2025Missile maker MBDA displayed its missile offerings at the Euronaval defense exhibition in Paris in early November 2024 (Rudy Ruitenberg/staff)PARIS — Pan-European missile maker MBDA bought the remaining 50% of rocket-engine supplier Roxel from co-owner Safran in a move the company expects will help it ramp up production in the face of surging demand MBDA acquired Safran’s stake in Roxel on Dec. 19, it said in a statement on Monday. The deal gives Europe’s largest tactical-missile maker full control over its main supplier of propulsion including for flagship products such as the Aster air-defense interceptor Meteor air-to-air missile and Akeron MP antitank munition As Europe rushes to beef up air defenses in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, MBDA has seen orders surge to record levels and the company is investing at least €2.4 billion (US$2.5 billion) over five years to expand production capabilities tight supply of rocket motors has hampered efforts by Lockheed Martin and RTX to boost missile production there “This transaction is to support Roxel’s operational and industrial excellence,” MBDA CEO Éric Béranger said in the statement “It also aims to provide an even more optimal response to the ramp-up challenges posed by the context of war economy MBDA plans to invest over several years to boost production at Roxel which it says would have been more complicated to implement in the joint-venture format While the missile maker doesn’t face a shortage of rocket motors at this time MBDA says it saw a need to vertically integrate Roxel in anticipation of an increased missile production pace Roxel is being integrated as a wholly-owned subsidiary but will continue to manage its business independently and honor all existing contracts with other system suppliers The rocket-engine maker’s clients also include Saab and Lockheed Martin The acquisition comes at a time of major growth and investment and will accelerate Roxel’s development as well as consolidate the engine maker’s role as a national champion in France and the U.K. The company declined to say what it paid for the 50% stake Roxel has annual sales of about €200 million and employed around 900 people in 2024 The maker of solid-propulsion systems for tactical and cruise missiles which says it has a 60% share of the European market for its products gets a large majority of its sales from MBDA “This acquisition will enable us to further develop innovation in new solid propulsion technologies,” Roxel CEO Sylvie Grison said this integration operation will make it easier to optimize industrial cycles for faster ramp-up.” France has pushed for MBDA to speed up production in what the government dubs a shift to a war economy though opposition lawmakers have pointed out the country is not actually at war The French and British navies have been using Aster interceptors to down Houthi drones and missiles targeting shipping in the Red Sea while the munition is also used by the SAMP/T air-defense system protecting Kyiv MBDA plans to triple production of CAMM missiles between 2022 and 2026 lift output of Aster interceptors by 50% over the period quadruple the monthly volume of Mistral short-range air-defense missiles between 2022 and 2025 and increase production of the Akeron antitank missile by 2.5 times Roxel supplies the motors for all of those products Roxel was formed in 2003 by the merger of France’s Celerg and the U.K.’s Royal Ordnance Rocket Motors. and has a production site in the U.K. and three in France. MBDA is a joint venture between Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo. Rudy Ruitenberg is a Europe correspondent for Defense News. He started his career at Bloomberg News and has experience reporting on technology, commodity markets and politics. Facebook pageTwitter feed RSS feedDefense News © 2025 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Roxel is a Franco-British developer and manufacturer of solid propulsion systems and other items for rockets and tactical and cruise missiles Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space he directs a team of military and space journalists across the U.S. Safran Agrees Roxel Stake Exit With MBDA Deal is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report an Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) Market Briefing and is included with your AWIN membership Already a member of AWIN or subscribe to Aerospace Daily & Defense Report through your company? Login with your existing email and password Not a member? Learn how you can access the market intelligence and data you need to stay abreast of what's happening in the aerospace and defense community insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily Roxel supplies rocket motors for a variety of tactical missile systems including the Exocet family of anti-ship missiles The Peruvian Navy test-fires an MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile (pictured) MBDA Systems has acquired the 50% share of European tactical propulsion maker Roxel owned by French defence firm Safran Group The acquisition was completed on 19 December according to an MBDA Systems statement on 7 January The value of the transaction was not disclosed Roxel will continue to operate independently to execute existing contracts and develop new markets The acquisition will strengthen Roxel's position as a global supplier of tactical propulsion systems and consolidate “its role as a national champion in France and the UK” Bringing Roxel entirely within MBDA will reinforce co-operation among teams in the two companies “to support Roxel's operational and industrial excellence” CEO of MBDA Éric Béranger said in the statement The acquisition is also intended to bolster development and production ramp ups to meet growing global demand for tactical missile systems “This acquisition will enable us to further develop innovation in new solid propulsion technologies this integration operation will make it easier to optimise industrial cycles for faster ramp up,” CEO of Roxel Sylvie Grison said in the statement Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more.. 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Free NewsletterUK Join the newsletter that everyone in finance secretly reads French jet engine manufacturer Safran and European missile maker MBDA are negotiating the potential sale of Roxel their jointly owned tactical propulsion systems business a company that designs and manufactures solid propulsion systems for rockets and missiles The current talks center around MBDA acquiring Safran’s share of Roxel enhancing MBDA’s production capabilities and possibly speeding up missile system development this potential sale could significantly shift the European defense landscape This move is particularly crucial given Roxel’s sizable workforce of about 800 employees in France and Britain following the merger of France’s Celerg and Britain’s Royal Ordnance Rocket Motors in 2003 For markets: A repositioning in the defense sector The bigger picture: Strategic moves in European defense This negotiation signals a strategic recalibration within the European defense sector acquiring complete control of Roxel could enhance Europe’s autonomous defense capabilities This is significant amid increasing global geopolitical tensions and the push for greater defense cooperation among European nations they could set a precedent for future consolidations and collaborations in the defense industry Theodora Lee Joseph, CFA The Great Wealth Transfer Is Coming – Here’s How To Profit From It Stéphane Renevier, CFA Markets Could Pick A Direction This Week – Here's Why Jonathan Hobbs, CFA Why GameStop Might Actually Be Worth A Look Right Now Theodora Lee Joseph, CFA Political Risk Is Part Of A Stock’s Value Now – And, No, You Can’t Afford To Tune It Out Theodora Lee Joseph, CFA Apple And Amazon’s Results Were Sturdy, But Their Future Looks A Little Less SoREAD NEXTNews Skechers Goes Private In $9.4 Billion Deal With 3G Capital Finimize Newsroom Edgewell Braces For 2025 Challenges As Tariffs Bite Finimize Newsroom One Common Hedge-Fund Trade Could Bring Down Financial Systems – And It 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investments referred to in this article may not be suitable for all investors an investor should seek advice from a qualified investment advisor This article may contain AI-edited content While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy AI may not capture the nuances of the subject matter resulting in errors or inconsistencies By Craig Hoyle2025-01-06T17:48:00+00:00 Weapons propulsion specialist Roxel has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of MBDA as part of an effort by the European company to boost its production of precision-guided munitions “This acquisition will accelerate the development of Roxel strengthening its position as a global player in tactical propulsion and consolidating its role as a national champion in France and the UK,” says MBDA which purchased Safran’s 50% stake in the company on 19 December 2024 MBDA chief executive Eric Beranger says the move “also aims to provide an even more optimal response to the ramp-up challenges posed by the context of war economy “Roxel will continue to manage its activities independently honouring all its existing contracts with other systems suppliers while developing new markets MBDA has acquired tactical propulsion supplier Roxel Describing itself as “Europe’s leading supplier of tactical propulsion systems” Roxel has three production sites in France supplying motors for integration with products ranging from cruise missiles to artillery rockets who assumed the role of Roxel chief executive on 1 January 2025 says the purchase by MBDA will enable it “to further develop innovation in new solid propulsion technologies [and] make it easier to optimise industrial cycles for faster ramp-up” The need for European and US industry to significantly increase output of air-launched weapons and other munitions since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine has prompted moves on both sides of the Atlantic to boost production and manufacturing efficiency The US government has cleared the potential sale of additional long-range air-to-surface missiles to arm Japanese combat aircraft The troubled Boeing T-7A advanced jet trainer programme has taken a step forward with a successful test of its new escape system Italian carrier ITA Airways has edged into full-year operating profit with a surplus of €3 million ($3.4 million) a performance which it claims is ahead of schedule While ITA also posted a net loss of €227 million it states that it achieved the positive operating result even before the intervention .. India has conducted a maiden flight for a so-called “stratospheric airship platform” with the aim of collecting data to inform future sorties Unmanned air vehicle (UAV) producer Tekever is to invest over £400 million ($532 million) to boost its activities in the UK and add more than 1,000 employees to its workforce When Portugal signed for five Embraer C/KC-390 tactical transports in July 2019 it was taking something of a gamble by becoming the first export buyer for the Brazilian-built type – but its air force’s 506 Squadron is now flying high with the Brazilian-built airlifter FlightGlobal is the global aviation community’s primary source of news analytics and advisory services to connect the aviation community globally and help organisations shape their business strategies identify new opportunities and make better decisions faster Site powered by Webvision Cloud member-first insights and commentary on the global aviation industry has finalised the acquisition of Safran’s 50% share in Roxel positions Roxel for accelerated growth and further innovation in solid propulsion technologies Roxel will continue to operate as an autonomous company honouring existing contracts and pursuing new export opportunities The move is set to bolster Roxel’s global presence in tactical propulsion while solidifying its role as a national leader in both France and the UK MBDA CEO Éric Béranger emphasised the strategic importance of the acquisition stating: “This transaction supports Roxel’s operational and industrial excellence and enhances our ability to address the challenges of a war economy.” He highlighted the strengthened collaboration between MBDA and Roxel teams as key to meeting increasing demands in development and production Roxel CEO Sylvie Grison echoed these sentiments “This acquisition enables us to drive innovation in solid propulsion technologies and optimise industrial cycles for faster ramp-up,” she said underscoring the potential for streamlined operations and enhanced capabilities Formed in 2003 through the merger of Celerg and Royal Ordnance Rocket Motors Roxel is a Franco-British firm specialising in solid propulsion systems for tactical and cruise missiles With four production sites across France and the UK Roxel is a major player in the defence industry Cookie Policy Copyright © 2025 Defence Industry Europe | mady by: geekon.eu We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns The strategic move comes during a period of growth and investment for the company has successfully completed the acquisition of Roxel bringing the company into its European defence conglomerate by purchasing the remaining 50% stake from Safran on 19 December 2024. