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The Aston MK2 is a stylish portable FM/DAB radio from the department store John Lewis. It’s very reasonably priced and could be a good radio for listening to around the house. Find out how it performs in this review…
Features
- FM/DAB radio
- Saves 10 preset stations
- Telescopic aerial
- Mains or battery powered with 4 x AAA batteries
- 3.5mm aux out
Dimensions: 22 cm wide x 18.5 cm high x 7 cm deep
Performance and use
The Aston MK2 sounds very clear and isn’t as tinny as many other portable radios. The radio has an extendable aerial which you can use to get the best possible reception.
This radio has a very stylish design. It is made of plastic, and on close inspection the build quality could be higher, but for the price it’s very well made—as you’d expect from John Lewis. The Aston MK2 is light and easy to carry around, which makes it a good radio for listening to around the house.
The Aston MK2 offers the features most people are looking for in a portable DAB radio. However, it does lack many common features you can find in other radios, in particular an alarm clock. It doesn’t have any advanced features like Bluetooth or a USB port for playing MP3s or charging a phone.
Pros
- Crisp, clear sound
- Nice tone that isn’t too tinny
- Preset stations are easy to use
- Easy to carry around the house
- Good value for money
- Instructions manual is clear and well written
Cons
- No alarm clock
Verdict
Overall, the John Lewis Aston MK2 is an excellent portable DAB radio. It has an attractive design, clear sound and offers good value for money. As long as you don’t need any advanced features, it’s a good choice.
Similar radios
If you like the Aston MK2’s design, you might want to check out the KitSound Jive, which is a great-looking 1950s-style portable DAB radio with a carrying handle. Like the Aston MK2, it’s reasonably priced and is a good budget option.
A more high-end alternative is the Roberts Vintage, which is another 1950s-style portable radio. The Roberts Vintage is substantially more expensive than the Aston MK2, but comes with the prestige of the Roberts name.
For some more options, see our roundup of the top portable DAB radios here.