Sangean WFR-20 WiFi Internet Radio & Media Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have just recently purchased a Sangean WFR-20. Here are my initial thoughts. (I will update this posting with additional information, if necessary).
Sound Quality: Good dynamic response for such a small unit, at both low and high volume levels. The unit has a reflex port on the rear which boosts the bass. There is also a noticeably good stereo separation on high bit-rate streams (e.g Radio Paradise).
Build Quality: Heavy duty case**, very solid and sturdy construction. My only minor criticism is that the 'tuning' knob is slightly wobbly, and taints an otherwise robust design.
Software Quality: The radio uses the Reciva software. This is reliable, but seems a tad buggy. For example, when attempting to load "My Stations" while simultaneously listening to a Podcast, it displays a menu load error; Of course, this is not a fault of the WFR-20 itself, and I am certain that firmware quirks like this will eventually be resolved by future `online' firmware upgrades. The Reciva website is easy to use, and I had no problem registering and setting up my radio's station, stream and podcast lists. The Reciva forums are also a good source of information, for example if you have questions regarding setup, connection to Premium streams etc ...
Usability: I found the navigation of the menu system to be straight-forward, using either the `tuning' knob or the remote control. The instructions are almost redundant because the menu system is quite intuitive. The three line display is sufficient to browse station/tracks lists and the horizontal scrolling feature effectively allows long track names to be displayed. That said, I am aware that some less tech-savvy users might disagree with this analysis; the radio's features are not quite as simple as a normal table-top FM/DAB unit, and the display is not what I would consider to be large, or crystal clear. So beware if your fingers are a little stiff, or your eyesight is a little tired,
Connectivity: I had no problems setting up the WFR-20, on our home network. I use a WRT54G Linksys with WEP in B/G mixed mode. After initial configuration I was able to instantly access, browse and play Internet Radio stations and access my WAV encoded music library (Twonkymedia on an NSLU2).
Cost: The WFR-20 is what I would consider to be an expensive unit, when compared to other Reciva based radios. Shop around, because you may find a bargain!
Conclusion:
I am very happy with the WFR-20. It provides me the access to the BBC listen again/on demand streams, which is the primary reason for the purchase. While expensive, the sound quality is better than I expected and the unit has a definite quality feel ... reminiscent of early transistor radios in Bakelite cases! I would recommend the WFR-20 as a good WiFi table-top radio, with any caveats previously mentioned. Internet Radio is still in its early stages, and I would consider this to be a great table-top radio to enjoy the new technology!
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** Regarding the case material: I believed this to be plastic when I first wrote the review, however I stand corrected! (Please see first comment). 11/22/07

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The Sangean WFR-20 Wi-Fi Internet Radio offers direct access to over 6,000 internet radio stations and 21,242 on-demand streams in 250 locations from 60 genres. This allows you to drill down your search quickly and conveniently from your radio. You can also use your favorite web browser and a computer to search for specific stations and upload those stations to your radios. The "MY Stations" folder allows quick and easy access to your most desired stations. Don't find your favorite internet station on the list? Just submit the station to the website and it will be researched and added to the list, available for all of the current 14,000+ subscribers. Don't have a computer? Not a problem with the WFR-20. It still provides you access to the same internet radio stations and is designed to work as a completely independent stand alone unit anywhere in your home, office or dorm. All you need is a broadband internet connection and a wired or wireless router. Used in conjunction with your wired/wireless networked computer and Windows Media Player you have full access to your digital media library using the UPnP Server, or simply your Microsoft Shared File Folder function in MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, Real Media, and AIFF formats.

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