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Target DAB+/FM Retro Radio DS421+ $20 (Was $59) @ Target Instore

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Target DAB+/FM Retro Radio DS421+ $20 (Was $59) @ Target Instore
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Lone star on 24/08/2016 - 11:34 files.ozbargain.com.au (3854 clicks)
Last edited 24/08/2016 - 17:21 by 1 other user

I spotted this at Target Liverpool Westfield(2170) yesterday. There were about 20-40 units there. I plan to get one for myself and one for my father-in-law. I guess for just $20, you can't go wrong..

Ok. The time now is around 5:00pm. At 2:10pm I bought 2 units from Target Westfield Liverpool. They still got maybe about 40+ left at that time. I have setup and tested one. This is what I have to say.
Those who have crappy sound or reception is maybe where you are located. I got no problems. But I got to say that some of the channels I stored had better sound on DAB than FM. You can store 10 DAB channels and 10 FM channels. I don't know how long the stored channels are in the radio memory, but I unplugged the power off for about 2-3 mins to test out it stored memories. All the channels I stored were still there.
And for those who wonder why buy such a "small" radio with a "tiny" sound. Maybe they should get this stereo : http://www.sony.com/electronics/hi-fi-systems/shake-55 and use as their radio clock next to their bed. This "tiny" DAB radio is quite loud for a normal size bedroom.

Electrical & Electronics DAB+ Radio Radio

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Target Australia
Target Australia

closed Comments

  • SnoozeAndLose on 24/08/2016 - 11:39
    +1

    Any AUX in port?

    • jv on 24/08/2016 - 11:41
      +1

      doesn't appear to be…

      https://www.target.com.au/p/target-retro-dab-radio-ds421/580…

      • Savas on 24/08/2016 - 14:59
        +9

        Wow has jv taken a break from trolling and instead being helpful

        • jv on 24/08/2016 - 15:16
          +8

          It's hump day….

        • Savas on 24/08/2016 - 15:18
          +7

          @jv: Okay thanks was worried someone hacked your account

    • bargaino on 24/08/2016 - 11:57
      +2

      Why 'in'? It has headphone out. You want this more for the DAB+ tuner than the small speaker.

      • get-innocuous on 24/08/2016 - 12:13

        better to have one device that does two things

  • jv on 24/08/2016 - 11:39
    +9

    I guess for just $20, you can't go wrong..

    You can if the audio quality is crap.

    Anyone here tried these ???

    edit:

    reviews seem OK

    https://www.target.com.au/p/target-retro-dab-radio-ds421/580…

    • spoco2 on 24/08/2016 - 13:03
      +31

      I guess for just $20, you can't go wrong..

      You can if the audio quality is crap.

      Exactly… this mindset that it's worth buying just because it's quite cheap is infuriating (and seems to permeate through ozBargain a lot).

      Why buy a piece of crap just because it's cheap? Why? What joy do you get from a radio that sounds like tinny shit?

      Why can't people stop buying shit items, with the thought "Oh, it'll do until it wears out, then I'll buy another piece of shit to replace it".

      Hunt for bargains, sure… buy second hand, absolutely, but stop buying crap that you're going to throw out soon because it's rubbish.

      • iand on 24/08/2016 - 13:10
        +4

        Looks like someone wants to get banned :)

      • dibbz on 24/08/2016 - 13:19
        +4

        The audio quality is good on these units, it's imho too loud to have on max volume in a room and it doesn't distort at full.

        Why do you care what other people do?

        • Geekomatic on 25/08/2016 - 12:00
          +3

          Possibly because adding useless junk to landfills actually does impact all of us?

    • abb on 24/08/2016 - 13:46
      +4

      Unfortunately the audio on most DAB stations is horrendous due to low bitrate encoding.

      I've got a decent car system that receives DAB but I use FM instead because it sounds better.

      • bargaino on 24/08/2016 - 15:03
        +1

        The ABC music stations use 80kbps, which is fine in the car, but should be the bare minimum.
        Commercial stations are worse.

        • abb on 24/08/2016 - 15:30

          It's fine for speech - news, sports commentary, etc.

          But I disagree on the music, I really wanted to listen to Double J but the poor quality means I don't.

        • bargaino on 24/08/2016 - 18:17

          @abb:
          It beats the 64 on the 'net.
          How is the quality over DVB (TV) these days? Still using MP2?

      • Fasty on 24/08/2016 - 16:08

        Wow, thanks for the heads up. I've been thinking of buying a DAB receiver in the car but now I don't think I'll bother. What a waste of time the whole digital radio push was.

