disco's Cruel Intentions sounds flat or, with 'bass mode' on, more powerful but woolly in the bottom end.

If you want something fairly cheap and fairly cheerful, this Pure will do a job. We'd spend more for better quality – or less and live with fewer functions.

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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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