Test and comparison of 4 WiFi radio receivers

The Noxon iRadio is presented in the form of a large and robust box. Before even performing any sound tests, we have already noticed the considerable weight of the device which is linked to the speaker, and the subwoofer situated at the rear so that a deep sound can be obtained.

In terms of configuration, the wireless network is quickly detected either through automatic or manual configuration, with WEP and WPA encryption supported on different wireless channels. On two floors of the house, the signal can out the best of all testing! We should precise that the model does benefit from an external antenna, similar to WiFi triple play boxes provide by internet service providers. Inputting the WPA key will be very simple if you have the habit of sending SMS messages on your mobile phone, as this is the same method used here. The only difference is that you will be able to use the infrared remote control that is provided.


So as to add radio stations, you will need to visit the web site www.radio567.com with your web browser and input the MAC address of your device. This can be found on the back of the device or via the configuration menu, device state, product MAC ID. All web browsers are supported across Windows, Linux and MAC and no problems were encountered. This platform which is also know as “vTuner” contained 10 389 stations on the day we tested the device! You simply need to perform a search filtered by different criteria (format, country, language) and wait for the results. If the radio station that you want to listen to is not in your list, you simply need to click on “Add Another Station”, indicate the name of the web radio and copy and paste the corresponding URL. For the stations that have just been added, these will appear in the list 24 hours later when vTuner is updated. But the best is to manually go to configuration, Internet Radio and RSDB update. The procedure generally takes no more then three minutes. To add Podcasts, the procedure is the same, where you simply need to paste the Internet link into “My Added Podcasts”.

On the main screen which is blue and white in colour, only essential information is available. You can read other information by pressing the “I” button on the remote, which will then display the radio station, the time, name of the artist, the track currently playing, time left and information linked to the sample (128 kbps, stereo for example). The information displayed permanently is linked to the strength of the WiFi signal and the memory buffer. We don’t need to state that the sound is the same as that heard on a normal radio, although it’s disappointing that there is no graphic equaliser to help balance the sound to your preferences. We can only hope that the manufacturer will look at adding this in updated firmware… Speaking of which, the latest version is available on the technical support section of their internet site, although the flashing of the bios doesn’t work under Windows.

As well as Internet radio stations the Noxon iRadio is also a network music player. It is capable of playing MP3/WMA files found in your collection, although you will have to install the “TwonkyVision” software that is provided (PC, MAC, Linux), manually open the port of your choice on your router or triple play box (default port is 9000) if the UPnP function isn’t supported (opening and closing of ports automatically). Next, like with any router, you will need to type this address into your web browser http://192.168.0.1:9000 to access the Terratec management interface. From here, you can state the folder where your files are stored on your hard drive and even the location of your iTunes or Winamp player. You will then need to leave your computer turned on to be able to access all of these files and playlists with iRadio! To make browsing easier, it is better to create play lists that are sorted by category, this way you won’t have to slowly search through all your MP3 files with the remote controls SMS commands.

Looking at the device wouldn’t quite be complete if we didn’t look at this devices connectivity options. As well as 802.11g wireless connections, there is also a headphone jack. At the back, there is an Ethernet port (10/100 Mbps) and its activity lights that allow you to listen to the web radio even if you don’t have a wireless internet connection. There are two jacks for the speakers and another for “line out” so that it can be connected to your HIFI. Finally, we like the standby button and start/stop button which completely turns off the device. The only real defaults with the Terratec device are with the navigation menu that isn’t always obvious, the size of the device and the lack of an alarm that wouldn’t be out of place!