Digital radio Kenwood CR-ST90S in the test

Digital radios are becoming increasingly important. With the FM switch-off in Switzerland and the FM reduction in Schleswig-Holstein, such devices are desperately needed in order to continue to be entertained and, of course, to stay informed. In this issue we take a closer look at the new Kenwood CR-ST90S.

The Kenwood digital radio Impresses as soon as you unpack it with its simple, modern design that fits perfectly into various living spaces. The radio is only available in black. The test sample has speakers installed on the front. The controls on this model are located on the top. The special feature: The top is slightly slanted, which makes the twelve control elements and the color display stand out better and makes the labeling easier to read. The device is operated with ten buttons and two multifunctional controls. The latter are crucial for channel selection and volume.

The connectivity of the device, which can also be used on mobile devices, is okay. In addition to an auxiliary input in the form of a jack, the radio has a USB interface into which USB sticks can be inserted. A USB-C port serves as a charging socket for the integrated battery. The corresponding power supply is included in the scope of delivery. The approximately 35 centimeter long telescopic antenna is permanently installed in regions with weak DAB coverage, much to the chagrin of users. However, it can be folded up easily and safely and stored at the back of the radio. This is particularly important when the device is being worn or DAB+ or FM is not being used.

Easy commissioning

With the Kenwood radio the following applies: switch it on and enjoy. Our test device had almost full battery when it arrived, so only the standby button on the top had to be pressed to turn the radio on. The device then starts with the installation menu. The user must first set up the WiFi network – this can be done in various ways. From our point of view, the simplest solution is to press the WPS button on the router, which eliminates the need to enter the annoying password. Basic settings for the location and time follow (summer time on or off). A channel search for DAB+ is not yet carried out at this point. After completing the initial installation, the user lands in the clear main menu of the radio. The display shows the options available to the user for listening pleasure in eight tiles. Using the left-hand rotary control marked “Navigate”, the operator selects whether he wants to use internet radio, a podcast, Spotify, music via a USB stick, DAB+, FM radio, Bluetooth or the auxiliary input. If you switch to one of the terrestrial radio modes, a search must first be completed.

Digital radio reception on the Kenwood CR-ST90S

As usual, radio reception is possible both digitally and analogue. Accordingly, the device supports DAB/DAB+ and FM. Digital channels are automatically saved in a channel list during the first search. The progress of the scan is illustrated by a bar, the stations found are shown in numbers on the display. Of course, the search can be renewed at any time. To do this, press the menu button a little longer and select one of the search options.

During reception the display is divided into two parts. In the left third, the current slideshow image from the channel currently playing is shown. Using the right navigation button, the reception frequency and the data rate used can be called up for the currently running program. A 30-digit signal strength bar also provides information about how well a multiplex is being received. In the test, the radio impressed with its very powerful DAB + tuner. This also receives weak signals very well. It is all the more annoying that the manufacturer did not provide the device with an antenna input; the Kenwood device would have the prerequisites to become a perfect radio receiver for distant signals. The radio is convincing when it comes to favorites. While 20 storage locations can be used with the classic VHF and DAB+ reception channels – 3 using the hardware storage button – there are at least 40 in internet radio mode. Since there are separate lists for DAB, VHF and internet radio, that’s a generous 80 in total. Unfortunately, mixed occupancy is not possible .

Once again, a digital radio disappoints when it comes to analogue reception. Even though Kenwood has given the radio convenience functions such as an automatic search in FM mode, this cannot hide the poor analogue reception. The integrated tuner only plays local stations with background noise. However, this is not a phenomenon of the Kenwood device, but is almost normal for modern digital radio devices. This negative point is hardly reflected in the rating, after all, the ultra-modern radio should only be used to listen to analogue radio in an emergency. The quality played via DAB+ and internet radio is okay and the variety and service functions are significantly better.

Internet radio with the Kenwood CR-ST90S

Almost every radio station in the world can also be received via the Internet. Admittedly, if you use this option, you don’t have to extend the antenna on the device and therefore don’t disturb the design concept of the radio. The well-sorted lists make it easier to find the channels. We particularly find the local sorting to be successful. Nevertheless, it is difficult to keep track of things and unfortunately it is not possible to search for names directly on the device or via the remote control. However, this is not entirely true, as you can also search for a favorite station using the Undock app. Below we will describe in more detail what lies behind this tax option.

App control possible with any mobile device?

