Vita Audio R4
The basics
CD player, USB port (for playing MP3 and WMA audio files), DAB tuner, iPod dock, intuitive RotoDial remote, two auxiliary inputs, 80W of power output - these are the features of the Vita Audio R4. Size and weight? Well they're 145x450x255mm and 8kg of course.
The good
First impressions suggest that Vita Audio has bucked a trend in iPod dock design. This does not look like it's been designed by the cashiers at Comet. A curvy, retro-tinged block clad in walnut veneer or high gloss off-white, it has DAB and FM radio tuners, an iPod dock, a USB port, and weighs in at a reassuringly hefty 8kg. That weight means there's little vibration during music playback, so you can crank up the volume without distortion creeping in. Stereo audio performance is also excellent, with thumping bass and clear highs and mids, especially in CD playback.
The bad
The R4 comes with an iPod-like remote control dubbed the RotoDial. It's not bad as such, it's just like nothing we've ever seen before and, with its buttons arranged in a circle around a volume knob, isn't the most practical of remote controls.
The bottom line
If you like your bass to sound like artillery fire, while your treble crisply tinkles like a laughing lady playing a lute amidst the barrage, then this luxury beauty is for you.
User comments (3)
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BambiBabes11 May 2010
Love the remote control, mainly because it is unusual. Love the sound quality, when you do crank the volume up, it doesn't distort. One tip, keep the box that comes with it, had to return ours for the light sensors to be updated, customer service by Vita was excellent.
Report as inappropriateAndy Austin31 May 2010
Brilliant HiFi looks great sounds better. Customer service fantastic after initial remote control problems. Worth the money, and when i think what I paid in the past for HiFi's actually not as much as it seems. Walnut finish looks brilliant, so much more stylish than Bose and sounds as good.
Report as inappropriateAdam09 September 2010
Had one of these for about 18 months. Only sold it on recently as moving abroad. This is an amazing bit of kit and was ideal for my bedroom. The sound quality is excellent for an all-in-one and the features list is impressive. I did not find the controller to be a problem, just takes a bit of getting use to and does need to be aimed at the front panel.
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