Sony Finally Goes DAB With XDR-S16DBP And XDR-C706DBP Radios

Just as Internet Radio starts creeping in to take the place of more conventional broadcast recipes, Sony is doing things a little backwards. The company is just now launching their first DAB+ radios, years behind other companies like Pure Digital. The retro-styled XDR-S16DBP portable radio and XDR-C706DBP clock radio definitely look the part, and if you need to spice up a retro room, these are the pieces to do it. These radios not only tune DAB and DAB+ (available across the pond), but also FM signals.


Both radios have 0.8W + 0.8W speakers, and the latter actually acts as a bedroom clock radio that enables you to wake to whatever you fancy. Both of these are available now in Europe, but pricing remains to be seen. We have to wonder if the stylish radio thing is something Sony's going to continue to pursue, or if the future of the bedroom clock really resides in things like the Dash. Widgets displays are obviously all the rage, and with connected units, it's easy to stream Pandora and other radio stations with the press of a remote. We guess there will always be the traditionalists out there keeping the tried & true radios alive, but it seems that these two would've been better served with inbuilt Wi-Fi Radio support as well.

Sony introduces first DAB+ radios

Retro-styled XDR-S16DBP portable radio and XDR-C706DBP clock radio

XDR-S16DBP portable radio with superb stereo sound and natural wood cabinet
XDR-C706DBP clock radio with large, clear display and four alarm settings

Two new DAB/DAB+/FM digital radios from Sony add more style to enjoying your favourite broadcasts.

Blending subtly retro looks with outstandingly crisp stereo sound, the AC-powered XDR-S16DBP portable radio offers beautifully simple operation and handy features. There's no excuse for oversleeping with the compact XDR-C706DBP clock radio that features a large, clear display and four alarms.

The XDR-S16DBP and XDR-C706DBP are the first micro radios from Sony that offer compatibility with the enhanced DAB+ digital broadcasting standard that's now rolling out across several European countries. Thanks to a more efficient coding scheme, DAB+ lets listeners enjoy an even wider range of radio stations, plus crystal clear, interference free digital sound. Both models offer a generous choice of 10 DAB/DAB+ presets for storing your favourite digital radio stations, plus a further 10 FM presets.

XDR-S16DBP portable radio
The XDR-S16DBP makes a distinctive design statement with its elegantly rounded natural wood cabinet. Clean, timeless lines emphasize the radio's simple, uncluttered controls that assure easy operation.

DAB, DAB+ and FM broadcasts are reproduced with clear stereo sound from the 0.8W+0.8W stereo speakers. The generously-sized 16x2 character LCD display gives a clear readout of DAB/DAB+ channel and programme information.

A Sleep Timer switches off the radio after a preset delay, saving power after you're dropped off while listening in bed. There's also a headphone jack for enjoying your favourite radio shows in private without disturbing others.

XDR-C706DBP clock radio
A smart addition to any bedroom, the compact XDR-C706DBP DAB/DAB+/FM clock radio lets everybody wake up to their favourite sounds in style.

The large, clear LCD display ensures you always know the right time. Up to four separate alarm settings can be programmed – ideal if you and your partner keep different schedules. There's also a snooze button and sleep timer.

The new XDR-S16DBP DAB/DAB+/FM portable digital radio and XDR-C706DBP DAB/DAB+/FM digital clock radio by Sony are available now.