        • abb on 25/08/2016 - 13:02

          Yeah, it's disappointing. The underlying technology is quite good, it's just that the stations have opted to go for many poor quality channels rather than a few with good quality.

    • Captain Pineapple on 25/08/2016 - 10:10

      I bought one a few months back. The volume and reception are fine but I do get a 'whirring' sound on low volume which gets a bit annoying after a while. It is drowned out when the volume is turned up.

      Anyone else get this whirring sound or just specific to my unit?

      • Lone star on 25/08/2016 - 15:55
        +1

        If you have a chance try to test it at a friend's or a family member's house. I certainly don't have any problems with mine.

  • Sunny84 on 24/08/2016 - 11:50
    +3

    Bought one of these last time they were on sale

    I use it everyday at work and sound quality is reasonable however I keep it mostly low

    Reception can is flakey depending on your location

    • Consumer Sheep on 24/08/2016 - 17:53
      +1

      I bought one a while back. I work in the country so it doesn't pick up any DAB. It picks up FM stations, but poorly. The output audio is crap. I wouldn't recommend it for $10 let alone $20.

    • Maz78 on 25/08/2016 - 09:52
      +1

      Agreed. Certainly worth the $20 for DAB and has reasonable volume

  • and on 24/08/2016 - 11:54
    +2

    I also got one of those. Use one in the kitchen / family room area, outdoor occasionally.

    Sound quality seems to be OK, and I have no issues with the unit. Probably should grab another one as a present.

  • spuderump on 24/08/2016 - 12:00
    +3

    Does it do AM frequency too?

    • Lone star on 24/08/2016 - 12:02
      +1

      Ouch… that's a good question. As I think my father-in-law often listen to AM..

    • and on 24/08/2016 - 12:06

      Dont think so.

    • ndenham on 24/08/2016 - 12:12

      Almost all AM channels are simulcast on Digital these days. The only reason to prefer AM is based on being outside Digital Radio range.

      • get-innocuous on 24/08/2016 - 12:14

        there's an encoding/decoding delay on digital which makes it difficult to listen to footy commentary while watching it live :(

        • clandestino on 24/08/2016 - 12:19
          +3

          Can't be many folks out there that listen to radio commentary whilst muting the tv? Surely?!

        • sanmigueelbeer on 24/08/2016 - 12:23
          +16

          @clandestino:
          Stop calling me Shirley.

        • get-innocuous on 24/08/2016 - 12:23
          +3

          @clandestino: Yeah pretty uncommon. A lot of people (maybe a third?) who sit around me at the footy have portable radios to listen to the commentary at the game though.

        • Seymore on 24/08/2016 - 12:41
          +9

          @clandestino:
          You would be surprised. A lot of people much prefer the radio commentators over the TV commentators.

        • jv on 24/08/2016 - 13:27
          +12

          @moore22:

          You would be surprised.

          I do the opposite.

          I sit around watching the radio, mute it and listen in on the tv commentary….

        • jelko on 24/08/2016 - 13:57
          -1

          @moore22: Anybody who watches the game on TV and listens to the audio via a radio is a moron. The audio is way out of sync with the video. The radio is always WAY ahead of what you see on TV.

          I understand that for people at the actual game venue listening to the radio is fine as the delay is only very minor and won't be noticable.

        • Diji1 on 24/08/2016 - 14:03

          @jelko: Er … no it isn't. Or at least it wasn't a decade or so ago when my father did it.

        • jelko on 24/08/2016 - 14:29

          @Diji1: There is now.

          Watching FTA or Foxtel AFL matches with an AM/FM radio in the backgound you will notice a massive delay. The AM/FM radio (and I assume DAB) is ahead of what you see on the TV. Many seconds ahead. People call up the radio stations and complain about it. Nothing can be done about it (unless you add some sort of delay on your TV/PVR).

          If you're listening to the radio broadcast on an internet stream, then the delay is even greater.

        • dtc on 24/08/2016 - 14:41
          +3

          @jelko: mate, have you ever listened to the channel 9 cricket commentators. You will run screaming back to the ABC.

        • lysp on 24/08/2016 - 16:32

          @jelko:

          The delay was only introduced due to digital television. Like DAB, it also has a slight delay.

          I remember hearing someone say that the ABC intentionally added a delay to their radio broadcast during the cricket by 5-10 seconds to bring the commentary back in line with the TV delay.

          I don't think they do this for the footy though.

        • ja72 on 24/08/2016 - 22:09

          Hasn't anyone here heard of 'time shifting'?…you could probably sync the audio from the radio by pausing the the video broadcast!

