OK. The most obvious downside first.

The PURE isn’t the most intuitive machine to use but it doesn’t take long to get used to the quirks.

As for the problem with Media Streaming mentioned in the Amazon review, I found that the results varied according to the Media Server used. Twonky Media gave the best results as far as searching goes. Not all audio media types are supported – WAV files will play but tend to skip and it doesn’t play older iTunes Protected AAC files (there is software out there to strip the DRM protection from files but I haven’t tried this yet). The other major hassle with the media server is getting it set up – give yourself a couple of hours.

The “PURE Lounge” directory works well although the interface is a bit clumsy. It lists 12 500 internet radio stations – including Resonance FM – and the list grows every day. There was a station in Memphis I wanted to listen to that wasn’t listed but it was very simple to add the station myself – I had reception straight away and a day later it was listed in the “PURE Lounge” directory. I’ve had no problems with the accuracy of the listings or time zones.

You don’t need to be a Flow user to use the “PURE Lounge” – visit, play around and see what you think.

“Listen Again” can be clunky. Shows are sometimes slow to be listed and then it’s the usual hassle of the BBC removing them after a week. If there are a number of shows you listen to on a regular basis it’s very useful.

The podcast directory is good but limited. At present it lists about 2000 podcasts – two weeks ago it listed 3000, possibly they have cleared out shows that aren’t broadcasting at the moment. I added The Bike Show to my favourites two weeks ago but the listing has since gone, GRRR! The work around is to stream from a downloaded podcast using the Media Server. PURE say they will add podcasts upon request.

For the size of the box the sound really is very good – probably the best I’ve heard from a small radio. Volume is limited but loud enough. The drop off in level at lower volumes is a bit too sharp – if you listen to the radio in bed you may find it hard to get a volume level which satisfies.

From what I have read the Binatone sounds like very good value for money but I’ve not found any information on how it is serving Internet Radio stations – is it from a web site like PURE’s?

A fairly thorough review on Amazon suggests that this cheaper one is better in all respects except the sound (and the option of a rechargeable battery). I guess if I was running my FM transmitter out of it, or playing it through my hifi, the sound issue wouldn’t arise. Anyone had experience of the Binatone IR804 WiFi DAB Radio?

@Ian: A male-to-male USB is what you need to keep it powered. Should be available online – e.g. http://tinyurl.com/y8j38g9 – or from somewhere like Maplin.

However I can’t figure out how to connect it for USB power – seems like it needs male to male which no one seems to know about. What do you use?

Does it remember the selected frequency after a power down?

Thanks