Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony XDR-S100CDM Premium DAB Radio with CD Player

I wanted a smallish radio for the kitchen which would solve the problem of poor FM reception on some channels, hence the decision to go for DAB. I also wanted the option to play a CD. The Sony XDR-S100CDM was really the only radio I could find that seemed to fit the bill and it has not been a disappointment.
The DAB reception is perfect on all channels and the stereo sound is good. The radio has loads of useful functions, including a detailed programme guide and also a pause and rewind facility on live radio in case you have to pop to the toilet and don't want to miss something or didn't quite hear a bit and want to listen again. CDs slot in the top.
It is may be a little bigger and heavier than I imagined when I saw the picture but that is no problem as it sits permanently on the kitchen worktop anyway.
Overall, a very good product.

Overall quality is impressive. Clear, powerful sound, and the DAB receiver really sounds CD-like. Yes, it's a bit big, but not so much and in my dorm room fits perfectly. The cd player also works fine, and even in really loud volume does not have any distortion or rattle. It really deserves the Sony badge!!!

I needed a decent digital radio with a CD facility, but delayed buying one as the CD sound quality of the SONY I sampled in a major London store was distinctly poor. This may have been a rogue example or due to a low-quality sample CD (amazing the store didn't bother to sort this out!)

Still needing a digital radio anyway, I bought the SONY XDR-100CDM through Amazon, and found that the CD sound was much more acceptable than with the example I had heard before, though still no great shakes. I then discovered that when I substituted this machine for the personal CD player I used for input to my ancient Bang & Olufsen amplifier and speakers, it produces a surprisingly good Hi-fi sound. The DAB radio also gives good results when fed in in the same way.

Because I needed reasonable sound quality DAB and CD for a stand-alone job in another room, I bought a second set. For this purpose, it is just about acceptable for the price, but I am surprised at the limited number of possibilities meeting my required spec., most being bulky or quirky or both. Are my requirements odd, or is the industry asleep?

Bought this DAB/CD player on the strength of reviews on Amazon. While I agree that the sound is clear I think that there is insufficient bass available. The menu button takes you to an option to adjust bass and treble levels but even on the maximum bass setting it is inadequate for full orchestral sounds - Mahler sounds disappointing. Amazingly, the bass and treble levels you set through the menu are not remembered by the unit and have to be reset each time it is switched on. I also think the maximum volume available is not sufficient. I bought the unit mainly for accompaniment while decorating and, if it is in an adjacent room, then it's not really loud enough. I would also recommend prospective purchasers to check out the availability and number of DAB stations in their area. It's pretty limited round here (Herefordshire). In common with another reviewer I cannot see the need for the remote control.

I bought the classy looking Sony DAB CD player in March 2009. The fm radio and cd player still function but the dab ceased to operate 2 weeks ago.


Also in March 2009 I bought a Roberts Sound 53 DAB CD player. I think it has a warmer and better sound than the Sony.

Even more important it still works properly.

For me the Sony legend of solid build quality has been dented.

I feel rather sad and sonically inconvenienced.