There is a lot of demand for devices that can not only process streaming, but also classic media: radio, CD, analogue signals. However, when it comes to “linear” radio reception, most manufacturers chicken out – radio and streaming services like Spotify are usually seen as competitors that make each other superfluous – and devices that only offer one of the two are cheaper.
But Spotify offers no weather reports, no news and does not work without the Internet. “Unfortunately my DSL router didn’t connect to the network this morning” is almost as poorly received by the boss as an excuse for being late as “unfortunately my tram had a flat tire”. Smart speakers are therefore not the optimal solution as alarm clocks. Nobody wants to have to deal with connection problems while still half awake in the kitchen or bathroom, but they are happy to have a device that can still deliver something on its own, even without a network.
Roberts Radio, the traditional British brand that is proud to be a supplier to the royal family and offers many devices with a retro 50s design, does not have these problems. After the Harman Kardon Oasis DAB and the rather unfortunate and no longer available Technisat Digitradio 580 (test report), the Stream 67 is now a device for the first time that offers normal, linear radio as well as streaming.
Design: Classic living room radio
Roberts Radio is committed to tradition, which is reflected in the appearance of the devices. The Stream 67 in the walnut wood casing is a classic radio for the living room, but has the two rotary knobs and the buttons for operation at the top and not on the front, which offers more space for the display and, above all, the speakers. A housing made of cherry wood, silver wood and black wood is also available.
At 45.5 × 16 × 28.5 cm it might be a bit tight on the bedside table and at 7.2 kg the Stream 67 is not a lightweight; On the other hand, it can pack on its weight in terms of sound: the stereo base is definitely sufficient at close range and there is enough space for bass. However, such an elegant device is not in good hands in the bathroom or kitchen, especially since CDs that are steamed up or splattered with grease are unlikely to be conducive to an undisturbed music experience.
The device is supplied directly with 230 volt mains voltage, no “power plug” clogs the socket. It has two antennas, a short one for WiFi and a telescopic antenna for DAB+ and FM. The latter can also be unscrewed, revealing an F socket. This is known from satellite receivers, with an adapter it can be used on the VHF and VHF antenna connections commonly used in Germany, so that external antennas or cable connections are possible. In addition, an external analogue music source, headphones, a USB stick and Ethernet can be connected via cable. However, the USB stick must be formatted with FAT/FAT32; Stream 67 cannot access NTFS or exFAT on larger USB sticks. A smartphone or e-book reader (theme world) can also be charged via the USB port.
If you want to play your own music files, the Stream 67 offers a wide range of options: via local servers, directly from the smartphone with the app, from the USB stick or connected analogue are just a few of the available options.
On/off, music start/stop/pause/forward/backward and shuffle, alarm, station memory and menu as well as signal source are operated via pushbuttons, volume and station/title can be selected using the two rotary knobs. It is more convenient to use the remote control, but it must not be misplaced.
Roberts Radio Stream 67 – photo series
Roberts Radio Stream 67 – photo series
Installation, equipment and operation
First, the stations on DAB+ and FM as well as the LAN/WLAN must be set up. The Stream 67 can then be operated using its own buttons, the remote control or the Undok app on the smartphone. Voice assistants are not built in, but the device can also be controlled with Alexa smart speakers. DAB+ stations can be listed alphabetically and by frequency.
The radio can be set up in multiroom configurations in different groups, which includes other products from Roberts Radio as well as those from other manufacturers that also use the Undok app. Not only the streaming services (guides), but also CD, DAB+ and FM radio can be transmitted. The faster 5 GHz WiFi is also available.
There is a wide selection of streaming services: In addition to Spotify, which can only be used with a premium account, Deezer, Tidal, Amazone Prime Music and Qobuz are also on offer. Some of the streaming services, like Qobuz, can be operated directly on the device, others (Spotify) can only be operated from the smartphone. However, it is somewhat unfortunate that you cannot hide services for which you do not have an account: the program sources are always switched through in order and if you do not have an account for a service, the switching can come to a standstill if you try in vain to play something from it .
The sound: Voluminous
There are two mid-tweeter speakers installed at the front and two woofers with bass reflex resonance bodies at the rear. The sound is British reserved in the original setting, with rather weak highs, but without unpleasant peaks in all frequency ranges. There was hardly any difference in quality between the various streaming services and signal sources: they were all poor in artifacts, but also in highs.
The stereo separation can be increased up to anti-phase, higher-frequency playback with the “Width” setting. With the “My EQ” setting of the equalizer and a slight treble increase and reduction of the subwoofer, the sound improves: Internet radio sounds good, DAB+ even sounds unusually good and has high treble. On VHF, even with strong stations like Bayern 3, there is noise.
Since Android devices once again lack apt-X for good sound via Bluetooth, the treble is clearly at a disadvantage in this operating mode. Artifacts are at least not noticeable even when playing local sources and Spotify’s sound is slightly ahead of Qobuz’s in terms of treble, although Qobuz delivers the gentler and softer sound. With direct streaming or an analogue connection without the Bluetooth limitations, Spotify is clearly ahead of Spotify when it comes to playing self-digitized recordings and Qobuz is ahead of Spotify.
Preis
With a list price of just under 800 euros, the Roberts Radio Stream 67 is no bargain. The best offer is available on Ebay for just under 599 euros. Unfortunately the cherry version is out of stock.
Conclusion
The Roberts Radio Stream 67 is very versatile and interesting for those who are looking for a more classic-looking device with modern options and who don’t just want to use one medium, but many different ones.