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed. This strategic move capitalises on Roxel’s current and prospective capabilities during a period of significant expansion and financial input. MBDA CEO Éric Béranger said: “I welcome everyone from Roxel to the MBDA Group By reinforcing the work interactions and cooperation between the teams of the two companies this transaction is to support Roxel’s operational and industrial excellence. both in development and in production.” Roxel will maintain autonomous control over its operations and will adhere to all existing agreements with other equipment providers while seeking new market opportunities Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis The integration under MBDA is expected to expedite Roxel’s growth trajectory enhancing its international presence in tactical propulsion and reinforcing its status as a key defence entity within France and the UK. Roxel CEO Sylvie Grison said: “This acquisition will enable us to further develop innovation in new solid propulsion technologies. this integration operation will make it easier to optimise industrial cycles for faster ramp-up I am therefore very pleased that this share acquisition has been completed.” following the merger of Celerg and Royal Ordnance Rocket Motors. With production facilities in the UK and France Roxel supplies propulsion systems for various missiles and rockets used by air This development follows MBDA’s recent collaboration with Australian company Advanced Navigation to enhance navigation technology for airborne platforms through the integration of MBDA’s NILEQ absolute positioning system MBDA is a joint venture between three European aerospace and defence companies Airbus Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network 07 January 2025: MBDA has integrated Roxel as a wholly-owned subsidiary of its European defence group having acquired the 50% share held by Safran on 19 December 2024 This acquisition leverages Roxel’s existing and future capabilities at a time of major growth and investment Roxel will continue to manage its activities independently This acquisition will accelerate the development of Roxel strengthening its position as a global player in tactical propulsion and consolidating its role as a national champion in France and the UK MBDA CEO Éric Béranger hailed the operation: “I welcome everyone from Roxel to the MBDA Group this transaction is to support Roxel’s operational and industrial excellence It also aims to provide an even more optimal response to the ramp-up challenges posed by the context of war economy Roxel CEO Sylvie Grison added: “This acquisition will enable us to further develop innovation in new solid propulsion technologies I am therefore very pleased that this share acquisition has been completed.” Roxel is a Franco-British firm formed from the merger of Celerg and Royal Ordnance Rocket Motors in 2003 As a European leader and a major global player in its field manufactures and supplies solid propulsion systems and associated equipment for all types of tactical and cruise missiles and rockets for air Roxel has four production sites (one in the UK one in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and two in the Centre-Val de Loire region) as well as offices in the Paris region Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Vimeo This site uses only essential cookies required for core website functions We do not employ any tracking or analytics cookies and we comply with UK data protection laws Updates with links to posts made over the previous 7 days are normally mailed around 6pm UK time each Sunday Your email address will NOT be shared with third parties Here’s a bit about our South Shields Match Sponsor… AHEAD of Tuesday night’s fixture against South Shields at Aggborough we’d like to welcome our Match Sponsors Roxel is an Anglo-French Group that through its origins has a strong tradition in the field of solid propulsion manufactures and markets a wide range of high-technology defence systems for air Roxel’s headquarters and a number of production sites are in France whilst there is also a production site locally at Summerfield in Kidderminster Present worldwide in the majority of current and future missile programmes covering all segments of the world missile and rocket market As a leader in tactical propulsion and a supplier of products destined to defend national and international peace and security responsible and ethical code of conduct to ensure compliance with set regulations and the rules governing business practices each year the company invests in innovations for solid rocket motor technologies and in production processes for motors and subassemblies and are also involved in civil aeronautics For further details about Roxel, you can visit their website here. This article is about: Commercial Introducing Sunday’s Match Sponsor… Privacy Policy - Terms of Use - Contact - Safeguarding Policy Kidderminster Harriers Football Club Limited Website hosted and maintained by Swof Media. MAJORITY Little Shelford DAB+ Radio with Bluetooth Roberts Revival RD70 FM/DAB/DAB+ Portable Digital Radio Majority Histon portable DAB/DAB+ Digital Radio groov-e Geneva Rechargeable DAB and FM Digital Radio Roxel RDR-40 Stereo DAB/DAB+ Digital and FM Radio Portable Wireless Speaker There's nothing quite like tuning into the radio, catching your favourite oldies or discovering something new, something that even the best speakers on the market aren't always capable of doing Going retro and picking up a brilliant portable DAB radio is a wonderful way to break the habits of a worn-out Spotify playlist but technology has moved on over the past few years find your niche and start your day with a pep in your step: the best portable DAB radios on the market are mind-blowingly good But picking from the vast array of DAB radios figuring out what you really need from your DAB radio isn't always straightforward We've taken out the legwork of scrolling endlessly through online retailers and saved you some head-scratching with our comprehensive roundup of the best DAB radios available anywhere From brands you know and love like Roberts ranging from ultra-modern to utterly retro our list has everything you'll need to bring home the beats this year All prices are correct at the time of writing stock and deals are subject to change without notice a prominent British audio brand established in 1932 showcases the company’s ability to blend classic design with modern technology This portable DAB+ radio combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary features and exceptional sound quality granting access to numerous stations with excellent sound clarity The intuitive rotary dial allows for easy station switching and access to settings such as screen brightness and station retuning Volume is adjusted with the plus-and-minus buttons while the bottom left button switches between DAB the PETITE2 features a rechargeable battery providing up to 20 hours of listening a telescopic antenna for improved connectivity and Bluetooth for streaming from smartphones and other devices It also has an alarm function that's new to this generation William Austin-Lobley reviewed the PETITE2 and had this to say: "The style is obviously a huge plus here but this radio offer more than retro design with its 40mm speaker providing clear audio for talk radio and music but it never was going to be at this size - but still "The high build quality and weighty feel reflect Roberts’ pedigree I really like that it has a 20-hour battery life and fast USB-C charging the outdated Bluetooth 2.0 and dim OLED screen are disappointing 4.5What's The Best / Harvey IsittRrp: £49.99 We think this dependable, portable, waterproof DAB radio is an absolute steal at under £50. Doubling as a Bluetooth speaker and traditional radio it's perfect for various environments whether you're in the garden or working from home Its impressive 10-hour battery life ensures you won't need to recharge frequently making it an ideal companion for extended use the radio offers 5W sound that holds up well for its price With six buttons on top and five on the side The box also includes an AUX and USB-C to USB-A cable for charging making it ready to use right out of the box This was tried and tested by Harvey Isitt who has this to say about his experience: "Doubling as a Bluetooth speaker and traditional radio I was initially sceptical about the 10-hour battery life claim so not having to recharge it regularly makes it perfect for an afternoon in the garden it has proved to be the perfect companion while working from home so much so I'll be using it for this moving forward." the volume holds up for its price and size I found it too loud for my office (I settled for volume two of sixteen; yes this speaker is by no means premium-sounding; you're getting what you pay for." the device has six buttons on the top (power and pause) and five on the side for volume and preset shortcuts Most of the buttons are straightforward; some multipurpose there's a setup leaflet and convenient QR code that links to a YouTube video for a visual explanation." "It's worth noting that the box also includes an AUX and USB-C to USB-A cable for charging 4.5Build4.5Features4.0Value5.0Speakers5WRadioDAB FM radioNetwork featuresBluetooth 5.0PortsUSB-C 3.5mm AUX portBatteryUp to ten hoursDimensions87 x 87 x 89 mm (L x W x H)Weight0.45 kgRrp: £49.99 For those who enjoy a long morning shower paired with plenty of tunes JBL's Tuner 2 portable DAB radio might be the best option rejecting the retro (aside from its space-age antennae) the JBL Tuner 2 is slimmer and easier to move about the house than other designs requiring a dedicated handle to lug about Doubling as a fantastic budget Bluetooth speaker users can quickly connect to the JBL Tuner 2 and play songs on Spotify; you're not limited to just radio you can grab your JBL Tuner 2 and head anywhere for a long while without needing to find a mains plug which is particularly low compared to its competition you're likely to stick to your favourite stations regardless so JBL's Tuner 2 remains a solid option for DAB portable radio shoppers One of our tech experts, Kyle Purves, has tested the JBL Tuner 2 and had this to say: "As a speaker alone as a Bluetooth speaker and DAB radio fusion so its portability and convenience can't be understated Although I wasn't blown away by the output power This is now my go-to way to listen to the radio wherever I go." 5.0Build4.5Features4.0Value4.5Speakers10WRadioDAB/DAB+/FMNetwork featuresBluetooth 4.2PortsAUX-in USB-CBatteryUp to 12 hoursDimensions70 x 180 x 72 mm (H x W x D)Weight0.54 kgRrp: £99.99 on the smaller side of portable DAB radios the Majority Little Shelford DAB+ radio is ideal for sitting on the shelf or on the desk to enjoy some phenomenal beats throughout the day It has DAB and FM radio and also works as a Bluetooth speaker Easy to control via its brilliant display and various buttons to cycle through presets the Little Shelford delivers comfortable convenience with its user-friendly design While we're not huge fans of the slightly plastic-looking gold design there's not much to offer with its smallish size which leaves overall quality sounding slightly tinny but with an adjacent pair of speakers on hand you'll get to experience radio the way it was meant to be heard Our tech writer Chris Duffill reviewed the Majority Little Shelford and had this to say about it: "Although the design is bound to divide opinion out of the box I actually like it quite a lot I appreciate the angled interface on top which is easy to see I do think that all of those electronic buttons (there are eight) and faux gold finish conflict with the leatherette texture and retro-looking front speaker grille – but those are minor niggles for what is a very neat little radio The model I have is the cream and gold version which I think would blend in quite well in kitchens and windowsills or bookcases." "I found all of the controls very intuitive from the moment it powers on Scanning for DAB stations and setting presets was a breeze Perhaps the best surprise of all was the volume level and overall audio quality It’s not going to vibrate the shelf or win any audiophile awards but it’s well-rounded enough to enjoy – even at maximum volume." "I think it punches slightly above its weight for an affordable DAB radio and that handle isn’t just for looks – pop four AA batteries into this and take it anywhere Just remember that it’s not waterproof or weather-resistant well-designed product that borrows some of its looks from other retro radios." We think this AZATOM DAB radio is an excellent option for those on a tighter budget While the bass and build quality feel slightly inferior to the i-box it's still a strong contender for a more classic DAB radio experience The attractive oak finish pairs well with the white front panel giving it a stylish look despite feeling a bit tacky The AZATOM features a traditional button interface and a control knob on the side making navigation through the 60 available stations straightforward it eliminates the confusion of multipurpose controls making it ideal for younger users or those less confident with technology who has this to say about his experience: "The attractive oak finish couples nicely with the white front panel The AZATOM has a more traditional button interface with a control knob on the side: twist for menu or volume navigation and click to select from the 60 available stations each clearly labelled and dedicated to a specific function the AZATOM eliminates the potentially confusing press-and-hold multipurpose nature of the i-box buttons the perfect gift for younger users or those less confident with technology." "While you may not be looking for sound quality there is a noticeable difference in the bass with the AZATOM sounding great (price considering) but slightly flatter the volume is impressive for £33 – this speaker can go quite loud It's clear AZATOM chose to sacrifice build quality to prioritise sound because the most crucial difference to consider is that AZATOM has made the somewhat Marmite decision to use AA batteries instead of the rechargeability offered in most of today's DAB radios attractive-looking option well worth its price tag." The Lenco PDR-046 is a nicely sized portable DAB with a modern design It features a bamboo top and a well-featured control panel with plainly laid-out programmable station buttons and menu controls The rechargeable battery holds seven hours you can quickly top it up via the USB-C connection The best thing about the Lenco PDR-046 is its sound Though it has modest two 2.5-watt speakers the radio produces well-balanced audio with a nice low-end presence free of the tinny qualities often associated with smaller speakers given that its materials are ABS with wheat fibre and the previously mentioned natural bamboo but there is room for improvement with the finishing touches most notably around points where the two sides of the shell meet especially compared to the well-sealed and robust shell of the Roberts Revival PETITE2 the Lenco PDR-046 is still a great little radio William Austin-Lobley had this to say after spending a week with the radio: "The Lenco is a decent little DAB radio that I've had a good time reviewing Thanks to the programmed favourite station controls I took full advantage of the DAB+ stations I also used the Bluetooth 5.0 connection to listen to a couple of podcasts as the voices sounded clear on the speakers It's this sound that has sold me on it; I think its use of a passive radiator is a clever one giving the bottom end some breathing room and resulting in a nice warm "The