Review: Sony XDR-S40DBP

This radio is a fairly portable DAB/DAB+/FM radio, which can run from 4AA batteries, or via the included mains adapter. Price is normally around £45, and is available in black, white, and red & grey.
This radio is one of many that I own, and I have to say it’s one of the best. If there is any signal at all, it will find it. It out performs many of my other radios on both the FM and DAB modes, and can pick up distant FM stations with relative ease.

The 8 digit display. As there is no RDS, the station frequency is displayed when using FM mode.

The usual features are included, including a stereo headphone jack (although the speaker is mono), 20 presents (10 FM/10 DAB), and a screen displaying the station name etc. The radio also features large, easy to use buttons.

There are a couple of drawbacks. The screen is only an 8-digit LCD screen, which whilst clear and easy to read, the single line of text means you have to choose between station name, scrolling text, or time. Other station info, such as genre, are hidden away in the menu. There is no RDS on the FM mode either. The radio is also heavy on batteries, which means battery replacement is frequent. Better to use rechargeable batteries (which cannot be recharged whilst in the radio), or the mains adapter (included).

Overall, a good mid-priced DAB radio, which is a good buy despite the minor drawbacks. I see a new version, the S41, has been introduced for around the same price, and will likely supersede the S40. Scores on the doors, 8 out of 10.