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The Roberts Radio Rambler
Features
- FM RDS/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Save up to 20 preset stations (10 for FM and 10 for DAB)
- Dual alarms that gradually get louder
- Sleep function (timer can be set from 10 to 90 minutes)
- Aux-in for playing music from a smartphone, MP3 player or other device
- Stereo headphone jack
- Carrying handle
- Dimmable LED display with four settings: high, mid, low, off
Dimensions: 21 cm wide x 12 cm high x 8.5 cm deep
Weight: 826 g
Power: Mains powered or battery powered with 4 x C batteries
Sound quality
The Rambler is a small radio with a mono speaker, so as you’d expect it has limited volume and there isn’t a great deal of depth to the sound. However, it sounds crisp and clear and has a good level of bass for a radio of its size. The Rambler generally sounds great for casual listening, and isn’t tinny in the way that many other portable radios are.
Ease of use
The Roberts Rambler is very easy to use. Even if you’ve never used a digital radio before, you should find this radio intuitive and straightforward.
As soon as you turn the Rambler on it will scan and save all the digital stations available in your area. You can then go through them alphabetically and save your favourite stations as presets so you can access them more quickly.
This radio features an alarm clock that lets you set two separate alarms. Setting alarms is straightforward and simple, unlike on many other radios where setting an alarm can be unintuitive and over-complicated.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Stylish retro design
- Good battery life
- Good sound quality for a radio of its size
- Headphone socket is stereo, so the radio sounds very good through high-quality headphones
- Feels sturdy and well made
- Well written manual
Cons
- Expensive given its features and sound quality—you’re mainly paying for the design
- Limited volume
- Batteries aren’t included
- Display is on the top, which means it’s not ideal for using on a bedside table
- No dedicated preset buttons—instead you have to scroll through a menu to access preset stations
- No Bluetooth
Verdict
The Roberts Radio Rambler
The main reason to think twice about buying the Rambler is its high price. The beautiful retro design and prestigious Roberts name have added a significant amount to this radio’s price tag. However, if you’re looking for something reliable and good-looking, this radio is a good buy.
Similar radios
The Roberts Rambler could be improved with a few extra features such as Bluetooth and a built-in battery charger so it could charge batteries while plugged into the mains. Roberts produce several radios with built-in battery chargers, including the modern-looking Unologic and the more retro Expression.
If you’d like something with a retro design but a lower price, you should consider the Goodmans 1960’s style Oxford radio. Like the Rambler, it’s an FM/DAB portable radio with a carrying handle, though it doesn’t quite have the same build quality or authentic look as the Roberts Rambler.
For some more retro radios to bear in mind, check out our roundup of the best retro radios in the UK.