seven-hour battery is low – some radios I've tested run for 20 hours – but it's not a huge issue if you use it around the house with ready access to plugs." Embrace the retro charm with Roberts' stunning portable DAB radio combining vintage aesthetics with modern features while the speaker delivers impressive sound quality whether through a louder speaker or headphones It’s a bit heavier and requires a handle for easy transport the weight is a minor trade-off for the quality and style it offers This Roberts DAB radio is perfect for music lovers seeking a stylish centrepiece for their coffee table The Roberts Revival RD70 was recently reviewed by William Austin-Lobley Here are his thoughts: “Here's a concise first-person review focused on the user experience of the Roberts Revival RD70: “I can say it's one of the most stylish and well-crafted DAB radios out there rich tone that makes music and voices sound fantastic but what holds it back is the reliance on disposable AA batteries you’ll need to fork out an extra £40 for the optional rechargeable battery pack which feels like an unnecessary expense after already investing in the radio the Roberts Revival RD70 is a top choice if you’re after a blend of classic design Just be prepared for the added cost if you want the convenience of rechargeable power.” Another Roberts speaker and another stylish retro-inspired design The Rambler Max is a bit on the larger side for portability and it requires a mains connection to be powered on That means that unless you pick up a separate battery pack for it it won't be the right pick for travel the handle helps transport it between rooms so it's an excellent option for anyone looking for a powerful house speaker and radio that isn't stuck in one place with a full-range driver and customisable EQ that ensure you're always getting the best sound possible In their Roberts Rambler Max review Kyle Purves shares their thoughts: "I appreciate the ease of using the Rambler Max Many speakers attempt to minimise the buttons and controls needed but this often leads to them being more cumbersome in the end Everything works exactly as one would want it to here "The overall sound quality is very impressive The full-range driver delivers an impactful sound and the projection fills even a large room and I never had any difficulties hearing dialogue Even when I put the speaker outside its intended use case and played YouTube videos through it And as one would expect from a speaker that handles dialogue so well Each track I played through the Rambler Max came out delightfully rich and high-quality." 4.5Build4.0Features4.5Value4.0SpeakersFull-range driversRadioDAB/DAB+ FM radioNetwork featuresBluetooth connectionPortsMains ACBatteryN/A (optional battery pack available)Dimensions94 x 270 x 177 mm (L x W x H)Weight1.725 kgRrp: £199.99 the Majority Histon portable DAB digital radio is a sensational pick for those who want to bring their music wherever they go Majority's DAB radios have dominated the market for years so it's no surprise that their brilliant Histon radio performs so well for its price With 20 presets built-in and an incredibly portable design the Histon delivers comfort and ease of access at a phenomenal price paired with its crystal-clear sound makes the Histon a wonderful choice for anyone this speaker may disappoint: it has a mono speaker which is clear but a little on the quieter side compared to our other picks 4.5Build5.0Features4.0Value5.0SpeakersMono (wattage not specified)RadioDAB/DAB+ the groov-e Geneva rechargeable DAB and FM digital radio has plenty to offer sports and news listeners with its lightweight portable design that's perfect for listening anywhere in the house this portable DAB radio might not have the boldest sound on account of its size and price but it has an impressive level of connectivity that gives headphone listeners a simple way to catch the radio wherever they go you're unlikely to be limited by the groove-e Geneva's total power making it a great choice for campers afraid of missing sports results or their relaxing radio show A brilliant value radio that's a bargain for under £30 plug in your phone or connect via Bluetooth and you'll have a fantastic radio listening experience that quickly justifies its small price tag 4.0Build4.0Features4.0Value5.0SpeakersNot specifiedRadioDAB/FMNetwork featuresBluetoothPorts3.5mm headphone jack USB charging portBatteryUp to eight hoursDimensions65 x 120 x 25 mm (L x W x H)Weight0.13 kgRrp: £24.99 If you're looking for top-tier portable sound the Pure Evoke Play portable music system has everything you'll need to experience excellent quality this monstrous 40W speaker offers sensational sound wherever you go Pure's gorgeous grey mesh and eye-catching design feel as good as they look and make up for the higher price tag But this isn't just a Bluetooth speaker; there are also countless other features that the Pure Evoke Play has in store there's a brilliant LCD screen on top allowing you to connect to various music apps the larger size might become a little tiresome and difficult to position around the home but it's an afterthought when its sound is so phenomenal; this is one portable DAB radio worth grabbing 5.0Build5.0Features5.0Value4.5Speakers40WRadioDAB+/DAB/FMNetwork featuresBluetoothPortsUSB-CBatteryUp to 12 hoursDimensions340 x 135 x 175 mm (L x W x H)Weight2 kgRrp: £159.00 4.5RobertsPrice: £199www.currys.co.uk Roberts has a huge range of gorgeous portable DAB radios but few can truly compete with the STREAM94L which blends a bit of old-school radio design with fantastic modern features the STREAM94L has audiophiles and radio fans truly at heart with its brilliant array of music on hand then you can always connect to the STREAM94L via Bluetooth or use its pre-loaded access to Spotify for your instant favourites issues with Bluetooth connectivity and lag have caused some minor inconveniences but this is rare amongst users so it's hardly anything to be concerned about For great sound, great smart speaker functions and as many preset radio stations as you'll ever need the STREAM94L is a worthy competitor amongst our favourite DAB radios of the year 5.0Build5.0Features5.0Value4.0SpeakersThree-way speaker (no wattage specified)RadioDAB/DAB+/FMNetwork featuresBluetooth 5.0 AUX-outBatteryUp to 10 hoursDimensions169 x 255 x 132 mm (H x W x D)Weight1.7 kgPrice: £199www.currys.co.uk Start your day right with the Roxel RDR-40 portable DAB radio and speaker repetitive alarm that leaves you irritated before you start your day the Roxel RDR's 40 preset radio stations give you lots to listen to on the go and its well-designed layout makes accessing all of its features a total breeze getting the most out of the Roxel RDR-40 DAB radio is a breeze If you're in search of top-tier sound the Roxel RDR-40's 3W speaker doesn't quite deliver that triumphantly bassy sound we tend to look for in speakers which is largely on account of its size and price for tuning into discussions or just enjoying your music niche Roxel's RDR-40 is a brilliant choice for anyone DAB: Digital Audio Broadcast radio is a new method of receiving radio signals that has largely replaced traditional FM radio it offers clearer sound with fewer interruptions DAB+: DAB+ is exactly how it sounds: it's an even better version of DAB radio with super-sharp sound and better performance FM: Frequency Modulation radio is the traditional radio you're likely familiar with it uses radio signals for radios to tune into Wattage: Wattage refers to the amount of power a speaker can handle Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a method of short-range wireless connectivity which enables users to quickly and wirelessly connect to nearby devices with great precision AUX: Auxillary ports is a method of manually connecting other audio devices to your portable DAB radio simply plug a 3.5mm audio jack into the DAB radio and connect it to a speaker or even headphones to enjoy better sound simply find the specific frequency you're looking for online and tune your radio using the radio's dial to find the station you're looking for convenience and style to users in need of great audio around the house They can often be affordable and are excellent for those who'd like a break from their old Spotify playlist for a time having the luxury of songs being picked for you can be great for discovering music DAB radios do not need the internet and instead receive frequencies via radio waves There are features on portable DAB radios that can require internet How can I connect my portable DAB radio to a speaker If you'd like to connect your portable DAB radio to something with better sound see if your radio has an AUX port; that way you can plug it into another set of speakers and begin to hear the sound you were searching for our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best technology products available Anything less would undermine our commitment to being a trusted source of unbiased product information Our dedicated in-house writing team comprises experts with extensive experience and a genuine passion for technology we have spent decades testing and writing about tech leveraging our expertise in all our articles We maintain complete editorial independence and do not accept payment for product reviews Our writers have full control over their content ensuring that products are selected based solely on the needs of our readers While we may earn commissions or other compensation from links on our website These links enable us to continue offering valuable consumer advice without compromising the integrity of our reviews Read more about why you should trust us. Ryan Houghton is a commercial content writer for What’s The Best Diligently writing for What’s The Best for almost two years there are very few tech products Ryan hasn’t had his hands on to review; televisions His well-versed history as one of the resident techies at What’s The Best has kept him keen to uncover the very best deals savings and offers for those in need of a cracking deal to upgrade their setup Ryan most likely has his nose buried in a fantasy book or his eyes glued to a screen whilst playing a tough-as-nails Soulslike or leisurely RPG indulging in most forms of escapism where possible Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) MBDA is a unique multi-national European group a world-leader in the field of complex weapon systems. MBDA provides efficient and precision effects complex weapon systems which are decisive force multipliers in military operations MBDA is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in defence and security we are resolutely committed to contributing to a safer and more sustainable planet. nous sommes constamment à la recherche de nouveaux talents passionnés prêts à mettre leur expertise au service de la souveraineté des nations Wir suchen engagierte Kolleginnen und Kollegen die mit neuen Impulsen und innovativen Ideen technologische Entwicklungen vorantreiben Gestalten Sie gemeinsam mit uns eine sichere Zukunft und leisten Sie einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Stärkung der nationalen Souveränität siamo alla costante ricerca di talenti motivati e appassionati che desiderino contribuire all’innovazione tecnologica per la difesa dei nostri confini e della sovranità nazionale Explore our UK opportunities across Engineering and join one of our teams working together on technologies that help defend our nations Discover and learn about MBDA’s latest achievements to protect and preserve nations’ sovereignty and security Here you can find and download all the press releases web articles and photos related to our activities Press Contact Etienne Galan named Chief Executive Officer of Roxel SAS Diehl Defence and Roxel France signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of artillery rockets Both companies want to combine their experience in the development of guided and unguided artillery rockets their know-how in innovative warhead technology and their capabilities in the development and manufacture of modern rocket motors The partners support efforts in Europe to again set up a production line for artillery rockets of the GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) weapon system of US origin which is in use in many countries Diehl already produced the US-developed MLRS rockets in large quantities for the British French and Italian armed forces under license and later also developed a GMLRS warhead solution with intelligent submunition for the German Bundeswehr A European production line for 110 mm practice rockets is to be set up soon to be able to meet current and expected future requirements in Germany and France The cooperation between Diehl Defence and Roxel is an important initial step to achieving high security of artillery rocket supply in Europe industrial partners from other countries will also be able to participate in the program Innovation has long been embedded in the company’s DNA This means that KEYENCE products are engineers to be versatile and they can be used in just about every industry for a wide variety of applications – no matter how demanding Are you looking for a high-end example of this a leader in the design and manufacturing of solid rocket propulsion systems for land Roxel has proven capabilities and decades of experience in the chemistry of energetic materials development and manufacture of solid propulsion systems and related equipment for a range of rockets and missiles uncompromising market where failure is never an option With tightening health and safety requirements the Worcestershire-based rocket specialist often has to review legacy propellants and re-qualify them with non-restricted materials a phase of research & development followed by stringent testing and further evaluation And it is precisely to assist with such rigorous testing that Roxel UK acquired a VHX Series Digital Microscope from KEYENCE recently According to procurement staff based in the United Kingdom it was not the most difficult decision to make “Due to the wide range and various levels of technical knowledge and experience amongst the team it was crucial that we acquired a system everyone within the organisation could use with ease” explained Poppy Jones we found the KEYENCE solution very easy to set up and use on a daily basis whilst not compromising the microscope’s capability.” Naturally no such compromise would ever be acceptable to a company like Roxel whose propulsion systems and motors are used in a large range of missiles