Makita DMR108B 10.8V to 18V Li-Ion Cxt LXT Job Site Radio with Bluetooth (Black Editiion) – Battery And Charger Not Included

FORGET THE MOANS ON HERE ABOUT LACK OF DAB RADIO - ITS BOLD, BLACK & BEAUTIFUL - TRULY SUPERB!..
OK I will admit that I did NOT buy this item as a throw about worksite radio. I bought this as a hifi gadget to use around my flat. Big thumbs-up to AMAZON for a very quick delivery!

I would state that whilst this Makita DMR 108B is a true HiFi (High Fidelity) and high quality gadget, it aint no BOSE, Pioneer or a Technics however it doesn’t mean that its average. On the contrary, its pretty damn close to the best that’s out there.

To be honest I was shocked at the audio quality. The engineers have done a really great job in fine tuning and optimising the BASS, MIDRANGE and TREBLE via software without having any external EQ controls. It really IS that good.

Furthermore there is a loudness control to deliver great BASS frequencies at a lower volume level on this model.

EXCELLENT rolled edge cone 3.5 inch multirange twin stereo speakers and a superb 3inch (75mm) ALWAYS ON, LCD display. BETTER THAN THE SIMPLE TWO LINE DAB VERSION!… Even when the radio was turned completely off, the CLOCK and DATE display remained on-screen powered via the two internal mini backup AA batteries and could easily be seen from up to 15ft away.

So even if your main power has failed you can still have a clock you can rely on especially if you are a workman or plasterer finishing up but don’t fancy messing up your expensive watch or phone with plaster, cement or glue gunge just to check the time! – The alarm buzzer works well even if there is no power at all, but its very low when no power is on.

Purchasing the DAB version not necessary… The DAB stations in the UK are not that great anyway, just adequate. Some transmit in mono and in lower audio quality at 30kbps to 128kbps (average 80kbps). If you are in a poor signal area then the radio drops out, totally stops or audio breaks up. FM still works even if signal is poor. In this DMR 108B radio the circuitry has been improved considerably over previous models. The hiss is very low due to the advanced digital circuitry cleaning up the FM analog signal. This radio also has the advanced version of RDS with PTY radio scrolling digital text info (see photos). Also includes old style AM radio frequencies which are great for talk radio station fans.

OOPS!.. Im sorry but – DAB radio will always loose out to 10,000+ radio stations via the internet transmitted over BLUETOOTH from your phone or tablet! Some if not most stations will offer higher quality audio up to 320kpbs. featuring everything from 1930’s music to modern rock and dance. Not to mention worldwide news, podcasts, tech news, wildlife even 24/7 ghost, UFO paranormal channels…. That’s yet another reason I prefered this model over any boring DAB version – Oh and works great as a gaming boombox for your computer, console and even doubles up as a decent TV sound bar!

LADIES TAKE NOTE… Don’t see this radio as just another boys toy. Its great to take to the beach or in the bathroom. Relax as you don’t have to worry about steam or water from your shower or bath damaging the unit. (Be safe, use an internal battery though) not the supplied power adaptor. If using outside then to go for the white colour version as that will reflect sunlight better and be cooler to the touch.

GUYS… This rugged radio will survive a fall from 15ft or even higher but still treat with respect. It has superior quality audio than most other worksite radios and better looking too! Only downside sadly it can NOT charge any tool batteries with the external power adaptor.

TECHEADS & MODDERS… In my photos you will notice that I have fitted a cheaper non-standard battery to the back of my radio. Unless you have very basic knowledge in electronics then please DONT DO IT!.. Amazon have original 18v Makita batteries or cheaper equivalent that will work just fine on this model.

Incredibly MY crazy idea works GREAT… However I’ve probably invalidated my guarantee. (Sigh!) I used an external low power ‘drop down’ adjustable buck voltage circuit converter board to lower the voltage safely from 21v (1.5amp) to 18v (checked via a multimeter) then strapping the whole kaboodle to the back (internally) and without any drilling or damage to my radio by using plastic ties over metal bolts slid into the Makitas battery holder grooves. The battery has been tested to work for around 8.5hours – I’m blown away and now ready to PARTY! 😉

Finally don’t hesitate in the purchase of this great very high quality Makita radio from AMAZON you definitely wont regret it..