Refine search for Multimedia

Monitor Audio Airstream10 Review

Author Hugo Jobling
Published 12th Sep 2009
Manufacturer Monitor Audio
Price £191.49 (Exc VAT)
as reviewed £225.00 (Inc VAT)
Latest Price Click here
Design & Features Score 10 for Design & Features
Sound Quality Score 8 for Sound Quality
Value Score 9 for Value
Overall Score 9 for Overall
Monitor Audio Airstream10
award recommended

Bookmark and Share discuss this article  10 comments    Email  Email trustedreviews newslettersTrustedReviews Newsletters

When it comes down to the business of listening to audio, the AirStream10 excels. A 128kbps ‘net radio stream or similar DAB broadcast is never going to sound amazing, but the AirStream10 does a commendable job. FM radio is, unsurprisingly, much better and 320kbps MP3s either streamed or played via the 3.5mm input sounded excellent.


Positioned controls-forwards, the AirStream10's speaker faces down at whatever surface it's placed on. As such, it should definitely be stood this way on a solid surface; if left hanging over the edge of a desk the sound produced is left decidedly muted. However, with the speaker pointed down onto the desk surface the sound can reflect around, in a far less directional fashion than with the AirStream10 stood upright.

The weakest area of the AirStream 10's audio playback is its format support. Sadly, you're limited to just WMA, AAC and MP3 files which is a far cry from the likes of Logitech's Squeezebox Boom, which even played FLAC files. I don't think the benefits of lossless audio would be particularly realised via the AirStream10, though, so it's not too severe an omission.


Audiophiles are still going to want to invest in the likes of an Arcam Solo Mini, or a Sonos setup, but those baulking at the cost of those systems or after an attractive, capable bedroom radio, should be more than happy with the AirStream10.

Verdict

That the AirStream10 will play back DAB, FM and Internet radio is hardly revolutionary. Nor is its ability to stream media files from a UPnP server. Rather, it's the combination of these features and its eminently stylish chassis at a surprisingly affordable price that makes the AirStream10 such an attractive proposition.

Page: < 1 2 3 4 >

 

Newsletters

Register to receive the latest Reviews and News Headlines directly to your Inbox every day, and enter our regular competitions. More Info.

Your Name


Email Address


Latest 4 of 10 Comments

Have your say: Leave a comment below about this article.

comment Martin Daler said on 12th September 2009

I'm with nanite here - having to read halfway through the third paragraph near the end of the first page before we are graced with the subject of the review might be some off-the w... more

comment Kanu said on 12th September 2009

Well I am glad somebody else pointed it out. When I complain about low standards of journalism on this website they claim I have a beef or something.

comment JonWill said on 14th September 2009

You say tht it does not support lossless formats, but that it does support WMA - does it support WMA lossless? I can't work it out from Monitor Audio's site!

comment Martin Daler said on 5th February 2010

The Roberts 83i won't top the beauty parade, but is does do FLAC and talks Twonky and has a USB input - I think those are the three things people wanted here?
Oh, by the way... more

See all 10 comments on this article.

add comment Add your comment

You must be logged in to comment. Login or register here.