and rockets KEYENCE products are praised for their design ingenuity real-time depth composition is achieved without the need to actually adjust the focus of the device The product delivers images of unprecedented clarity and texture thanks to a high resolution HDR offering 256 times the information of a normal 8-bit digital image Balancing out brightness levels and improving contrast simultaneously is key to delivering outstanding viewing results Beyond clever product design and simplicity “The excellent quality and customer service were also factors we considered when selecting the microscope” she said the technically trained direct sales force from KEYENCE is always ready to solve issues and answer technical questions about the company’s products Fast shipping to customers also comes as standard to speed up process improvements as quickly as possible It just shows the extent to which KEYENCE is dedicated to adding value to its customers by combining superior technology with unparalleled support The VHX Series Digital Microscope has been incredibly useful to Roxel UK staff as a ‘quick check’ tool It has been used to confirm the presence (or indeed absence) of defects or weaknesses in a variety of key components manufactured by Roxel The overall quality and reliability of bondlines cleavage planes and the propellants themselves have all been impacted positively by the strategic acquisition of this particular device “This microscope proved an invaluable examination tool to us and helped with several key investigations” Jones concluded “The flexibility of having a KEYENCE microscope on site at Roxel UK results in faster For more information on the VHX Series Digital Microscope, visit: www.keyence.co.uk/201809EUREKA Despite their name and size, bookshelf speakers shouldn't be placed on a bookshelf. And certainly not on the floor. Their performance depends hugely on the quality of their support, and this is an area you shouldn’t compromise on. Ideally you should place them on dedicated speaker stands – especially if you've spent more than a few hundred on them – though if that isn't an option for you You should also consider how close to a wall they will work optimally at or if they would benefit from being angled inwards at all You can read our how to set up and position your speakers in 4 simple steps for more guidance Stereo speakers can work just as well for TVs and movies as they can for music. You'll just need to connect your speakers to an amplifier that has the right connections to hook up a TV, which in most cases will be an optical or HDMI port, and position them flanking your television. Here's how to connect your speakers to your TV in more detail This is where we'd point you to our bookshelf / standmounts vs floorstanders article If you're going to be using your speakers for movies as well as music the larger cabinet is typically the way to go floorstanders don't always produce better quality bass and engineers of bookshelf speakers are finding ways to offer more bass from a smaller cabinet Floorstanders generally require more space to breathe in and you'll want to think about the size of the room your speakers will sit in If your living room is the size of a football pitch are those compact bookshelf speakers really going to be able to fill it with high-volume sound Sensational bookshelf speakers to suit all budgets A good pair of bookshelf speakers – or standmount speakers as they're also known – is essential for your hi-fi system Whether you're looking for an ultra-budget pair an ultra-compact model for your home office a premium speaker for your hi-fi separates system or even a pair of TV speakers there is a wealth of bookshelf speakers to choose from today Not everyone has the space, budget or inclination for a set of floorstanders but standmount speakers these days come in both large and petite sizes too making it easier to choose a pair that fits your space and needs The best bookshelf speakers offer clear detail a good balance and a decent helping of bass We also expect good build quality that will last for years (if not decades) transparent and precise the sound quality is tend to rise as the price tag gets higher What Hi-Fi? has been testing bookshelf speakers for nearly 50 years, with our in-house team of expert reviewers having tested speakers in all sizes, types and price points – so you can trust our reviews and recommendations. You can read more about how we test bookshelf speakers below but rest assured every speaker recommended below represents the best sound-per-pound performance for your listening needs and budget KEF has taken an excellent speaker and made it even better with its innovative Metamaterial tech The LS50 Meta are class leaders at this level Read more below these friendly Diamonds are wonderfully composed refined and controlled compared with similarly priced rivals Read more below B&W’s entry-level 607 S3 speakers win us over with a clean refined and detailed sound that’s so entertaining Those with smaller listening rooms should look no further Read more below spacious and refined performers for the money Read more below these standmounts might be entry level by PMC's standards Read more below Petite premium speakers that are hugely talented and flexible to accommodate Read more below Mission’s resurrected 770 offer an excellent alternative to the established class leaders Read more below Recent updates3rd March 2025: We've added more entries to our "coming soon" section and added more information to our 'how to choose' and 'how we test' sections Written byKashfia KabirHi-Fi and Audio EditorI have been at What Hi-Fi and in that time I have reviewed countless stereo speakers from budget bookshelves to upmarket floorstanders and had the privilege of seeing the market continually push the envelope to produce better-sounding models class-leading crop of bookshelf speakers across a wide range of prices each representing the pinnacle of sound quality and design available at their respective price levels (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: KEF)1. KEF LS50 Meta What Hi-Fi these are the best stereo speakers overall.Our expert review: The brand decided not to change the beautifully made enclosure as it discovered that little could be improved – we agree The one area that KEF decided needed improvement was the LS50’s iconic Uni-Q driver array where the tweeter sits in the throat of the mid/bass unit taking in all the refinements that KEF has developed over the past eight years and adding something new in the form of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) – KEF’s way of coping with the sound that comes off the back of the 25mm aluminium tweeter dome It doesn’t take long to realise that these LS50 Meta speakers are hugely improved with a newfound level of clarity and finesse the originals only hinted at with the new Meta technology proving its worth with stunningly clear and sophisticated high frequencies nuanced dynamics and sure-footed timing all coalesce to deliver a terrific performance We said in our review: "Large-scale dynamics are handled well and there’s a good amount of muscle for a speaker of this size These are refined and composed performers that rarely sound stressed unless volume levels are high." They are superb all-rounders that work nicely with a variety of partnering amplifiers Read the full KEF LS50 Meta review (Image credit: Wharfedale)(Image credit: Wharfedale)(Image credit: Wharfedale)(Image credit: Wharfedale)(Image credit: Wharfedale)2. Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 What Hi-Fi Surprisingly sophisticated standmounters for their small size and budget priceOur expert review: Wharfedale's Diamond range of speakers has always had one mission: to offer top class sound at an affordable price The current Diamond 12.1 standmounters are a more sophisticated design with updates throughout but these speakers remain as recommendable as when we first reviewed them in 2020 It says volumes about the 12.1's staying power – and unmoving price tag which is rare these days – that nearly five years on we are still of the opinion that these budget bookshelf speakers have such a "broad spread of abilities that will help them get the most from price-compatible electronics and deserve a place high on your shortlist." the Diamonds are built to a pleasingly good quality It's a neat and compact box – standing just 31cm tall The two-way design features rear-firing reflex port rather than the downward-facing design used in previous models full-bodied presentation with ample detail on show The speakers sound composed and refined too qualities that are rather unusual at this budget end of the spectrum They deliver more authority and scale than their modest price and size suggest and while we don't expect bone-shaking bass from small boxes low-end notes sound full and dig deep enough to satisfy at this level Overall these speakers have a smooth tonal balance and a forgiving nature but they have just enough bite and convincingly communicate the shifts in dynamics to keep you drawn to the music They deliver strong rhythmic punch and are able to reveal subtleties in detail leaving the door open for the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 to emerge as budget favourites with their easy-going nature that will partner well with most components. You won't get a more crowd-pleasing performance at this level Read the full Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 review (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)3. B&W 607 S3 What Hi-Fi entry-level speakers are a delight.Our expert review: Now in its eighth generation and going 20+ years strong Bowers & Wilkins' 600 series of speakers has more often than not provided some superb speakers with a brand new 25mm titanium decoupled double dome tweeter a revised motor assembly for the 13cm Continuum mid/bass driver higher-quality components used in the crossover The two drivers overlap to improve integration while the use of titanium means more refined and detailed high frequencies The footprint remains the same and they're ideal for smaller spaces Partner them carefully to balance out a somewhat forward and you'll be rewarded with a terrifically detailed The overall presentation is more open-sounding than before while the treble performance is so much sweeter and more refined each note lands with precision and they even hold dynamic interest at low volume Basslines are pulled taut and while they don’t go as bone-shatteringly deep as bigger speakers (or as big as the bigger 606 S3 As we mentioned in our review: "Songs we know well and play every time during reviewing – Alt-J’s Breezeblocks Bruce Springsteen’s Terry’s Song John Williams’ Jurassic Park theme – are all given a zest of life through these talented speakers You should also consider the Triangle Borea BR03 making them ideal for filling smaller rooms But their slightly peaky treble and divisive aesthetic means we prefer the B&Ws Read the full Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 review Top TipKashfia KabirSocial Links NavigationHi-Fi & Audio EditorBoth these and their larger 606 S3 siblings (below) are class leaders in their fields but I find the 607 S3 represent the true sweet spot of the 600 Series hence their Product of the Year gong in the What Hi-Fi I've come to expect great things from this entry-level 600 range due to its storied history and the latest iteration hasn't let me down I can't remember the last time I had as much fun testing compact speakers at this modest level Just be aware that the B&W's enthusiastic character leads to a rather forward presentation so you'll want to pair it with a more balanced-sounding amplifier for optimum results (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: Bowers & Wilkins)(Image credit: Bowers & Wilkins)4. Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 What Hi-Fi and more bass.Our expert review: The 606 S3 are the bigger standmounters in B&W's latest 600 S3 range of speakers bolder and pricier than the younger sibling The 606 S3 takes on from the previous generation's 606 S2 Anniversary Edition (also Award winners) with improvements and updates throughout They're furnished with the same upgrades as the 607 from the new titanium tweeter to the revised speaker terminal layout around the back the same well-made build quality and finishes and the same dimensions return but the 606 S3 are yet another step up in sound quality the 606 S3 offer a more mature presentation There are newfound levels of refinement and openness compared with the older S2 model with a spacious-sounding presentation and ample headroom for that cleaner treble to soar that bigger 16.5cm mid/bass driver and deeper cabinet result in added weight This extra bass power means the 606 S3 speakers aren’t quite as prone to the slightly excitable and forward treble of its lively 607 S3 sibling staid character comes at the expense of that charming and immediately entertaining sound we like so much in the new 607 S3 While the 606 aren’t slouches when it comes to attack and agility we find they don’t hold songs together as cohesively as when played through the enthusiastic 607 But this didn't stop us from enjoying the speakers as we said said in our original review: "Did we have any trouble playing albums continuously without getting bored through the 606 capable nature of these new standmounters is still very impressive and they are a big If you can afford and accommodate a step up above the compact 607 S3 speakers want a larger scale of sound and need more oomph to your bass Read the full Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 review (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: PMC)(Image credit: PMC)5. PMC Prodigy 1 What Hi-Fi these standmounts have what it takes to trouble the class leaders.Our expert review: These might be PMC's entry-level standmounts but they sound anything but (and they're not exactly cheap That's hardly surprising – they're measured and listened to alongside the firm's reference models and feature the same 27mm soft dome tweeter and 13cm mid/bass driver taken from models further up the company’s line They also feature Laminair – the aerodynamic port which was first developed for the flagship QB-1 studio monitors This smooths the passage of air exiting the speaker to minimise airflow noise and improve bass definition though it lacks some of the high-end polish of PMC's pricier models The midrange is full of dynamic expression and solidity and the bass digs deep without