Consumer Electronics, Gadgets & Accessories

Teufel Radio One Review: Radio killed the Smartphone Star

Alarm clock with HiFi sound, Bluetooth speaker, smartphone charging station: The Teufel Radio One turns out to be a real jack-of-all-trades in our test, impressing with smart features and a truly outstanding sound.

Technical data

Bluetooth version 5.1
Dimensions (L x H x D) 24.00 cm x 9.00 cm x 8.00 cm
Driver 55 mm full-range driver; 36 mm passive diaphragm
Frequency range 63 – 20,000 Hz
weight 782 g
Connectors USB type-A; 3.5mm jack (stereo)
Radio reception UKW; DAB+; 3 station memory
colors Black (Black); Gray (Light gray)
Price 169,99 Euro

Delivery handling and design

Teufel has provided us for the test on loan a pre-series version of the Radio One, which does not come in the final original packaging. However, the functionality and scope of delivery correspond to the final model. In addition to the Radio One itself, the scope of delivery only includes a power supply, a manual including safety instructions and an additional pair of rubber feet that can be attached to the bottom of the device.

Teufel Radio One

We liked the simple and at the same time noble design of the Teufel Radio One very much in the test. The radio alarm clock appears enormously high-quality and tidy, while presenting itself visually reduced to the essentials. With a depth of only 8.00 cm, the Radio One is extremely slim. The length of 24.00 cm and height of 9.00 cm make the Teufel Radio One a compact companion on the nightstand. The weight is 0.78 kg.

Behind the fabric covering of the front sits the large and surprisingly bright display, which presents all the necessary information. In addition to the date and time, the selected radio station is displayed on it, for example.

The display’s automatic dimming function is particularly practical, as it automatically adjusts to the prevailing brightness of the surroundings if desired. At night, the display dims pleasantly, while the illumination shines brighter during the day. Alternatively, it is possible to manually set the brightness in standby mode as well as when the device is turned on; a total of three levels are available here. The LED display is always easy to read, especially the particularly large display of time and date is convincing.

Features, operation and connections

The connections of the Teufel Radio One are all found on the back of the device. However, not much is really offered here: on the right is the power supply unit including the permanently installed power cable, on the left is a 3.5 mm stereo jack input for connecting external audio sources, as well as a USB-A port, which can be used to charge the smartphone and other devices.

The Radio One is operated via a panel on the top, which is clearly and logically designed. The three buttons on the left side guide you through the menu and let you switch forward or back through songs in Bluetooth mode. On the right side, there are also three buttons with a number label, on which favorite radio stations can be saved.

Between them, in the middle, rests a large rotary control, which is assigned various functions. On the one hand, you can use it to adjust the volume and navigate through the various menu items. On the other hand, you can turn the radio on or off, start or pause the music or activate the snooze function.

On the upper side of the front is a second panel with six more buttons: Here you can activate (from left to right) one of two adjustable alarm clocks, start a sleep timer, switch to Bluetooth mode (including pairing) or use one of the two available radio variants.

As a classic radio alarm clock, the little devil can handle FM and DAB+ radio sources equally well. For reception, an antenna cable connected to the bottom is used, which is cleverly hidden in the case in a spiral design and can be pulled out when needed.

Teufel Radio One
The throw antenna cleverly hides on the underside of the device.

The Teufel Radio One, on the other hand, unfortunately does not have a rechargeable battery, so a power outlet near the almost 1.5-meter-long power cable is necessary. This disqualifies the device as a Bluetooth speaker for on the go, but on the other hand, it is not the radio’s intended use. The operation could also be a bit smoother for our taste. The device converts our inputs with a short, but still noticeable delay – that could be better.

Radio and alarm function

As a classic radio receiver, the Teufel Radio One does its job really well, without displaying any noteworthy special features in this regard. The reception with the help of the throw antenna is convincing.

The various alarm functions are also exciting. In addition to the option of being woken up by FM or digital radio, you can also wake up to your favorite music in combination with a smartphone connected via Bluetooth (version 5.1).

A maximum of two alarm clocks can be configured individually – even simultaneously if desired. You can choose to wake up only once, daily, only on weekdays or only on weekends. Practical: One-time alarms can be set days in advance, even for a specific date.

And if you don’t want to be woken up by music, you can use one of the four alarm tones – including the “Berlin” option, which is an interpretation of the bells of the Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church) penned by the composer Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia. The volume of both alarm clocks can also be set separately, with the alarm clock getting louder and louder when it rings unless you turn it off or use the snooze function.

The adjustable sleep timer is also a useful addition. It ensures that the Radio One switches itself off after 15, 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes – practical for listening to a podcast or falling asleep with your favorite music before going to sleep.

Audio quality: There is powerful pressure behind

We were positively surprised by the really powerful sound of the Teufel Radio One, which then also makes us understand why the price for a radio alarm clock is set so high. Here, the manufacturer has installed two full-range speakers, each with a diameter of 55.00 mm in front and a large passive diaphragm (136.00 mm x 36.00 mm) on the back of the device, which provide a voluminous and surprisingly spatial sound image with powerful bass.

The illustrated frequency range of 63 to 20,000 Hz is worth listening to. In addition, the Radio One relies on Teufel’s proprietary Dynamore technology, which reproduces the stereo soundstage even beyond the corners of the device. The sound image is primarily designed for fun and offers a powerful yet precise bass, as well as well-balanced mids that reproduce voices in particular detail. Only the trebles of the Radio One have to yield slightly, which are rendered a bit peaked in places. Even at extremely high volumes, the sound is clear and not distorted.

But don’t get us wrong: this is complaining on a high level. The Teufel easily outshines even high-priced radio alarm clocks, but the radio’s sound can’t keep up with dedicated Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Xtreme 3 or Teufel Rockster Cross.

Conclusion

The Teufel Radio One impresses in our test with a slim, elegant design and easy-to-read display. As an alarm clock, the device does its job extremely well and offers a good degree of customizability. I particularly liked the option of waking up via Bluetooth (and charging the smartphone directly on the radio).

The radio reception is excellent, but the option to wake up to the chimes of Berlin’s Gedächtniskirche is more of a nice gimmick for residents of the capital.

However, I was positively surprised by the rich, detailed sound of the Teufel Radio One, which is an absolute joy even when played wirelessly via Bluetooth and turns the device into an attractive stationary Bluetooth speaker. On the other hand, it’s a bit of a shame that no battery has been installed and that the operation doesn’t work quite as smoothly as I would like.

Teufel Radio One Gold-Award

Teufel Radio One

Workmanship
Features
Sound
Value for money

90/100

Well-equipped radio with exciting features like Bluetooth and powerbank function that convinces with a rich sound.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

Related Articles

Neue Antworten laden...

Avatar of Basic Tutorials
Basic Tutorials

Gehört zum Inventar

7,925 Beiträge 2,106 Likes

Alarm clock with HiFi sound, Bluetooth speaker, smartphone charging station: The Teufel Radio One turns out to be a real jack-of-all-trades in our test, impressing with smart features and a truly outstanding sound. Technical data Bluetooth version 5.1 Dimensions (L x H x D) 24.00 cm x 9.00 cm x 8.00 cm Driver 55 mm … (Weiterlesen...)

Antworten Like

Back to top button