      • Diji1 on 24/08/2016 - 15:07

        The only reason to prefer AM

        Well, not really because sometimes they aren't simulcast. For example Radio National switches to Parliment/Senate on the AM band when they're wasting our money in Canberra.

        I'm sure that all two listeners would like to have the AM band when this happens :p

  • raj76 on 24/08/2016 - 12:11

    Showing as $29 when I click on the link

    • Lone star on 24/08/2016 - 12:20
      +4

      I haven't put up any links. And the title says "instore". I don't know whether it's national wide..

  • Jack D Price on 24/08/2016 - 12:26
    +2

    We picked up one of these a couple of days ago for our workplace, the FM radio was too crackly and drops stations too often. This has been FLAWLESS. Sound not a problem as we're just using it as background noise. A+++

  • Hirolol on 24/08/2016 - 12:44
    -5

    Does this assist in the DAB?

    i know what i said is bad but i just wanted to use DAB in a sentence other than the radio meaning.
    does the dab

  • dan086 on 24/08/2016 - 13:03
    +1

    None at Chatswood Westfield.

  • Zodion1970 on 24/08/2016 - 13:08

    I don't see in which way it's retro. 70s and 80s had nothing that resembled this style. It's more contemporary if anything. Just a bland generic design. That aside I do love dab. I'm sure it'll work well. Don't forget ELF FM at Christmas time. Jingles and carols 24/7. Seriously. I'd drive the missus up the wall

    • dibbz on 24/08/2016 - 13:12

      More like 1940's retro.

      • banana365 on 24/08/2016 - 13:28

        Nah, no bakelite or valves.

    • dtc on 24/08/2016 - 14:43

      it has wood panelling, the epitome of 1970s style

  • elektron on 24/08/2016 - 13:15

    Or, if you already have a bluetooth speaker you can just use the TuneIn app on your phone to get the same result…

  • spuderump on 24/08/2016 - 13:31
    +1

    I find the delay in DBS annoying for entering the "first caller through" competitions ha ha

  • CGradeCyclist on 24/08/2016 - 13:33
    +1

    Bought this a while ago when on sale for about $20, as a bedside table alarm-clock-radio.

    Really happy with it. Excellent reception, very clear sound. Only use it at relatively low audio levels (for alarm and when reading in bed), so no need for a super-high-quality speaker anyway. Perfect for my intended use. Would buy again. :-)

  • placard on 24/08/2016 - 14:10

    I don't understand why people buy this small digital radios? With only one speaker aren't you only getting Mono sound?

    • ozhunter68 on 24/08/2016 - 14:32
      +1

      Often, at low volumes small single mono speaker is fine, especially for voice just like a front speaker in surround sound.

      As a background music player in garage or kitchen, or next to bed would suit most people fine.

    • INFIDEL on 24/08/2016 - 14:37

      Wouldn't call this a small radio.
      Only mono, but like many others - I feed the output from DAB+ units into stereo amp - works well.

      Bought a few $9 Kmart DAB+ radios. This one has 10 dedicated preset buttons which makes station selection easier.

      • abacus on 24/08/2016 - 14:41
        -2

        All radios with one speaker are obviously mono. DAB stations only occasionally play stereo AFAIK. None at Chadstone nor Southland.

  • baggyred on 24/08/2016 - 14:25

    Anyone have a good recommendation for one that does bluetooth out? Want to be able to stream through a UE megaboom

    • syme321 on 24/08/2016 - 14:42

      Why not use a phone/tablet with Tunein app like elektron said?

      • baggyred on 25/08/2016 - 10:43
        +1

        The main reason is trying to synch sports commentary to the tv. Commentary through an iphone is terribly delayed.

  • Chochkee on 24/08/2016 - 14:29
    +1

    DAB as f***

  • CVonC on 24/08/2016 - 14:39
    +1

    previous comments here and here

    • INFIDEL on 24/08/2016 - 14:43

      30c cheaper than last deal ;-)

      • CVonC on 24/08/2016 - 14:45

        if it's nationwide.. usually when these target clearance items are on sale, it follows the price that's on the website.

  • SteveAndBelle on 24/08/2016 - 14:42
    +2

    Got given one of these and use it purely as a noise-maker/bedside radio/alarm solution. Works fine for that. Screen backlight dims down but some may find it still too bright. Changing alarm time and/or settings requires an over-complex combination of button presses that some have reported they need to refer back to the manual each time. I don't change the alarm time much but when I do I can usually remember/fumble through it easy enough.