losing definition Low frequencies have pace and punch to complement that impressive presence and depth As we said in our review: "Play Anohni And The Johnsons’ It’s My Fault from the collective’s latest album and the Prodigy’s midrange talents come to the fore once more There’s substance behind her vocal delivery and a very honest rawness that conveys her grief and guilt around her complicity with how humanity has “broke the earth” Emotion pours out of her mouth and the PMCs do well to communicate it." While the Prodigy 1’s talents in precision and organisation mean we would veer towards calling them ‘analytical’ the speakers aren’t informative at the expense of entertainment Read the full PMC Prodigy 1 review Top TipBecky RobertsSocial Links NavigationManaging EditorWhen I first laid eyes on the Prodigy 1 I wasn't exactly blown away; they looked pretty plain and much cheaper than the similarly priced KEF LS50 Meta (above) But this is a classic case of how looks can be deceiving as within just a few songs of testing I could tell they were something special they set the standards in detail and precision at this price and certainly aren't slouches in the bass or musicality departments either If you can afford these PMCs and are able to position them fairly near a rear wall (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)6. Epos ES-7N What Hi-Fi flexible nature and a huge talent – the best premium small speakers we've heard.Our expert review: In complete contrast to our statement in the intro that speakers should never be placed inside a bookshelf if you want them to sound their best Epos has made a pair of speakers that are very much optimised to sound good when placed inside a bookshelf The conventional recommendation is to place speakers a few inches or centimetres away from a wall but that's not always practical in your space Epos has made it so that their small but brilliant ES-7N speakers sound evenly balanced when placed up against the wall or inside a bookshelf You can flip a switch at the back of the speaker unit to tell the speakers where they are placed and they will change modes accordingly The speakers do sound their best out in the open on dedicated speaker stands but it is impressive just how close to this performance they get when shoved inside a bookshelf unit (flick the switch down in this case) There is a slight drop in clarity and stereo imaging but it doesn't impact our enjoyment overall even though these are small boxes that won't compete with larger designs – such as KEF's R3 Meta which dig deeper into the bass and deliver a bigger more expansive and dynamic sound – what these Epos speakers do so well with music gets us smiling with joy and our feet tapping as they deliver an incredibly capable performance As we said in our review: "The ES-7N are bold and confident performers that resolve high levels of detail and organise it in a cohesive and musical way Play Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us and the Epos kick like a mule They sound taut and punchy with music such as this delivering the song’s jumpy rhythm track in a wonderfully surefooted manner There is plenty of drive here and the speakers are great at conveying the music’s varying momentum." Voices are delivered with impassioned nuance and clarity, and bass notes are – for small cabinets – taut, solid and grippy. We love the similarly-priced Neat Petite Classic's fun but the Epos are even more precise and controlled when it comes to rhythmic agility They are just as considerate with more classical or intimate recordings and they pair well with a variety of amplifier partners from budget Rotels to premium Naims and beyond hugely capable and surprisingly unfussy in use That they recognise not everyone will be able to position their speakers perfectly and sound just as good when placed inside bookshelves is a rare talent that should be celebrated Read the full Epos ES-7N review (Image credit: Mission )(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)7. Mission 770 What Hi-Fi Classic design meets superior sound with these insightful and organised speakers.Our expert review: We think these new Mission 770 are right up there with the very best at this price and one of the best ways to fill a large room with sound Mission takes design inspiration from the original 770 speakers launched in the 1970s but has improved and modernised every other element: from the cabinet design to the drivers and even new dedicated stands While the retro link will be the main attraction for some for us that’s put in the shade by the speakers' excellent all-round performance The 770 have a range of sonic talents that sets them apart from most rivals and earns them a warm recommendation They have so much finesse when it comes to delivering extended bass We said in our review: "As we listen to Massive Attack’s Angel it’s the articulate way these speakers render the bass notes that stick in the mind but also delicate in the way they paint bass textures and resolve low-level information." There's plenty of punch and power The speakers have a slightly forward balance especially with the clear and expressive midrange that sounds lively and engaging – but thankfully never too aggressive Songs are delivered with wide-ranging dynamics It’s a musically cohesive presentation that’s controlled and nicely organised If you have the budget – and space – for these speakers Read the full Mission 770 review Bookshelf speakers tend to be fairly compact but there are models that can be quite large Some bookshelf speakers demand a bit more space in order to perform at their best for instance – so you need to decide what size and set-up you plan to have them in Will these speakers have to fit into small corners on a desk or have plenty of space in your listening room Make sure you check the manufacturer's recommendations and speaker dimensions before buying to ensure they will fit in the space you've marked out for them at home Our recommendation is that all of these speakers will benefit from being placed on a dedicated pair of speaker stands But this isn't always practical for everyone so speakers that perform well placed close to a wall or corner are recommended we have state-of-the-art testing facilities where including one of the most prolific hi-fi products of all – bookshelf speakers We judge products on a performance-per-pound basis so during our testing we always compare products to similarly priced class leaders to help us settle on a star rating for the review and the order for these five-star performers in these buying guides a new pair of £1000/$1000 bookshelf speakers arrives in our test rooms we listen to it against the similarly priced KEF LS50 Meta and PMC Prodigy 1 on this list to see how it fares against those class leaders We also review as a team to ensure there is no personal bias so every review has more than one person involved in the testing and listening Whether we're reviewing a set of bookshelf speakers that cost a few hundred pounds or a fair few thousand and you can be sure that any five-star speakers (and particularly What Hi-Fi Award-winning ones) will offer up a fantastic performance for the price no input from PR companies or sales teams is taken into account during reviews maintaining What Hi-Fi?'s decades-long reputation for delivering honest You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here You can read our how to set up and position your speakers in 4 simple steps for more guidance This is where we'd point you to our bookshelf / standmounts vs floorstanders article During her time in the consumer tech industry she has reviewed hundreds of products (including speakers been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her Kash can be found tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and shooing her cat Jolene away from spinning records Hybrid rocket motors that could help extend the range and performance of future missiles are being explored through the Complex Weapon The ability to throttle and modulate a hybrid rocket motor has teased missile manufacturers for decades Using propellants in different states—one a liquid or gel the other a solid—could boost weapon ranges or offer tunable levels of performance for the various phases of a weapon’s flight the architectures developed for hybrid rockets are usually large and cumbersome making them difficult to apply in small tactical weapons which is why most of those use solid rocket motors Now a team from French space startup HyPrSpace and rocket motor specialist Roxel are exploring whether a new hybrid rocket motor architecture developed for a satellite launcher could find a role in missiles HyPrSpace has adapted and scaled down the architecture it plans to use for its Orbital Baguette Mk whose development is supported by the French government’s France 2030 economic development plan is being tested as part of a €500,000 ($530,000) 24-month Hybrid Rocket-Powered Missiles project funded by the Franco-British Complex Weapon Innovation and Technology Partnership (CW-ITP) born in 2021 out of the 13-year Materials and Components for Missile Innovation and Technology Partnership (MCM-ITP) continues the latter’s tradition of testing and proving out innovative systems at low technology readiness levels and preparing them for exploitation in the next generation of missiles being developed by the two countries The CW-ITP’s projects focus on reducing the size cost and power consumption of missile components facilitating their exportability and improving overall weapon performance The performance objectives include achieving longer ranges and higher speeds with the resulting components feeding into missiles developed and manufactured by MBDA “Solid [rocket] propulsion is great; it has numerous advantages around availability and reliability,” HyPrSpace Chief Operating Officer Sylvain Bataillard told the CW-ITP Conference in Edinburgh the thrust profiles are predetermined—we cannot really change the thrust profile so we will not be able to change the speed of the missile.” the ability to modulate the thrust brings “different speeds different forces and different types of missions,” Bataillard noted HyPrSpace’s hybrid rocket architecture moves the oxidizer tank from above the fuel grain tank to inside it—where the combustion occurs—making the entire system more compact “Rather than having a system that is several meters long it now fits into the traditional sort of volume envelope that you would see for a tactical system,” Philip Gill Do not expect the hybrid technology to replace the solid rocket motors in air-to-air missiles anytime soon Bataillard indicated that the technology scales up better than it scales down and he anticipates that the smallest diameter to which the technology can be shrunk is about 20 cm (8 in.) MBDA’s Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile has a 16.60-cm diameter and its Mica air-to-air missile a 16-cm diameter “[The hybrid rocket motor] cannot be miniaturized indefinitely,” Bataillard told the conference and you need to maintain a certain thickness for the structures.” The CW-ITP’s hybrid rocket motor study plans to undertake further testing in its second phase using propellant grains provided by Roxel A third phase is slated to simulate how the approach could be used in conjunction with a ramjet a propulsion method used on MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and envisaged for the high-supersonic cruise missile component of the Franco-British Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon joint development project once the weapon’s solid rocket motor has burned out it leaves a combustion chamber for the ramjet to take over “The hybrid rocket holds much potential as a flexible propulsion system which works simply by brute force,” Bruno Verzotti The CW-ITP aims to encourage collaboration between France and the UK with joint projects involving primes The budget is £10 million ($12 million) annually Although the MCM-ITP work represents a small proportion of MBDA research and development efforts in the countries the technologies developed through that earlier effort are set to feature in the next generation of weapons About 20 research projects have been funded by the CW-ITP through its so-called enduring technical areas The CW-ITP has also provided seed funding to several short-term disruptor research projects that are considered high-risk but potentially high-reward anti-spoofing of navigation using an atomic spin gyroscope and studies into the use of quantum computing for route optimization for deep-strike weapons Part of the CW-ITP’s materials research is focused on hypersonics recognizing the intense thermal strains on components such as the missile airframe nosecones and the leading edges of missile fins Research has also been carried out into treatments to protect seeker windows from the effects of degradation from rain erosion when the missile is traveling at high speed. Another critical technology explored through the initiative is the use of 3D-molded interconnect devices which add electrical connectivity to the surface of 3D structures tested through the CW-ITP’s Molded Interconnect for Missile Electronics (MIME) project in conjunction with French company S2P resulted in several 3D additively manufactured devices created with integrated interconnections Such technology has the potential to reduce the need for wiring inside the missile lower weight and potentially improved ease of assembly—particularly as missiles become smaller and more densely packed with electronics The MIME efforts align with calls for increased weapon security and safety integrity requirements “We have to take into account many other constraints that are maybe less visible from the outside but that are also very strategic in order to develop the next generation of our electronic equipment,” one MBDA official said Another CW-ITP project is a feasibility study of a hybrid starter for a turbojet engine for use in conditions that may prevent the turbojet from windmilling into life Led by Safran and ArianeGroup’s Pyroalliance it is focused on high-altitude ignition of the engine where it may struggle to find oxygen to start Engineers envision that such systems may be needed for low-altitude launches where there may not be enough time for a windmilling engine start or for release from a combat aircraft’s weapon bay where the weapon is not exposed to outside air until it is dropped The proposed system—with its hybrid rocket to stir the turbojet into life—might require