Description
The Play FM is a compact and portable analogue radio, successor to the R9993, with FM/MW/LW wavebands, sleek fabric covering, easy-to-read LCD display, foldaway telescopic aerial, and flexible power options including 4 x AA batteries or USB-C, enabling convenient and stylish listening at home or on the go.
Product Features:
- FM RDS wavebands
- 10 station presets
- Fabric covering for a warm look
- FM RDS station name display
- Easy to read LCD display
- Sealed acoustic enclosure
- Search/Manual tuning
- Menu display/selection of all major functions
- Stereo headphone socket
Roberts Digital Portable FM Radio | Black is rated
4.4 out of
5 by
54.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
TomPowys from
Good value radio
I bought this radio in September 2023. It doesn’t have pre-sets but it’s easy to find stations on all three wavebands. Some FM stations are close so patience is needed in fine tuning. The radio then locks in resulting in no cross station interference. AM on MW and especially LW which I enjoy for nostalgia until BBC Radio 4 is switched off on LW. It has a good overall sound working indirectly off mains power via a USB cable or off batteries on AM.
Date published: 2024-02-07
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Benj from
Improved Quality
Build quality is a good improvement over the R9993 with no creaking and good quality control feel apart from that there is no clips like on the R9993 for the batteries so they tend to spring out when you are putting them in, fabric on the front is a nice touch although could see it getting damaged, Roberts badge would look better if it was shiny like on the other models.
Sound quality through the speaker on FM is also a good improvement over the R9993
FM selectivity and sensitivity is great better that the R9993, I could see tuning being a bit fiddly for some people as you have to get it exactly on frequency.
Headphone output is mono, left and right ear audio is out of phase which is quite fatiguing for me, otherwise sound is good.
MW/LW is somewhat disappointing, it works great for locals but the frequency displayed isn't necessary what it is receiving as there is a lot of bleed over into other frequencies, for example BBC Wales on mw is 882kHz but I can receive it all the way down to 855kHz which covers up other adjacent stations, i have never had this problem on any other reciever, it is a strange issue, if it wasn't for this it would perform great as it has good sensitivity, just it isn't very selective. I would recommend the R9993 if you are looking for MW/LW.
If you are looking for a FM radio I would recommend this as it is a good improvement over the R9993, but if you want MW/LW I would go for the R9993 as the sound and selectivity is better on the AM bands
Date published: 2023-09-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bagpuss47 from
Fabulous radio
Fabulous little radio, works extremely well. Nice and compact, well presented. Good volume control. Good grey cloth finish to front.
Date published: 2023-12-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
sp66 from
Great service
Super looking product and delivered really quickly.
Date published: 2023-11-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Judith in South Lakes from
A good sound
Nice little radio with a good sound. You need to be used to finding your stations using a dial to find the frequency, though.
Date published: 2024-06-23
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Cookie15DA from
Roberts Play FM
Good little radio great sound. Using it on a USB in my living room. MW and LW can only be heard using batteries. Over all I would recommend this radio which is at good price for what you get
Date published: 2023-12-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Eamonn from
Retro simplicity of traditional LW/MW/FM radio
I have purchased a number of Roberts radios over the years, and I am very impressed with this new ‘Play FM’ portable LW/MW/FM radio, designed and engineered in the UK, which will appeal to the discerning listener looking for an affordable, high-quality, analogue-signal radio (I purchased the version in black). It is beautifully compact and simple to use with intuitive controls; I particularly enjoy listening to BBC Radio 4 Long Wave (on 198 kHz), and the reception and sound quality from this radio on all three wavebands is excellent. It has a lovely warm retro sound, reminiscent of Roberts analogue radios that I own from yesteryear, and the frequency tuning, with a clear LCD backlit display that lights briefly when tuning, is very precise and especially useful when you know the frequency of the station that you want to listen to. The analogue signals, including Long Wave which is still transmitting from the wonderful heritage transmitter at Droitwich, also offer reliable and resilient coverage in areas where reception of other signals and digital accessibility may be poor (and at sea), and in emergency situations when other forms of media may be inoperative or there is an electricity power-cut.
This analogue radio consumes considerably less power than digital radios that I own, especially when using batteries in portable use. You can connect to the mains when listening to FM via USB-C (not supplied); however, I prefer using convenient battery-power when listening to a portable analogue radio, and Roberts do recommend using batteries when listening to LW and MW stations, because the ‘operation of modern switching power supplies interfere with AM’. There is no need to extend the antenna when listening to LW or MW, and there is also a mono headphone socket, which offers a very pleasant listening experience on all three wavebands.
The quality of the overall design and case for this new compact radio is clearly evident and beautifully finished with thoughtful attention to detail, and looks traditionally stylish with its premium fabric covering on the front, so it nicely complements any domestic surroundings (in black or white), although it’s perhaps more suited to a cosy sitting room or study than a steamy kitchen. I also own a Classic R9993 and in my opinion this new Play FM offers some significant improvements over that slightly cheaper model by virtue of its more compact design, quality of sound and reception on all three wavebands (especially 198 LW), and the standard of finish, including secure rubberised feet that help keep the radio stable on a desk or open shelf, and with useful battery and signal-strength indicators. However, if your main priority is for use in a kitchen, or you prefer a more traditional rotary tuning dial with maximum battery longevity, then the Classic R9993 might possibly be a better option to consider.
With a two-year warranty, a set of four AA batteries included and reliable free next-day delivery (weekdays), this new FM//MW/LW radio represents excellent value from a trusted British based company, and I certainly enjoy using it as my daily listening companion. It is very reassuring to see that Roberts are still investing in quality analogue radio and especially Long Wave, and I have no hesitation in giving this Play FM radio a ‘highly-recommended’ five stars!
I have also purchased the attractive Roberts canvas travel pouch, initially designed for the ‘Rambler Mini’ of similar dimensions, which is available as an optional accessory and nicely complements the Play FM; helping to protect this lovely Roberts radio when travelling. The travel pouch also fits my Classic R9993 analogue radio.
Date published: 2023-11-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tan8 from
Smartly finished radio
Smart FM analogue radio with a good sound for its size; uncertain if the fabric won't loosen with play when out and about. Pleased so far
Date published: 2023-12-31
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