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The Pure One Maxi Series 3
This radio is essentially and upgraded, improved version of the older Pure One Elite, which had some issues with sound quality and a sticky rubberised finish.
It’s important not to confuse the Pure One Maxi Series 3 radio with the Pure Mini Series 3 and the Pure Midi Series 3. As the name suggests, the Maxi is the largest out of the three.
Let’s see what this radio can do…
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Saves up to 20 preset radio stations
- 4 dedicated preset buttons for quickly accessing your favourite stations
- Aux-in for connecting a smartphone, MP3 player or other device
- Headphone jack
- Kitchen countdown timer
- Alarm clock with a choice of waking up to a buzzer sound or a radio station
- Sleep timer
- Optional rechargeable battery pack (ChargePAK D1). Can also be used with 6 AA batteries.
- Stereo sound and adjustable bass and treble
- 2 speakers with 5.6W of sound in total
- Telescopic aerial
Dimensions: 27.5 cm high x 16 cm wide x 8.3 cm deep
Weight: 1.37 kg
Sound quality
For a portable radio, the One Maxi Series 3 sounds excellent. It has real depth to the sound, and is neither tinny nor muffled. The bass and treble can be adjusted to your liking, which is great since many other portable radios either sound too bassy or too trebly.
The two speakers offer 5.6W of power, and this radio can be turned up quite loud without becoming distorted. While technically the the One Maxi Series 3 has stereo sound, the speakers are very close together so you won’t get much of a feeling of stereo separation.
Ease of use
This radio is very easy to use, and you can do most things using the buttons rather than having to navigate your way through a menu. When you do need to look at the display, it’s nice and bright and is easy to read.
Design and build
Like most Pure radios, the One Maxi Series 3 feels durable and well made. The design is somewhat dull compared to some of Pure’s more attractive radios such as those in the Evoke range. However, you might appreciate this radio’s simple, no-nonsense design.
Pros
- Better sound quality than the older Pure One Elite Series 2
- Can be turned up loud without distorting
- Tone can be adjusted
- Straightforward and easy to set up
- Bright, easy to read display
- Sturdy and well made
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Uninspiring design
- No Bluetooth
Verdict
If you don’t mind the somewhat high price tag, the Pure One Maxi Series 3
On the other hand, the Pure One Maxi Series 3’s design isn’t as attractive as some of Pure’s other radios, and it seems expensive when compared to other radios with similar features. It would also be nice if the radio had Bluetooth, which is a feature offered by many other radios in this price range.
Similar radios
If you want something similar to the Pure One Maxi Series 3 but smaller, you could consider Pure’s Midi Series 3
One radio that appears to offer better value for money than the Pure One Maxi Series 3 is the 1byone Portable Digital DAB / FM Bluetooth Radio. This is one of the cheapest DAB radios with Bluetooth, and lets you stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or other Bluetooth device. It also has FM, DAB and DAB+ radio and a dual alarm feature.
For some more ideas, you should check out our roundup of the best DAB radios under £100.
Looks clean and smart, but sound clarity leaves much to be desired. Sound is muffled as if some one had left cotton wool in the speakers. The adjustment to improve the treble/bass does not seem to do anything. My old Grundig concert boy 240 is much better for sound volume and clarity.