significant space inside the missile due to the oxidizer tank alone The French and UK governments have not signed off on the next tranche of CW-ITP funding the UK Defense Ministry’s director of defense science and technology told the conference that the two governments were “committed to make this collaboration go forward beyond 2025.” had committed themselves to gaining a “strategic advantage” through science The CW-ITP collaboration is allowing the countries to “go off and do things that we would not feel brave enough to do on our own,” he added Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012 Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines This depends on the build quality and reputation of that original CD player An older CD player that was built and engineered carefully will likely perform better than any cheaply-made player although there is more chance of something not working if the player hasn't been used regularly or in a very long while Any old player would benefit from servicing while newer models tend to be in tip-top working order While the CD technology hasn't changed drastically over the decades some manufacturers use their own proprietary technology and mechanisms that are designed to read the CD disc more accurately (and therefore result in better sound overall) More premium or high-end players that are built to this high standard can last longer than cheaply made options (both old and new) where you might find issues with the disc-loading mechanism or errors in the laser that reads the disc or the laser mechanism simply stops working The advent of streaming and digital music files has meant that CD's popularity has nose-dived in the last couple of decades and that decrease of demand has meant that fewer CD players are being manufactured compared to its hey-day in the '80s and '90s We imagine plenty of you went ahead and ripped your CDs into WAV or FLAC files to create a more efficient space-saving system; but there are still plenty of us that held on to our physical CD collection and musicians today are still bringing out CDs of new albums (alongside vinyl records) While CD player production isn't as widespread as before TEAC and more) are still manufacturing CD players to cater to audiophiles and music fans to whom CDs (and even SACDs) are still one of their main ways of listening to music Play your beloved CD collection on any of these top disc spinners Vinyl and streaming may grab all the headlines but CDs are still going strong – in fact CD sales have seen an uptick in recent years which is always good news to fans of physical formats Whether you're planning to revive your disc collection or have never stopped buying new CDs (or SACDs) our guide to the best CD players will help you choose a new spinner if you're looking to start afresh or planning to upgrade your set-up What Hi-Fi? has been testing and reviewing CD players ever since the format's inception (since 1983, in fact), and many of us still prefer owning a physical music format like CD discs CD has clear advantages over other formats: more reliable and permanent than streaming; more compact and cheaper than vinyl; and once you buy an album Our curated list below includes fully integrated CD players, which have a built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), and CD transports, which can only read the data on the disc and require an external DAC to work so you don't have to choose between formats Our recommendations are always based on real-life use and tests by our expert in-house team of reviewers in our dedicated listening rooms and we've chosen the best products across the price range to ensure there's something for everyone You can read more about our CD players test process at the bottom of the page, along with tips on how to choose the best spinner for you Read on to discover the best CD spinners we recommend that combine rock-solid build quality seamless usability and excellent sound for the money the Award-winning Marantz CD6007 remains the best-sounding affordable CD player you can buy Read more below and seriously fun CD player that won't break the bank and is easy to partner Read more below It might look dated but you won’t find a more entertaining more revealing player without spending a lot more cash Read more below the SA-C600 is a brilliant just-add-speakers system Read more below If you own a good DAC we wouldn't hesitate to recommend the CXC transport Read more below The Cyrus CD t is an exceptionally talented transport clarity and insight that’s unrivalled at this kind of price Read more below Written byKashfia KabirSocial Links NavigationHi-Fi and Audio EditorI have been testing and reviewing at What Hi-Fi and that includes my fair share of CD players and CD transports and dedicated players are worth considering if you (like me and my colleagues) have shelves full of CDs and even SACDs to enjoy how smooth or noisy the disc loading mechanism is how easy it is to use and how good it sounds for the asking price Modern music streamers and one-box systems can also include CD players so there's even more choice and versatility for playing all your music these days but we are currently reviewing the new premium Cyrus 40 CD spinner – considering how strong the 40 Series has performed so far Stay tuned for a full review at the end of this month A sensational entry-level CD player.Our expert review: This Marantz model has been around in various guises for a long time and remains the best budget option at this price You'll need to go back a decade and four model cycles to find a CD6000 that looks notably different so it's the insides where Marantz has made the improvements to their CD players count It's worth noting that the original CD6007 production used an AKM4490 DAC chip but after a fire at the AKM factory in 2021 that affected supply this was changed to an ESS Sabre ES9010K2M DAC chip and all CD6007 units produced after May 2021 use this ESS DAC The original AKM DAC-equipped unit sounds more fluid and expresses low-level dynamics in a more rhythmic manner but the new ESS Sabre-equipped unit sounds cleaner and has more punch the CD6007 retains its tonality and detail resolution clean and delivers dynamics at every inch of the spectrum and there are even a few digital filters to tweak the sound to your tastes the sophisticated quality of its build and performance really can't be bettered Owners of the previous CD6006 UK Edition needn't rush to change their player but the multi-Award-winning CD6007 is most definitely the right choice for first-time buyers at this end of the market Read the full Marantz CD6007 review fun approach.Our expert review: and seriously fun CD player of this level in a very long time The newly crowned Arcam CD5 changes things It's a tremendously talented player that deserves an audition if you’re still holding on to your beloved CDs and want to give them a new lease of life It's a great mid-range entry and does one thing well – playing CDs with finesse There's composure and fluidity to the music that has us hooked from the start with a nimble and snappy sense of rhythm that keeps our toes tapping without ever over-analysing the wealth of detail it retrieves Deep basslines are delivered with a satisfying mix of solidity and muscle while the CD5 deals with shifting dynamics with ease and subtlety – it takes us through the emotional rollercoaster with songs while keeping an even balance across the frequencies The CD5 looks smart and is built to a pleasingly high level and while the player's menus could be more intuitive to access the display is large enough to read and the player itself is easy to use If you're looking for a greater level of clarity and refinement than what this excellent CD player offers, then you’ll have to spend more than double the money on the likes of the top-notch Cyrus CDi – a multiple Award-winner that now costs around £1500-£1600 As a new entrant into a category that isn't flourishing as it once used to the Arcam CD5 is a solid buy for any CD fan Read the full Arcam CD5 review The long-running CDi still delivers an outstanding sonic performance at this step-up price.Our expert review: Cyrus hasn’t put a foot wrong with its CD players for as long as we can remember; it would be fair to say that its track record has been phenomenal So it’s no surprise that the Cyrus CDi is another gleaming example of the company treading the right path Award for best CD player over £1000 for more than ten years in a row – that alone is a testament to just how talented and reliable this player is the CDi is one of our reference source players in our dedicated listening rooms narrow aluminium chassis isn’t exactly a bolt from the blue but underneath lies one of the best-sounding CD players we've heard at the money easy-to-read display and high-quality remote (earlier SE models came with a rather plasticky affair) The slot-loader is noisy when feeding it a disc though as silent as you’d hope it would be during playback offering buckets of detail and rhythmic precision Pace and momentum are exercised with articulation and vibrancy There is authority and solidity to the sound that is fantastic to hear and it's a performance we haven't stopped enjoying and marvelling at What we said in our original review stands: "We found ourselves entertained by the Cyrus’ dynamic agility and neutral balance in a way that’s rare at this price the sound is much weightier than any of the company’s previous models." and you'd have to spend significantly more to hear anything better Read the full Cyrus CDi review (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)A supremely talented CD-and-streaming all-in-one player.(Image credit: Technics)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Technics)4. Technics SA-C600 What Hi-Fi A truly compact just-add-speakers streaming system that shines with CDs too.Our expert review: The Technics SA-C600 is an elegant all-in-one system with extensive streaming and connectivity (even an MM phono stage) that you just have to add speakers to – and it also has a talented CD player We like the tactility of the swivelling transparent CD cover on the top; it’s made of toughened acrylic and feels good to use The SA-C600 proves an admirably consistent performer across the board producing musically compelling results with CDs as well as high-res files across our network It has a surefooted sense of rhythm and drive as well as expressive dynamics that make the performance engaging to listen to but it is the confident way this unit organises that information into a cohesive and musical whole that really impresses then you might want to choose something more dedicated in this list that puts all its eggs in that audio basket But if versatility is required and you want to stream your music services over wi-fi as well as spin discs - and why not - then this Technics is worth your attention Those who already own an amplifier and have more to spend should consider the Technics SL-G700M2 as well Read the full Technics SA-C600 review you can buy this entry-level CD transport instead of a standalone player its sound will impress.Our expert review: The Cambridge Audio CXC is a transport meaning you'll have to supply your own DAC but with many amplifiers and active speakers now having a DAC built in this could be an efficient way of adding a disc-spinner into your system with a machined metal chassis that feels solid and a design that matches the rest of Cambridge's impressive CX range If you already own an external DAC (or there is a good-quality DAC integrated in your system) we wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Cambridge CXC over a standalone CD player at this price You’d have to spend a good deal more than £500 – leap up towards the Arcam CD5 for instance – to better the sound quality it offers Read the full Cambridge Audio CXC review The Cyrus CD t is one of the best CD transports you can get meaning it will simply read the data on the disc You'll need a standalone DAC to handle all the digital-to-analogue conversion Cyrus's Servo Evolution disc-reading software, plucked from its £1750 CD xt Signature creates a performance that's difficult to criticise Sound is nuanced and subtly dynamic while offering deep bass with varied textures and precision throughout The die-cast aluminium chassis design is solid and the backlit remote offers a great way to enjoy everything from a comfy chair Connectivity is best described as 'minimal' with two digital outputs – optical and coaxial – and the standard MC-BUS control connections the CD t is an exceptionally talented transport for the money Clarity and insight are unrivalled at this price Read the full Cyrus CD t review Cambridge Audio AXC35: Like the Cambridge CXC aesthetic but want a DAC built-in and a more budget price tag The AXC35 is a no-frills CD player with one pair of RCA line outputs and one coax output for £349 subtle or dynamically fluid as the Award-winning Marantz CD6007 but it is capable and is always on a good deal during the sales Technics SL-G700M2: If you have a higher budget and want the combination of streaming and CD playing this premium SL-G700M2 (around £2599 now) delivers the best of both worlds Hi-res streaming and SACD playback are on the menu Roksan K3 CD Di: With its price slashed to under £900 since launch, this Roksan player will win you over with its confident Instruments are rich and organised in a spacious soundstage while voices are beautifully expressive and effortless It has ample connections and a solid build quality that could last decades TEAC VRDS-701: Brilliantly engineered with an obsessively designed VRDS transport mechanism that results in a stunningly capable and authoritative sound This £2500 TEAC player needs an appropriately capable and premium partnering system composed and controlled presentation that's as musical as it is informative Audiolab Omnia: Another all-in-one system akin to the Technics SA-C600 the well-specced Omnia combines hi-res streaming amplification and a CD player into one neat box – just add speakers expansive sound that's easy-going and missing a little bit of rhythmic energy but the price has been slashed in half to £799 since we tested it Denon D-M41DAB: Technically a classic microsystem with included speakers but you can also buy the main unit (RCD-M41) on its own which consists of a CD player as well as Bluetooth and radio tuners and remains a go-to recommendation if you're short on funds and space What should you consider before purchasing a CD player? It's worth taking into account