Eton Sound 100 AM/FM Radio, Blue

Setup and Control
We found the Eton 100 a snap to setup, relying on the included manual. Its functions are so simple and to the point, its controls so intuitive, that there is hardly any need for a manual.

The radio includes AM and FM, with five presets for each. AM ranges from 520 to 1710 KHz in 10 KHz increments, and FM RDS from 87.50 to 108.00 KHz in 0.05 KHz increments. The FM signal comes from an old school chromed, telescoping antenna that can be rotated to any needed angle, while the AM antenna is a built-in loop. Stations can be micro-tuned by quickly pressing the up or down tune buttons on the remote or the device itself. Holding the tune button down for a few seconds scans reliably to the next available station.

A small and stylish clock radio with a retro yet futuristic look (black version shown).

While delivering standard clock radio features, it is also mp3- and ipod-ready. View larger.

Pick a color that's right for you.

Simple and intuitive controls, plus an included remote.

The alarm wakes you with your choice of a chime or one of your preset radio stations, and features a five minute snooze button, if you can't yet face the day. Of course you can also connect your favorite MP3 player and use its alarm to wake you with via the radio's speaker. If you like falling asleep to music you can easily set the sleep timer in increments of 15 to 90 minutes.

Back to the Future
With the look of an old-time radio restyled for the 21st century, the Eton 100 draws attention to itself as a little work of art in its own right. The large silver volume knob and three-inch speaker dominate the face. Sleekly rounded corners give a contemporary and finished look. Rubber feet keep it from sliding or scratching your furniture. It is small enough to fit easily on a desk or night-stand, but not so tiny that it won't attract attention: 8.27 x 4.53 x 5.1 inches (W x H x D). The display is gently backlit in blue and gives all the information you need, including time, station, alarms, and sleep timer functions. Design-wise it's a statement of urban chic and modern style in a small and functional package.

Sound
Although the sound from its three inch, full-range, magnetically-shielded mono speaker is never going to compete with your home stereo system, or with more expensive and larger stereo radios, it delivers a surprising punch and range, in combination with its rear-firing subwoofer. What pleased us most about the Eton 100's sound is its crisp clarity. Plenty of small speaker systems rattle and buzz as soon as you turn the volume more than halfway up. We cranked this little box up to room-filling volumes without the slightest hint of a buzz. Although it allows no audio adjustments (such as bass and treble) subwoofer gain is calibrated with volume in order to maintain a constant balance of high and low dynamic range.

Along with a 3.5 millimeter jack for headphones, there is a mini-jack input for a CD or MP3 player. We got great sound from an iPod simply by setting it at full volume and letting the Eton 100 do the rest.

Pros

• Clear, powerful sound and modern styling in a small, inexpensive package
• Easy setup and intuitive interface
• Input for CD and MP3 players

• Mono sound only
• No audio adjustments