Pure Evoke Flow

The basics

The EVOKE Flow is a DAB/Internet radio that supports FM RDS and RadioText. With support for Wi-Fi and WMA, WAV, AAC, MP3, MP2 and Real Audio files, it has 30 DAB, and ten FM radio presets. Also it measures 175x210x110mm, has touch-sensitive controls and the inimitable Pure snooze handle.

The good

Video is going to get a good kicking from this radio star, as it can handle almost every digital broadcast going. It’s got great DAB and FM tuners, or hook it up to your Wi-Fi network to unleash over 8000 online radio stations, including the good old Beeb’s Listen Again shows. If you’ve got a PC full of tunes, install some UPnP software and you can stream them on demand, using the auto-dimming OLED screen. Unlike most internet radios, it can be made fully portable if you invest £35 in a rechargeable battery pack.

The bad

Streamed radio shows don’t always sound fantastic, and the Flow’s 7W speaker is only average. Upping the sound quality with an optional speaker costs £40. However, there’s no adding buffer memory after you’ve bought the Flow, so get used to not being to pause or rewind live programmes. The menus are on the confusing side, too.

The bottom line

The only way to invite German tranceheads, Senegalese guitarists and Chinese opera singers to a knees-up in your kitchen without having a heck of a cleaning bill. Great radio, although not for audiophiles.