factors like DAC functionality controls and of course audio performance when making your choice It's up to you whether you want the extra features (which can be more expensive) or stick with a solid disc spinner that will do the job well make sure it can play the essential CD formats that you have and will be using It puts all its concentration and skills on reading the CD disc The downside is you'll need to make sure you buy or already have an appropriately skilled DAC – either a standalone one or one integrated in your amplifier – to connect it to you can simply pick the player that's most closely aligned with your budget Does it have a display that can be read easily at a distance or do you have a large collection of SACDs that needs some love Remember to set your budget according to the demands of the rest of your system and to read reviews to ensure that the sonic characteristics of your next CD player matches that of your existing system We have acoustically-treated testing facilities in London and Reading in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door – including CD players We have over 100 years of combined experience in reviewing and we are always impartial in our testing and ensure we listen to every CD player at its optimum We place the player on a sturdy and level surface connect it to the price-appropriate amplifier and speakers and ensure we give it ample running in time We also try each player with different partnering amplifiers and speakers where compatible) in various genres during our testing period All tests and review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an individual reviewer This eliminates any personal preference and makes sure we're being as thorough and consistent as possible brands or our sales team when it comes to the verdict March 2025: Checked that all products are current January 2025: More products added to the Also Consider section October 2024: The new What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024 winners are labelled following this year's announcement; updated Marantz CD6007 copy to reflect use of new DAC; Audiolab Omnia is included in Also Consider but have checked all products are still ongoing April 2024: Updates to our advice and testing processes November 2023: Award-winning products labelled following the announcement of the 2023 What Hi-Fi October 2023: Added Arcam CD5 entry following five-star review Everyone is buying vinyl, but it isn't (and shouldn't be) the end for CDs Compact Disc’s star has faded, but I like it anyway Want the best of both worlds? This is the perfect digital hi-fi system for music streaming and CDs Check out the best CD players of What Hi-Fi?'s lifetime “There are many rigs that aren’t being used,” said Roxel’s managing director “The beauty of our system is that it doesn’t destroy the asset.” The conversions will include the removal of the derrick from the rig replacing it with a fish processing module that will be built on land Such a modular system makes it easy to reverse the conversions The company aims to farm North Atlantic salmon and trout off the coast of Norway by converting jack-up rigs which can be towed between locations where they are fixed to the seabed These rigs are more stable than floating platforms The rigs will be used to store feed for the farmed fish The feed is pumped into the fish ponds from where grown fish are lifted onto the rig for counting away from the fjords and coastal areas where space is scarce it will be possible to build fish farms that produce 10,000-15,000 tonnes per year Aquaculture has become increasingly important for the Norwegian economy ever since the country’s export earnings were hit by the weaker global oil price currently trading at about $50 a barrel – less than half its value three years ago but also because of a shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable sources of energy The North Sea alone has more than 550 platforms and nearly all will be decommissioned in the next 30 years But it’s not just Norway that’s benefiting – aquaculture is important for the rest of the world too “Fisheries and aquaculture remain important sources of food income and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people around the world,” said José Graziano da Silva director-general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Aquaculture already provides about half the fish consumed by humans worldwide Fish farming is just one of several innovative ways in which oil and gas industry assets are given a second life more than 400 rigs have been converted into artificial reefs since 1986 Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Read now Download our Professional Engineering app Subscribe to Professional Engineering newsletter Opt into your industry sector newsletter Please enable Javascript on your browser to view our news Flexible spaces at our head office in Westminster HARRIERS are pleased to announce a dynamic partnership with Kidderminster based Roxel UK By Matty Paddock - 20/11/2023 a leading manufacturer of tactical propulsion systems This exciting collaboration brings together two organisations dedicated to excellence Roxel UK’s two-year sponsorship deal of Kidderminster Harriers FC exemplifies their commitment to local sports and community engagement As a company with strong ties to Kidderminster Roxel UK recognises the vital role that sports play in bringing communities together and fostering a spirit of unity This partnership represents a significant milestone for both Roxel UK and Kidderminster Harriers FC It reflects Roxel UK’s belief in the club’s potential and its commitment to supporting grassroots football in the community The sponsorship will contribute to the growth and development of Kidderminster Harriers FC “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Kidderminster Harriers FC,” said Adrian Banks “This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a statement of our commitment to the Kidderminster community and our belief in the power of sport to inspire and bring people together We look forward to a successful and exciting journey alongside the Harriers.” “Our local community and helping people achieve is at the forefront of everything we do,” said Richard Lane and working with Roxel UK will be a boost to both companies going forward Roxel UK is one of the businesses most local to Aggborough Stadium so we’re thrilled to establish a meaningful connection and look forward to sharing more of their story and journey with our audience.” Roxel UK are currently celebrating their 20th Anniversary with an impressive expansion programme and recruitment drive at their Summerfield site The company was founded when Royal Ordnance Rocket Motors (Division of BAE) merged with Celerg in France in 2003 with the business firmly based at their Worcestershire site since World War II For more information regarding Roxel UK, visit their website This article is about: Club News, Commercial A firm has been fined nearly £400,000 after safety failings at its rocket-making factory in Kidderminster put three workers' lives at risk Worcester Crown Court heard how an employee of Roxel (Rocket Motor) Limited was inspecting a rocket motor with a fibre-optic light when this accidentally ignited a charge This sent flames and gas shooting out of both end of the charge – setting the room on fire and sparking a major evacuation Two employees were working in the room and an agency worker was next door when the ignition occurred Also present in the room were four explosives charges and a Vulcan rocket motor There was also a further 230kg of explosive charges in a magazine that is next door to the room Health and Safety Executive bosses said other propellants and charges in the room and magazine could have been ignited by the Titus charge and subsequent fires 2012 a 600m exclusion zone was put in place around the site Six crews of firefighters from across Worcestershire as well as a specialist support unit were called out to tackle the flames Neighbours and firms near the factory were evacuated and a rest centre was set up at Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre A HSE spokesman said: "At the time of the incident the company did not know what explosives were in the building and could not inform the emergency services as to the level of risk "The potential to cause harm was great due to excessive explosives material being present in the building and the number of people present nearby including the emergency services "It took the company well over an hour for the them to understand the hazards present and react to the situation the on-site emergency plan was not made available to the fire and rescue services An investigation by the HSE into the incident found there was a lack of assessment of the risks and no safe system of work in place Roxel (UK Rocket Motors) Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 12 of the Control of Major Accident Hazards 2015 and was fined £386,000 and ordered to pay costs of £60,000 The device consists of a 230m long explosive hose that is fired with a rocket into minefields from a towing vehicle - either a British forces Trojan or Terrier The rocket used is a cast double base ‘Anthony’ Rocket from Roxel which includes a strip laminate case for added protection Python then clears a path at least 200m long and 7m wide A BAE spokesperson told The Engineer that the detonation of the hose is fully automatic and occurs after the hose lands Arming and Firing Unit (SAFU) has detected the required launch and flight conditions” Two devices can also be used in tandem to clear a 400m long path Python has now been upgraded to include an ‘Insensitive Munition’ explosive meaning it is resistant to bullet attacks and other impacts that could threaten user safety You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage as well as premium content including opinion Groov-e Boston DAB & FM Radio with Bluetooth Roberts Revival RD70 FM/DAB/DAB+ Digital Radio MangoKit MD3 DAB/DAB+ and FM Portable Digital Radio Majority Little Shelford DAB+ Radio with Bluetooth Roxel RCD 400 All In One HI-FI System DAB/DAB+ Radio Pure Highway 200 In-Car DAB+/DAB Digital Radio FM Adapter If you remember spinning a dial to tune an FM radio you’ll already know why DAB radio is a godsend for fans of both decent speakers and the good old wireless Digital Audio Broadcasting (or DAB for short) has been around for a staggering thirty years now replacing our crackly analogue radio sets with crystal-clear digital sound Owning the best DAB radio can truly transform your listening But the development of DAB radio hasn’t stopped there. Now your digital radio is a highly capable piece of modern audio tech. Sharing many features with the best portable speakers a modern DAB radio is something of a powerhouse for listeners - whether it's the afternoon drama on Radio 4 or the soundtrack to your entire day Or perhaps you’d prefer to relax to the soothing orchestral tones of Classic FM (and yes But it's not all about the stations - DAB radios contain some seriously impressive audio tech too. Many of them are hi-fi separates that connect to your amp and speaker setup, while others are standalone or portable DAB radios that have impressive speakers built into them believe us - the days of tinny sound and crackly reception are well and truly over We’ve put together our picks for the best DAB radios on the market today We selected our pick of the best DAB radios based on reliable and trusted brands We look carefully at the technical specifications of all products before we recommend them to ensure that they will meet buyers' needs without requiring modifications or costly additions to function as intended our main focus is on sound and reception quality Our writers also choose products based on hands-on experience where we own or have reviewed them ourselves availability and reputation as reliable and trusted sellers Pure is a brand that anyone familiar with DAB will have heard of The company was around at the launch of DAB with a range of iconic Evoke DAB radios to get the nation listening This Evoke Spot Radio looks set to become another icon both in terms of refined design and modern feature set Here we have a very compact radio with a fabric grill at the front that brings traditional speakers to mind there’s a popup angled screen that puts all of your essential DAB and audio info into easy view Not only do you get DAB and DAB+ reception Bluetooth and - perhaps unique to this list - wireless connectivity too That means the Evoke Spot will connect to the internet and let you play your favourite tunes and playlists from Spotify Connect Handy controls on the top let you skip tracks and more Best of all (and one of the reasons that this is more expensive than other compact DAB radios) is that it's engineered for premium sound quality The 3-inch speaker delivers full-range sound and the bass reflex port really brings weight to any radio station 5.0Build4.5Features5.0Value4.0Speakers 20w 3-inch full range speaker and a bass reflex portSources and connectivityDAB/DAB+ Bluetooth PowerMainsDimensions 12 x 11 x 18.8 cmWeight 1.3 kgRrp: £179.99 Roberts makes it back into our list with this simple and highly usable pocket DAB radio It has everything you’d want from a neat pocket-sized player The lines are smooth with the controls on the top - ideal for keeping things comfortable and usable while you listen it can receive both DAB and DAB+ stations and lets you store ten of them as presets when you take it out of your pocket and tune it or just place it on a desk or your lap while you listen it's easy to glance at and see what’s playing the Sport DAB5 portable radio can run for between 15 and 25 hours - but using DAB over FM will drain the batteries faster depending on use That still means you can go for several days without replacing the batteries - although we recommend investing in rechargeable AAs and a fast charger to make sure you keep this pocket radio portable The Majority Barton DAB Digital Radio blends clean design principles with neat functionality and a dimmable LCD screen for easy viewing It has a 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening and can store up to 20 preset stations for quick access Our reviewer, William Austin-Lobley Here’s what he thought of his time reviewing the radio: "About the size of a single bookshelf speaker I’ve found the Barton to be a functional radio – it's no-frills and does what it sets out to do and the button layout is well-labelled and logical the