I grew up with transistor radios. So the Roberts Revival reminds me of my childhood. It looks like the sort of radio your Mum bought to listen to Radio Caroline or the early days of Radio 1 on crackling medium wave.
It has a chunky, well built feel, made all the better by its plush leather covering - which comes in a variety of colors.
Channel changing is achieved by the old fashioned method of twiddling a dial, or pushing buttons to change wavelength from FM, Medium or Long wave.
There's a telescopic ariel, and a little hinged door at the back for batteries if you decide to disconnect it from the mains transformer for any reason.
So, now the crunch question. Why pay over a hundred quid for a tranny radio? I'll tell you why. Take a look along the shelves of any big electrical store. All the radios look alike, don't they? You know, lots of plastic, flashing lights, LED displays? They all feel alike too - slightly fragile and a bit cheap and nasty.
This radio has "quality" written all over it. It looks good, and it sounds good. The wooden frame and leather covering give it a cozy, deep resonant sound. And it has a retro appearance which will make it look great on a shelf if you're into that kind of style.
I'd be the first to admit this radio is pure indulgence. But just occasionally it's worth spoiling yourself.
This is one radio which you'd have to be ga-ga not to love.
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Aug 24th, 2003
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