Vita News
5 Stars for R1 from BBC Music Magazine
August 2010
Since announcing the launch of our new R1 it has received lots of fantastic media attention and to add to this we are pleased to announce that in its first critical review the new R1 has been awarded a top 5 Star score by BBC Music Magazine, the popular and respected magazine for classical music enthusiasts. They conclude the review by saying “As a compact and great sounding digital radio for the home, it’s absolutely top class”.
You can read the full review here and the September issue of BBC Music Magazine is on sale now at most good newsstands.
R1 MkII gets a great reception
June 2010
It’s going to be early August before our new R1 is fully available, but already it’s getting a great reception from some major media titles. Below is just a small selection of the fantastic press we’ve received so far and there’s much more to come.
GQ the high class magazine for men dedicated a full page in their latest issue (July 2010) and said “Vita Audio makes some of best tabletop stereos money can buy”. Leading technology and gadget magazine T3 (August 2010) has also devoted over a page calling the New R1 “The most gorgeous DAB radio money can buy”. In the Mail on Sunday (27th July 2010) their popular ‘LIVE’ magazine gave pride of place and another full page feature to R1 in their ‘Objects of Desire’ section.
Being typically British we’re not usually ones to blow our own trumpet, but it’s great to see our hard work being acknowledged and we are confident that the new R1 will quickly make its mark as the best tabletop radio available.
R2i wins SVI trade award
May 2010
We are pleased to announce that Sound Vision Install (a leading trade journal) has voted our R2i a winner in their category of Best Table-Top Radio.
Held annually, products are nominated and voted for by trade members, so a big thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. All products nominated were of a high quality, so we are of course delighted to have won this high-status award.
Needs/Wants love R4
May 2010
Needs/Wants is a highly stylish web based magazine hailing from America which carefully chooses beautiful things for the modern creative lifestyle. Recently they selected our R4 saying “The Vita Audio R4 is a beautiful combination of mid-century design merged with high quality sound.”
You can read the full article and find other great iconic product designs here.
A Wedding at Vita Audio!
April 2010
Not product news but we are delighted to announce that on the 18th April Richard McKinney (our chivalrous Sales Manager) and Felicity Todd (his stunning partner) wed at a heart warming ceremony in the historic and beautiful town of Rye in East Sussex. The sun shone all day and a fantastic time was had by all. We’d like to take this opportunity to wish Richard and Felicity all the very best for the future. As you can see from the picture they make a handsome pair.
The Sunday Times says R2i is best for sound.
March 2010
In a round-up of quality DAB radios, The Sunday Times chose our R2i as the best available when it comes to enjoyable listening.
They said “DAB sounds strong thanks to its sensitive tuner, but connect a higher-quality external source and those speakers really shine – the sound is clean and detailed, with surprising amounts of bass.”
VERDICT: The only real choice if you want your radio to do double duty as a pair of portable speakers.
R2i is best for… Sound Quality says T3
January 2010
In the latest (February 2010) issue of T3 we have been awarded a magnificent 5 STARS in a round-up of the best iPod docks available.
They said “The original Vita Audio R2 had masterful sound quality and the new R2i boasts the same well balanced, 20W output with the added bonus of an iPod dock… 3D sound processing technology buffs lower quality MP3s to a glossy shine and gold-plated inputs at the back allow tunes from non-Apple MP3 players to enjoy the Vita Audio treatment too. The R2i also supports DAB+, ensuring you’re future-proofed for the next generation of digital radio channels. The sound is the most engaging on test.”
LOVE: Stunning sound and future-proof DAB+.
R2i is a highly desirable gift this Christmas…
December 2009
Many quality newspapers and magazines from The Times through to T3 are recommending our new R2i as a highly desirable gift this Christmas. The excellence of R2i means it is not inexpensive, but as a gift for someone you love or as a treat for yourself, it’s something you will enjoy for years and the quality will be remembered long after the price has been forgotten!
R2i wins coveted ‘BEST BUY’ in What Hi-Fi 2009 Awards!
October 2009
We are delighted to announce that the world renowned What Hi-Fi? magazine has awarded our R2i ‘BEST BUY’ in their 2009 Awards.
Every year the experienced team at What Hi-Fi? make a shortlist of products which they believe excel in their respective categories. For the 2009 awards they have selected our new R2i as the ‘best desktop DAB available above £200’, saying “If your desktop radio needs to be a cut above the norm, look no further.”
The 2009 awards edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision is on sale now at all good newsstands.
Sound & Vision - The Manchester Show
September 2009
We are delighted to be exhibiting at Sound & Vision - The Manchester Show for the first time and look forward to showing visitors why Vita Audio is quickly gaining a reputation as the best ‘small audio’ products available.
On show we will have our award winning R4 Music System along with our recently introduced R2i which is already collecting accolades for its beautiful design and sound. Also for the first time anywhere visitors will be able to see a sneak preview of our forthcoming all new R1. Our original model was described as the ‘Aston Martin of DAB radios’. With enhancements in all key areas the best has just got better!
The show runs from Saturday 17th to Sunday 18th October 2009.
For further information visit www.manchestershow.co.uk
'BEST BUY' and '5 Stars' for R2i from Hi-Fi Choice & What Hi-Fi
August 2009
Two of the most respected audio magazines have heaped praise on our forthcoming R2i. Hi-Fi Choice kicks off and gives R2i an in-depth full page review, saying in conclusion “Very smartly built and well thought-out, the true glory here is sound that needs no special pleading on grounds of convenience – full bodied, neutral and detailed”. What Hi-Fi also gives a glowing ‘5 Star’ ‘First Test’ review and finishes by saying “Couple its hi-fi capability with the fine tuner – lucid, articulate, low on sibilance – and you've got a winning system at an attractive price”.