    Not a glamorous or intuitive unit but works well, sounds fine for a basic radio and is cheap for what it is.

    • INFIDEL on 24/08/2016 - 14:52
      +3

      The generic DAB+ module used is common in many cheap DAB+ radios - with the same issues. I don't think most people bother using the overly complex alarm or even the clock.

      I've previously suggested putting a switch on the display power wire, so the display could be turned off. I've done that on a $9 Kmart DAB+ radio. Photos of boards & details at end of that deal.

      I've since taken the boards out of one of those $9 radios & mounted in a spare DIN slot under the head unit in dash of car. Output is fed to AUX, power from adapter, shielded antenna cable extended with antenna on dash. DAB+ in car for $9 :-) Works great.

  • misguided_will on 24/08/2016 - 14:48

    sorry but is $20 the store-special price?
    link shows $29 on website

    • abacus on 24/08/2016 - 14:56

      Don't think there is much stock around, try calling near you. Going to be time-waster like OW specials.

  • wowco on 24/08/2016 - 14:57

    Just went to Hornsby target. Couldn't find any stock, didn't find an employee near the electronics section so I didn't ask about it.

  • Savas on 24/08/2016 - 15:00

    You must really love your father in law

  • Waynes world on 24/08/2016 - 16:01

    $29 at North Lakes Qld. They won't do it for $20 :/

    • Lone star on 24/08/2016 - 17:15

      Maybe because my close Target like 40+ units and they wanted to get rid of them.

  • hamitup on 24/08/2016 - 16:03
    +1

    None at Castle Hill or Rouse Hill.
    Picked up the last one at Blacktown @ $29.
    Thanks OP.

    • dajackal on 24/08/2016 - 18:28

      That's a lot of driving around
      OzB game is strong in this one

  • chrisoz on 24/08/2016 - 16:39

    I know someone that has one of these at work, nothing special but for that price and it's more used for "Background" music in the office area, does the job.

  • anastasiastarz on 24/08/2016 - 16:59

    How big is it? I'm looking for one of those modern digital radios for classical music. We have boom boxes back home…

    • Lone star on 24/08/2016 - 17:14
      +1

      It's 19cm x 11.5cm x 11.5cm (HxWxD)

  • supnigs super skids on 24/08/2016 - 18:28
    +1

    Back in my days they didn't even have DAB. All I want is a radio that I can turn knobs and it points on the dial like a real radio.

    All this electronic mumbo jumbo wizz bang toot toots

  • jva on 24/08/2016 - 19:26

    This radio looks not Retro at all.

    • StewBalls on 24/08/2016 - 19:49

      Agreed. It needs to look old-timier! ;)

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 24/08/2016 - 19:44

    we have one of these in the reception area at work, keep it on low volume. Decent reception/ sound.

  • pencilman on 24/08/2016 - 20:25

    None in Target Bourke St Melbourbe or Target Camberwell.
    So I suspect not many stores in VIC will have it.

  • justtoreply on 24/08/2016 - 20:52

    Bitrates are that low? Darn.

    I hate the background hiss on FM radio through my phone at work. Drives me bonkers. I was going to buy an upper end dab radio (to go with very expensive headphones).

    Anybody have experience with upper end stuff and know if it's worth doing $300 on an rx pixie or albergo for dac quality?

  • OzJD on 25/08/2016 - 12:04

    Just went to Target Westfield Liverpool. Nearly 100 units on shelf now!

    • Lone star on 25/08/2016 - 16:00

      Hehe.. Please do not exaggerate. It's max 40 left units left on shelf.

      • OzJD on 26/08/2016 - 19:19
        +1

        I actually counted around 80 quickly… They were mostly in rows of 2.

        • Sick of This on 29/08/2016 - 09:58

          I counted the empty spaces on one of the two shelves, subtracted from the total available space and divided by two. I stand by my methodology.

        • OzJD on 29/08/2016 - 14:26

          @3 Hyenas: Your first problem might be that you only counted two shelves 😎

        • Sick of This on 30/08/2016 - 00:07
          +1

          @OzJD: Well no, I mean OBVIOUSLY I first calculated the negative space in the remainder of the store! That goes without saying. Heh, I'm not an idiot.

  • blade12 on 25/08/2016 - 17:06

    $29 Canberra Civic. Few on the shelves.
    As many have said, good enough as a basic radio or for background noise.

  • anzacpaul on 25/08/2016 - 17:25

    None in southgate target in morphett vale

  • mkhannah on 25/08/2016 - 18:58

    None in Bull Creek WA.

    Anyone know of any in WA?

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