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The AZATOM Pro Sports S1 is a portable FM/DAB/DAB+ radio which is ideal for listening to while running, in the gym or at work. It’s made by British audio tech firm AZATOM, and is one of the most popular pocket DAB radios in the UK.
Some of the most impressive things about this radio are:
- It picks up FM, DAB and DAB+ stations, giving you plenty of choice. DAB+ means it is “future ready”, and will still work if UK radio stations start using DAB+ rather than standard DAB.
- It comes with earphones.
- It can save up to 60 preset stations (30 for FM and 30 for DAB/DAB+). This is more than most other pocket radios, which usually only save about 20 stations.
Features
The AZATOM Pro Sports S1 packs a lot of features into a small package:
- Key lock so you won’t accidentally change the channel or volume when it’s in your pocket
- USB charging for recharging the internal battery via a computer
- Auto time set feature, so you don’t need to set the clock yourself
- Backlit LCD display that shows information such as station and song name
- Built-in telescopic aerial
- Sleep function
- Built-in speaker
- 3.5mm headphone/earphone jack
Specs
Dimensions: 5.1cm wide x 2.3 cm deep x 10.cm high
Weight: 109g
Pros
- Good value for money
- Generally good reception on FM and DAB, though this depends on where you live.
- Small and light.
- Good battery life at around 8-10 hours.
- AZATOM have a good reputation for customer service, and will replace your radio if it is faulty.
Cons
- The aerial is flimsy and can easily break
- The instruction manual is written in very small print, though figuring out how to use the radio is quite easy
- The built-in speaker is quite tinny and don’t go very loud, but most people will prefer to use earphones anyway
Performance and use
The AZATOM Pro Sports S1 is charged by connecting it to a computer or other charging point using the USB cable provided. On a full charge, it should last for 8 to 10 hours, though this may decline over time.
The radio is very small (10 cm high), and should fit in your pocket easily. Its small size, combined with its key lock feature, make it easy for using in the gym or while jogging.
Unless you use the built-in speaker, the sound quality depends on the headphones you use. The AZATOM earphones that come included with the radio are of fairly good quality, but you might want to invest in something better.
The DAB radio automatically scans for stations. The number you can receive will depend on where you live, but most people in the UK will be able to pick up 30 or more DAB stations. Adjusting the aerial could help improve the reception, but take care as the AZATOM Pro Sports S1’s aerial is quite fragile. The reception will depend on where in the country you use it.
Verdict
This radio does everything it promises at a very affordable price. If size, portability and price are important to you, it’s a great choice. Don’t expect too much from the quiet and tinny built-in speaker; this radio is best listened to with headphones.
Take care with the aerial, which is easy to damage. Apart from that, there’s little to complain about with the AZATOM Pro Sports S1.
Similar radios
The design of the AZATOM Pro Sports S1 appears to be based on the Roberts SportsDAB II, which is very similar in appearance and size but is likely to cost you more than twice as much. Roberts are a more established brand than AZATOM, so you might expect the Roberts Sports DAB Radio to be better quality. However, on paper, the AZATOM S1 appears to be superior in terms of features.
Another popular pocket DAB radio is the Petersfield DAB Radio from Majority. This radio is very affordable, and is another good radio to consider. If you need more options, have a look at the other pocket DAB radios reviewed here.
Dont know how to use preset. Doesn’t cover in instructions. Otherwise Im pleased with the product.
Very good radio,however often it’s unusable as it switches on in my pocket flattening the battery. The instructions clearly say that the key lock button should disable the on/off switch but it doesn’t, I’ve got over this by super glueing an o ring to the radio creating a recess for the on/off switch and that has solved the problem. If the key lock button did as stated in the instructions, this wouldn’t have been necessary
I’ve actually replaced the aerial twice, however, I did experience great difficulty in contacting customer support, my order for two aerials (one replacement, one spare) apparently got lost. Replacement order arrived damaged, or badly manufactured.
Similar problem with the switch being operated despite lock function engaged.
I now have absolutely no charge on the battery.
Radio bought 14/3/17 and I am once again getting no response from customer support.
I do not recommend this product