single mono speaker does an admirable job especially when between 25 and 50 per cent volume the sound starts to get messy and noticeably thin but this is no surprise for a single small speaker like this but the audio performance is perfectly fine for easy listening with breakfast or on a lazy Sunday afternoon I found the Barton to be able to hold a strong signal too which also helps increase audio quality." "For its size the Groov-e Boston does impress I wasn't expecting much from such a diminutive and lightweight box While no one should expect a tonne of range and bass from a radio this size it definitely has a well-balanced sound profile that has more in the mid-range than many of the tinnier-sounding radios out there Top volume is easily high enough for the average room There are no equaliser adjustments however but there is a DRC (Dynamic Range Control) setting that – at least to my ears – made the smallest of differences to the overall loudness of the sound as the sound profile of the Boston is great out of the box these limitations didn't bother me much "FM reception was nice and clear and I found tuning easy; as was storing my favourites as presets for easy access There's 20 preset slots for each mode There's an included power adaptor with a practical cable length of over a metre but I was happy to see it also takes batteries which makes this a nice little radio to take away with you on a picnic or down to the end of the garden on a sunny day Bluetooth finds its way into every radio these days so while it's not surprising to see it here I used it as a Bluetooth speaker to listen to some internet radio stations I have on my iPhone "There's no headphone jack though and the LED display on the front is a little small to see from a distance I think the price of this DAB radio is excellent value for money – the sound quality is pleasant and the controls are simple It'll sit well on narrow shelves or windowsills too so it's a great choice for fitting into smaller nooks and crannies in and around a kitchen or spare room." 4.0Build3.5Features3.5Value5.0Speakers Stereo (wattage not stated)Sources and connectivityDAB Bluetooth PowerMains and 4 x 1.5V C-size (LR14)Dimensions 10 x 24 x 18 cmWeight 1.16kgRrp: £39.99 4.0What's The Best/William Austin-LobleyRrp: £179.99 We love the retro styling of this portable little DAB radio from Roberts it really does bring back the minimal yet functional radio designs of yesteryear The front is a simple inset grill and brass logo with equally retro volume and tuning knobs on the top All of the controls are pleasingly reminiscent of 50s radios thanks to the off-white colour scheme and simple labelling Thanks to the off-white colour scheme and simple labelling all of the controls are pleasingly reminiscent of 50s radios The colour screen in the centre is really the only thing that gives away what this is – a DAB+ digital radio with Bluetooth for connecting to mobiles the Roberts Revival is something of a style icon when out and about but we think that just adds to the reassuringly solid feel The Roberts Revival RD70 was recently reviewed by William Austin-Lobley 4.5Build4.5Features4.5Value4.5Speakers 10wSources and connectivityDAB/DAB+ Battery -up to 120 hoursDimensions 25.2 x 10.4 x 16 cmWeight 1.65kgRrp: £179.99 In our review of the Majority Oakington we found that the beautiful wood-finish cabinet and brushed aluminium panel were high-quality and a great stylish addition to any room Although it’s not the only DAB radio with CD we do think it steals the show in terms of pure aesthetics It has that simple control layout that Majority seem to excel at making this an uncluttered-looking and refined addition to any room the cabinet has rear bass ports - so you’ll get better There are five equaliser presets too - Normal and Pop - so you can tweak the sound to suit find the remote to be a little slow to respond at times - but it wasn’t a deal-breaker you get a large range of stations - it’ll even charge your phone via USB while you listen Not all DAB radios are compact or homely enough to sit well at the bedside Not only does it have an attractive fabric speaker grill on the front but the controls are simple and the display is dimmable - ideal for the bedroom you can set a dual alarm - making sure that you wake up on time to the DAB station of your choice And if you like to go to sleep listening to the radio it has a headphone jack too so you won’t disturb anyone else so you have your pick from plenty of stations with 20 presets available and works from mains or batteries - so this really can double as a portable DAB radio and streaming music player if you need it to but easily enough for the bedside or small room a hugely flexible yet compact clock radio and more Majority has taken its signature design and performance and packed it into a sleek and the clearly labelled button interface is simple to use and Bluetooth latency is reliable for smooth connections since it's exclusively mains-operated but a built-in battery would have made it even more versatile The Groov-e Zeus was tried and tested by tech expert, Harvey Isitt: "While I was disappointed that it doesn't feature a rechargeable battery and reasonable sound quality make it a solid value for under £50 "The wireless charging meant I didn't have to disconnect the radio or interrupt playback to charge my phone eliminating the need for an extra extension cord making tuning into my favourite stations and setting presets easy The volume scale is well-balanced and doesn't feel harsh on the ears when pushed a neat DAB radio with a unique feature." 4.0Build4.0Features4.5Value4.0Speakers 6WSources and connectivityDAB/DAB+ headphone jack PowerMains operatedDimensions 7.8 x 20 x 10.7 cmWeight 673 gRrp: £59.99 Denon knows a thing or two about sound and this CEOL-N12 system is clearly placing radio at the forefront of its capabilities You get a pair of very compact speakers with big DAB+ sound and - importantly - HEOS for multiroom and Airplay over wifi one of the things we love is the integration of Alexa Google Assistant and Siri (via Apple Airplay) That makes this one of the most usable and convenient DAB radio systems here Skip tracks and adjust the volume and more with your voice A premium price for premium audio product with DAB radio at its core from the well-established British audio brand that dates from 1932 bring us this seamless fusion of retro charm and modern innovation it really stands out – with its blend of vintage design and advanced functionality for such a small unit ensuring access to a wide range of stations with crystal-clear audio The intuitive rotary dial simplifies station navigation and access to settings like screen brightness and station tuning Volume control is handled with convenient plus-and-minus buttons while the bottom left button toggles between DAB the PETITE2 includes a rechargeable battery offering up to 20 hours of playback and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming from smartphones and other devices This updated version also introduces an alarm function enjoyable radio I recommend to everyone." the Majority Little Shelford DAB+ radio is perfect for placing on a shelf or desk It features both DAB and FM radio and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker With its impressive display and multiple buttons for cycling through presets so all of your favorite stations are just a button press away While we're not big fans of the somewhat plastic-looking gold design the small size results in a slightly lightweight quality though – just don't expect it to rattle the room Senior tech writer Chris Duffill reviewed the Majority Little Shelford and had this to say about it: "Yes but I find it quite appealing straight out of the box The angled interface on top is easy to view from most angles the combination of eight electronic buttons and the faux gold finish clash a bit with the leatherette texture and the retro front speaker grille The cream and gold model I have would fit nicely in kitchens Scanning for DAB stations and setting presets was simple The unexpected surprise was the volume level and overall audio quality While it won't shake the shelf or win any audiophile awards the sound is sufficiently well-rounded to enjoy even at maximum volume.For an affordable DAB radio Insert four AA batteries and it becomes completely portable (although it isn’t waterproof or weather-resistant it's a well-designed and affordable product that takes inspiration from retro radios." it’s hard to argue with what’s on offer here This black and walnut audio system from Roxel is an all-in-one audio solution DAB and DAB+ radio are the star feature here alongside FM if you need to listen to non-digital stations there’s a discrete CD player for your disc collection USB playback and Bluetooth Sources and connectivity - making this more than just another radio We particularly like the alternative look and feel of this radio wooden cabinet and clear DAB display are a pleasure to look at and use The only slight downside is the lack of a headphone jack - but this model is really designed to fill your room with sound you can auto-scan to find stations and store up to 15 of them; and the included remote makes it easier than ever to tune in A pair of three-inch 16-watt speakers finish off the package for excellent power and range fitting a DAB in-car radio might be a step too far or even an impossible task But if you love your existing car stereo and it has an auxiliary input jack This Pure Highway 200 is in an in-car DAB and DAB+ adapter It’ll pick up digital radio for you and pipe it into your car via the existing stereo It does this via an aux cable or an unused FM frequency on your existing radio We love the fact that this will be a usable addition to your dashboard as the mountable stand puts all of the controls and text info where you need it It has a 20-station memory and comes with a small antenna that can be slotted out of sight It’s also a great price from a great brand so it’s easily one of the best ways to add DAB to your car without spending a fortune If you’re looking for a DAB hi-fi separate to add to your stack to bring top-quality radio to your home, this is it. Surprisingly, there aren’t that many on the market - but when we reviewed the Majority Fitzwilliam 3 we found it to be a well-designed multifunction media player It certainly has the looks to fit well with other hi-fi components wi-fi internet radio player with DAB+ reception But back to DAB - there’s the usual ability to set presets and auto-tuning works very well The DAB aerial is fixed to the back of the unit so just remember that this will need some room to extend once you add it to your hi-fi stack or cabinet Being able to relax and have a proper listening session with digital radio through your hi-fi setup is probably the very best way to experience it The additional remote and separate volume control means you won’t have to get up to adjust the volume - handy if your existing amp is a vintage one with only a manual volume control 4.5Build4.0Features4.5Value4.5Speakers None - it attaches to your existing hi-fiSources and connectivityDAB/DAB+ the best DAB radios come in all shapes and sizes Some are very portable with a satisfying sound stage for their size Others are much larger and more suited to being placed next to other audio gear rather than moved around there’s not much point in spending more on a larger or more powerful DAB radio Especially if it needs to perch on a shelf or windowsill On the other hand, if you want to fill the room with a quality DAB radio from any of the best speaker brands it’s worth looking at its speaker power (measured in watts) first If you want to get serious about amping up your radio content look at a hi-fi separate that can integrate with your existing stack of stereo components Although both DAB and internet radio stations are Digital Audio Broadcasting is still a wireless signal sent over a certain frequency Your DAB radio’s aerial will still need careful placement for the best reception this is a lot less hassle than the FM radios of old whether broadcast over the DAB frequency or over an internet connection That means that the information that makes up the audio is reduced to enable broadcast Internet radio stations have a bit more bandwidth to play with The bitrate (or compression) of DAB is 128 kbps (or less if it’s part of the DAB+ range of stations). So, while it’s not up to MP3 standards, it’s still great for radio - especially with all the reception benefits that DAB brings. Some smart speakers have DAB built in The latter is a new range of DAB frequencies that support even more stations A standard DAB radio won’t be able to receive those DAB+ stations Compressed to fit across the available airwaves FM is analogue so the same measurements don’t apply Some analogue fans claim that FM sounds better but that assumes perfect reception; while DAB fans claim that the clarity and reception of digital audio are best We think that DAB is best for radio. The quality and ease of tuning (particularly while on the move) are excellent. Regardless, listening to it through a quality radio like the ones here, or a great hi-fi system with high-quality bookshelf speakers will really deliver the best that DAB has to offer DAB is broadcast digitally but is still received over the airwaves It’s transmitted free of charge from a network of masts As with our recommendation above, the Majority Fitzwilliam 3 the easiest option is to buy a DAB hi-fi separate (or any DAB radio with an auxiliary output) and hook it up to your hi-fi Then you can use any recording device you like to suit your needs Read more about why you should trust us. we cut through the jargon with down-to-earth product evaluations Our team of experienced reviewers puts everyday gadgets to the test We don't waste time on unrealistic scenarios; instead we focus on real-world performance that matters to consumers This means unbiased buying advice you can trust We only review significant and relevant products so you can be sure you're getting the latest insights Haven't seen a review for what you're looking for Don't worry—we're constantly adding new products to our growing catalogue For in-depth details on our testing process, visit our dedicated tech and electronics how we test page Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's The Best He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras game consoles and various electronic gadgets Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team