PURE SONUS-1XT DAB Digital Radio with Voice Feedback Technology

In addition though I'd point out that the whole radio is geared up to help the poorly sighted or blind listner, not just the sleepy owner. A very well spoken young lady talks you though every stage of use and this includes the station name, the settings (all, including the alarms) and she will also be the voice that tells you the time overnight as you tap the handle. Crucially every action you may perform, even going to standby mode, may be confirmed by the voice if you want it that way. If you have blind relative who has not been able to buy a really nice radio which they'll be able to use, then this is the perfect gift.

What a joy to have a real human rather than a computer generated voice, say "BBC Radio Four" as I tune in! I'm fully sighted but I do like being able to reach out and get the time at a touch without even opening my eyes.

Two alarms can be set independently, including the option for different ones for the weekend, all weekdays or Saturday or Sunday separately. Very good. Add a sleep timer and you get a fully functional clock radio with loads of features and a nice sounding DAB radio all in one package.

I own an original Pure Evok -1/ ST-1 (aux speaker) combi which I bought very soon after they were available. The Sonus has a better finish, having rounded edges and it is surprising how less utilitarian the thing looks. Some don't like the "Pure look" but I've always really liked it.

The connectivity of the Sonus has improved since those early days since there is optical out and a USB port for updates over the internet, in addition to line out, phono-via-jackplug-out and aux speaker out. I probably wont buy an aux speaker for this bedside radio since I have so little space on my night stand. Then again...

The improvement in sound quality that Pure claim for the "XT" second generation over the originals I have yet to perceive. I reckoned the Evoke-1 to sound really good and I haven't listened to much music on the Sonus, preferring speech to wake me. But it does sound good so far. Given that "it does what it says on the can" applies to all their products, I'll take Pure's word for it.

While the price is definitely hefty, the Sonus-1XT is otherwise almost flawless. I can't recommend this enough. I will treasure it always.

Usefully, time, alarm and setting up instructions, can also be spoken by the unit.

The radio sports PURE's enhanced SnoozeHandle technology which tells the time with a single tap - great for when you have a hangover and are unable to lift your head off the pillow. To check alarm settings you simply tap the SnoozeHandle twice to have them spoken.

The handle also doubles up a 'snooze' button, and giving it a slap in the middle of the night will light up a full-screen clock.

Brilliant piece of kit with a fantastic build quality!! Go buy it