Pure Evoke-2 and Tempus comparative review

For those who've tried it, there is no doubt that DAB (Digital Audio Band) is 'a good thing'. In most conditions, DAB provides superior reception to analogue wavebands, although if you want the last nth of sound quality, you'll go for an FM mast mounted on your roof and a quality tuner, but the lack of interference on DAB more than makes up for any perceived sonic limitations for most listeners. The best thing about a digital radio signal for many is that there are virtually no degrees of listenability, you either get the signal or you don't, which has the effect of cutting out those pesky pirate broadcasts than can blight (or enhance, depending on your view) the aural lot of urban listeners.

PURE has had the nascent DAB table radio scene almost to itself for a while now. The company's first DAB, the Evoke-1, was a retro-styled mono affair with a deliberately simplistic layout, strong build quality and decent sound. It came with a sub-£100 price tag, and it sold like hot cakes.

The latest evolutionary twists in the PURE tale are less about style, or even quality, than they are about function. Both the Evoke-2 and the Tempus offer pretty much the same technology and look, but with specific functions to take account of their target markets.

FEATURES PURE Evoke-2 PURE Tempus-1 Price £149 £129 Size 29x19x10cm 21x18x11cm Speakers Two full-range 3-in drive units Single full-range 3-in drive unit Presets 6 10 Frequency ranges DAB 174-240MHz, FM 87.5-108MHz DAB 174-240MHz Input 75-ohm RF-F-connector 75-ohm RF-F-connector, USB connector for software upgrades Outputs 3.5mm stereo analogue, 3.5mm stereo headphones, DAB optical digital 3.5mm stereo analogue, 3.5mm stereo headphones, DAB optical digital, aux speaker, S/PDIF optical digital Display LCD with 61x2 characters LCD with 61x2 characters Power Mains & battery (6xC cell) Mains only The Evoke-2 includes stereo sound (stereo for the Tempus and Evoke-1 is available via an additional speaker upgrade) which naturally ups the hi-fi factor. It's considerably bigger and heavier than the Evoke-1 (which has roughly the same dimensions as the Tempus), the logical result of simply adding another speaker of the same spec as the original. As well as the option of battery power, it also includes an FM tuner which can be useful if you plan to travel to an area not yet served by DAB, or if you're planning ahead to when your own area receives DAB. Incidentally, each of these models includes a telescopic aerial to boost whatever signal you're getting, and it can be removed so you can attach a stronger, even roof-mounted aerial if you need it.

Tempus-1 The Tempus-1 is intended for bedside use as an alarm clock radio. Its display shows the time when the radio is switched off and like all good alarm clocks, it comes with a snooze facility. Handily, you don't need to fiddle around looking for a button - simply touch the carry handle and the radio will switch off for any amount of time between five and 30 minutes. The Tempus has only five preset buttons at first glance but includes a dedicated button that adds an extra tier, doubling the preset number to ten (the Evoke-2 gets by with six, though it also has an additional tone control which the Tempus lacks). Where the Tempus scores highly in our book however is in its ability to play 'time-shift' radio. In common with extremely few radios on the market, FM, DAB or otherwise, the Tempus's timer allows it to switch itself on when you're not there, and its optical digital output allows you to connect it to a MiniDisc or CD-R recorder, so you can record radio programmes in the same way you would use a video recorder for TV (though you can't listen to one station while recording another). However, your recording device will need to have a synchro-record facility which can be activated via the radio's digital connection - ask questions before you buy if this is important to you. If you want to play DAB radio through your 'real' hi-fi system, both models have a 3.5mm line-out jack at the rear which will connect up to most amplifiers. And speaking of connections, the Tempus comes with a USB connection socket which you can use to hook up to your PC and download software updates when necessary. Future updates are planned to include software which will allow you to record direct to your PC and data editing facilities. Both models feature a blue LED display at the front which offers a range of information including station names, which you can scroll in alphabetical order (though you can also order them in terms of favourites or broadcast groups eg BBC) station-specific song information and a signal level indicator, which is an easy way of checking the best spot for reception in your room. Quality-wise, the sound for both is pretty much excellent for the size of speakers involved, helped in part by the bass port underneath. They'll go loud - depending on the station we had it up to max volume with little reduction in fidelity. True, neither will shake the room, but for casual listening, they're more than adequate. Verdict: Each of these fine DAB radios marks a sound investment, with differing functions depending on your needs. While the Evoke-2 offers stereo sound out of the box and the choice of DAB or FM, it's the Tempus that offers the more advanced technology, with upgrade possibilities to stereo as well as timed recording and future PC integration.