This test report on the Sony XDR-S55DAB is one of a series of digital radio reviews. If you have reached this page from an internet search, we suggest you begin by reading the Introduction to our guide to DAB digital radios. For more information about the options listed below, see also the criteria by which to judge performance and what are the main features to look for.
Sony XDR-S55DAB - test report
- Price £43
- Type Hand-held
Overall verdict
Hand-held radio with a useful beep at the end of the station list, and three easy-to-use presets (the rest via a menu). Large text option on the display. Let down by its sound quality but adequate for speech.
Features
| Size (h x w x d; cm) | 10 x 19 x 4 |
| Weight (kg) | 0.5 |
| Wavebands | FM |
| Speaker/s | mono |
| Headphone output | stereo |
| Power | mains and battery |
| DAB presets | 10 |
| FM presets | 10 |
| Preset buttons or menu | 3 buttons + 7 via menu |
| Pause and rewind live radio | no |
| Electronic programme guide | no |
| Recording | no |
Performance
| DAB reception | ★★☆☆☆ |
| DAB sound quality | ★★☆☆☆ |
| FM sound quality | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Volume control covers useful range | yes, for its size |
| Sound quality at maximum volume | limited volume with a lot of distortion |
| Claimed battery life (hours) | DAB 8.5, FM 8 |
| Actual battery running time (hours) | DAB 7.5, FM 6.5 |
| Mains power consumption (watts; on standby) | 0.1 |
| Mains power consumption (watts; in use) | DAB 2.3, FM 2.6 |
Ease of use
| Installation and setting up | |
| by blind people | ★★★☆☆ |
| by partially sighted people | ★★★☆☆ |
| by people with impaired grip | ★★★☆☆ |
| Everyday use | |
| by blind people | ★★☆☆☆ |
| by partially sighted people | ★★★☆☆ |
| by people with impaired grip | ★★★☆☆ |
| Advanced use | |
| by blind people | n/a |
| by partially sighted people | n/a |
| by people with impaired grip | n/a |
| Overall ease of use | |
| by blind people | ★★☆☆☆ |
| by partially sighted people | ★★★☆☆ |
| by people with impaired grip | ★★★☆☆ |
| Features score | |
| by blind people | 52% |
| by partially sighted people | 64% |
| by people with impaired grip | 73% |
Note: Star ratings range from poor (★☆☆☆☆ - 1 star) to excellent (★★★★★ - 5 stars).
Last updated: August 2011
Main page: Test reports