Roberts Expression review

Another strong Roberts radio, with sweet sounds and sophisticated looks Tested at £90

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Another strong Roberts radio, with sweet sounds and sophisticated looks

Pros

  • +

    Useful spec includes battery charging

  • +

    smooth, safety-first sonic signature

Cons

  • -

    Low frequencies could be more distinct

  • -

    familiar Roberts top-placed display divides opinion

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The Roberts website features a stunning range of radios of all configurations, prices, styles and sizes, but the Expression stands out as one of the most striking-looking of all.

It revels in a woodily retro chassis with DAB and FM reception inside.

The Expression has an integrated battery-charger, line-level in- and outputs and a big, clear display on its top panel – familiar Roberts positioning you may/may not like.

The sound the Expression makes isn’t a million miles from the way it looks: crisp, smooth-edged and generally quite agreeable.

There’s a suggestion of rounding off of the lower frequencies, which serves to make them less than explicit, but higher up the range the Roberts offers a welcome touch of bite to go along with its heft.

So if a slick-sounding radio with a hint of retro-chic appeals, dive right in.

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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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