The Kenwood CR-ST90S can also be easily controlled via an app. The device can be used very conveniently in the home network with both iPhones and all Android smartphones. The application Undok, which has already been introduced frequently, is used here. The app is available free of charge in the respective provider app stores. Once installed, it allows complete control of the device via smartphone. In principle, Undok is brilliant. The app is particularly useful when quickly searching for the right radio station or quickly changing sources. Even firmware updates can be carried out in this way. Unfortunately, the device is not multiroom capable, so this popular function is left out.

In addition to the well-known provider Spotify, which is often integrated into radios, you can also use your own podcast offering directly. While a Spotify account is always necessary – it doesn’t necessarily have to be registered on the radio, but can also be streamed from your cell phone – podcasts can also be enjoyed without registering.

If you don’t like Spotify, you can also use the device with other streaming services thanks to the Bluetooth functionality. This is made possible by the simple coupling with the cell phone. In the test, content stored locally on the smartphone as well as all streaming services were played correctly. The titles were also shown correctly on the display, this also works with the Kenwood CR-ST90S.

Powerful battery in the Kenwood CR-ST90S

The battery integrated into the radio has it all. This is charged using a USB-C cable and power supply. Both are included in delivery. When fully charged, we manage to enjoy DAB radio for up to 9.5 hours at room volume. Of course, the battery life also depends heavily on the mode and volume. If you use internet radio and like to listen a little louder, you won’t be able to enjoy the radio for as long. Ultimately, the device is a reliable companion for trips into the countryside, for fun in the pool or in the garden that will definitely last the whole day.

Klang des Kenwood Digitalradios

The Kenwood radio surprised us in terms of sound – in a positive way. The mids come through well and we are pleased with a small but still present stereo image. If we place the radio directly in front of us at head height, it even replaces the active speakers on the laptop. What is striking is the bass, which strongly underlines the overall sound. We certainly can’t expect super high-resolution high-end sound from the compact device, but for its size it is surprisingly open and assertive and is therefore superior to a large number of devices available in this size.

This is how the alarm function works

The device can be used in a variety of ways. Thanks to its compact design, it is suitable as a kitchen radio, a music player in the hobby room or as a clock radio. For the latter area of ​​use, Kenwood has provided an alarm function that can be accessed via the “alarm clock” function entry. It should be said in advance that this can only be used if the device is connected to the power supply. The manufacturer wants to prevent the alarm clock from failing when the battery is empty. If the device is connected to the power supply, two alarm times can be configured. For each alarm time, you can specify the day of the week on which it should be used, as well as the type of alarm. The device allows you to wake up using the radio – one of the four favorite stations can be selected here – or via sound. In the test we were reliably brought out of bed.

Our conclusion about the Kenwood CR-ST90S digital radio

The Kenwood CR-ST90S impressed in the test. Thanks to the integrated battery and the wide range of functions, the radio is a real all-rounder in the home. It can be used as a kitchen radio, a device in the office or workshop as well as a music box for the garden or as an alarm clock. Thanks to its great reliability and convincing sound, listening to the radio and enjoying podcasts or streaming are really fun with the Kenwood CR-ST90S. Only those who absolutely still need FM, because their reception area is one of the few areas that are digitally underserved, should stay away from the new Kenwood radio.

Evaluation of digital radio Kenwood CR-ST90S

Details
Manufacturer	Kenwood
Model	CR-ST90S
Price (RRP)	139 Euro
Maße (B/H/T)	250 × 140 × 82 mm
Weight	1,4 kg
information	www.kenwood.de
Tribute
Display	Colored
Different housing colors	no
UKW/DAB/DAB+	and/and/and
Power supply external/internal	Yes No
Battery operation possible	no
Integrated battery	and
WLAN/Bluetooth	and/and
Internetradio/DLNA	Yes No
Weckfunktion/Sleep-Timer	and/and
Connections
Aux In/Aux Out/Kopfhörer	yes/no/no
Digital Audio Optical/Coaxial	no no
Antenna input	no
App operation/multiroom	Yes No
USB	USB-C
Operation
FM/DAB+/Internet storage spaces	20/20/40
Remote control	no
Power switch	no
Power consumption in operation/standby	6,5 W*/0,0 W
Advantages	Disadvantages
good sound Multifunctional nice design Controllable via app	no external antenna can be connected missing headphone jack FM reception moderate
Evaluation
Installation	28 out of 30 points
Service	55 out of 60 points
equipment	42 out of 50 points
Reception	17 out of 20 points
Klang	17 out of 20 points
IN TOTAL	159 out of 180 points
Test verdict	88% – very good

Also interesting: