But the Evoke-1XT does have a few tweaks to what was an already competent package, the major one for us is the revised driver, which gives a much fuller sound far in excess of the units overall dimensions at H17.5 x W21 x D11cm. Its always seemed a little strange that a gadget like the Pure Evoke-1XT claims to be the best and then only have a mono replay capability and despite the best audio quality you can't blame us for wanting stereo? The newer 1XT comes with the option of a second plug-in speaker to give wait for it.....stereo! Quite why this is an option we're not sure as when you add the cost of the second speaker to the £99 1XT its more than the new Sony.

A few other obvious changes include the now white on blue LCD display on which the station name and also track information is displayed, the revamped wood veneer case adds a touch of class with new rounded edges and further enhances the best looking "retro" DAB radio design. There is also a new timer facility which allows you to use the 1XT as a handy bedside alarm clock and also a kitchen timer.

Of course all the features of the original Evoke 1 are still there including the excellent DAB tuner delivering some 55 digital radio stations without hiss, fade or interference. Its simple to drive and automatically extracts data from the DAB stream including the station name, track details and even sports results on certain stations, the DAB data can also keep the clock locked accurately negating the need to change the time twice a year. There are only 6 presets to store your favourite stations but then tuning is simple enough to make it less of an issue, perhaps the portability of the Pure Evoke-1XT would have benefited from the inclusion of battery power but sadly it only has mains capability.

Available now for £99.99 is well priced despite the lack of that second speaker, there is a 2 year warranty included and software upgrades can be uploaded to the 1XT via the USB socket. Pure always turn out a good product and the 1XT is no exception, it is well built and the technology and therefore sound quality is first class but perhaps they are missing the boat a little. With Sky Plus style facilities for pausing live radio on the Bug and other manufacturers and Sony making a modern looking stereo DAB unit the space for the Evoke is becoming squeezed, but for now its among the best but we can't be sure that will be true by Christmas.

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