Sony XDRS55DABB review – Light & Compact DAB Portable Radio; “Sony is Still Capable of Producing Quality Sounds”

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 6:58 am

I bought this Sony XDRS55DABB to replace my worn out FM radio I use whenever I work out with my aerobics. It has a good nice appearance to it, very easy to use and excellent sound quality. Since I use it in the den, I sometimes have trouble getting DAB signals but I don’t fret because the FM radio will work just as well. I just wish it had an RDS function for its FM. I try to be broadminded about it considering it’s a portable radio; it only has excellent reception outside and has very weak signal reception inside buildings. The well-lit LCD screen is very nice and it made navigation of the menu much easier.

As a portable radio, its sleek and compact design lets me place it anywhere because it is only about the size of a paperback book. The additional sleep function feature is a plus factor for me while listening to it and enjoying a good book at the same time. Naturally, I get so relaxed and fall asleep, but automatic shut-off helps conserve its low capacity for energy life.

Actually, I really have issues about the batteries. Due to its short battery life, either I use the AC adaptor or replace its battery at least every eight hours for continuous usage. I should also mention that when replacing batteries, it is best not to leave it without batteries for more than a minute; because your custom settings will be lost. What’s more, its design has flaws because it cannot stand being plugged into the AC outlet while there are still batteries inside. Doing so will damage your unit. Unlike other devices with battery usage options, this unit does not have a logic gate that automatically disconnects the batteries when it is plugged in to an AC outlet.

All in all, this Sony XDRS55DABB radio does what it is expected of it. It delivers the quality sound you would expect from a Sony device.