Both magazines (September Editions) are on sale now, but you can read the What Hi-Fi review here.
Full Page feature for R4 in Homes & Gardens!
August 2009
Homes & Gardens is one of the UK’s most respected and admired publications. Their mantra is show and inspire readers how to create beautiful homes and gardens with ambience and style. In their September 2009 edition they’ve given a full page feature to our R4 saying “While sound enhances a room, ungainly music systems do not. Sleek technology such as this can be both seen and heard”. These words of praise from Homes & Gardens succinctly describe our philosophy for Vita Audio.
Time Out declares R2i ‘top dog’ in dock test
July 2009
Time Out, the magazine that keeps Londoners on top of all the very best things to do or buy, declares our Vita Audio R2i ‘top dog’ in a dock test amongst some heavy-weight competition! This is another fabulous accolade for us and R2i which we know is going to become very much sought and desired.
‘5 Stars’ for R2i from Stuff.tv!
July 2009
Our forthcoming R2i will not be available to purchase until early August, but already it’s attracting much media and public attention! Over the coming months R2i will be featured and reviewed widely, but first out of the blocks is a fabulous five star review from Stuff, Europe’s best-read fashion, lifestyle, home entertainment technology website.
They said “Smart design and a great sound, the R2i is a class-leading iPod dock/DAB radio table-topper”. To whet your appetite further you can read the full review here.
Banana Man celebrates his 30th Birthday!
May 2009
Not product news this time but we thought you’d be interested to read that Banana Man (AKA Richard McKinney our intrepid Sales Manager) has just celebrated his 30th birthday! Being a ‘super hero’ he was joined at his birthday bash by a whole host of other heroes but unfortunately as you can see from our picture a few ‘villains’ also gate crashed and lowered the tone! Whatsoever a super time was had by all and we’d like to once again wish Richard all the best for his 30th year.
Picture shows (left to right): ‘Pirate Penny Pincher’ (AKA Neil Adams), ‘Banana Man’ (AKA Richard McKinney) and ‘Mr. Incredible’ (AKA Alan O’Rourke).
Find out more about members of our team
High demand for R4
February 2009
Due to demand it is likely that many listed dealers may not have the R4 in stock you desire. Reserving an R4 with your dealer will ensure that a unit is allocated to you which will be supplied as soon as possible. We are currently taking action to improve supply and for the intervening time thank you for your patience.
A list of Vita Audio dealers can be found here.
R4 tops in The Times!
February 2009
The Times ‘Playlist’, an info-packed entertainment based magazine that accompanies the UK’s highly regarded and influential Saturday newspaper, featured a cracking piece of coverage with our R4 topping a DAB/Internet group radio test.
They said "Verdict For serious radio listeners, this could replace an entire main entertainment system. It’s that good and powerful".
Vita Audio supplies glamorous Soho Hotel
January 2009
We are delighted to announce that the Soho Hotel, quoted by Tatler as "The Most Glamorous Hotel in the World"
, has selected our award winning R1 to be used as a bedside radio in their beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites. Situated in the heart of London’s West End, the Soho Hotel is a beautiful and relaxed retreat from the thrum of the city.
Soho and Firmdale Hotels’ owners Tim and Kit Kemp have built a wonderful reputation in their belief that "hotels should be living things, not stuffy institutions"
. Every item that goes into a Firmdale Hotel is carefully selected for its design and quality so we are indeed very happy that our R1 has been chosen.
You can check out the Soho Hotel and their other glorious hotels at www.firmdale.com.
R4 IMS now available in Midnight Black
24 November 2008
Since launching our R4 Integrated Music System in July the response has been phenomenal, but one of the most frequently asked questions has been "when will R4 be available in Black?"
. In response to this we are pleased to announce that as from December we are introducing R4 in a stunning Midnight Black lacquer to complement our existing Rich Walnut and Dream White finishes. Resplendent – and a touch more serious – we are confident that this bold new finish will win many new admirers to Vita Audio and R4.
Due to outstanding demand not all retailers will have R4 available in Midnight Black from launch. To avoid disappointment we advise that you check with your local authorised Vita Audio dealer before travelling or contact us directly.
See larger image of R4 in Midnight Black finish
Mail on Sunday ‘Live’ magazine hails R4 as a ‘Design Icon’
November 2008
The Mail on Sunday, Live Magazine has featured R4 in a round-up of eight design classics where from close up photographs you have to guess what the iconic products is likely to be! We know that we are building a strong reputation for our design but to already be put alongside such prestigious brands as Dunhill and Bentley is praise indeed.
Five stars & group test win for R4 from T3
October 2008
T3 the UK’s leading gadget and technology magazine has handed our R4 integrated music system a coveted five stars and test winner in their round up of the best iPod docks with DAB.
They said "From the gorgeous finish to the innovative remote and warm natural sound, the R4 oozes quality."
Daily Mail ‘Weekend’ magazine awards R1 ‘Best Buy’
September 2008
Our R1 has received yet more first class national newspaper coverage, this time in Saturday’s Daily Mail, Weekend magazine with the R1 topping a full-page DAB radio round-up.
They said "A great-looking, main-operated radio that sounds tremendous, too. There are various finishes to the cabinets, including high-gloss lacquer. All have a simple, distinctive rotary dial control on top, and a chic LCD screen displaying information on the front. Also has an easy-to-use clock and alarm. VERDICT Great sound and irresistible looks."
STUFF TV award R4 ‘5 Stars’ and ‘HOT BUY’
July 2008
Our R4 Integrated Music System has only just been released yet already glowing reviews are flowing in from the likes of Hi-Fi Choice and The Gadget Show. Now STUFF the highly respected gadget and style publication have followed suite with a great ‘5 STAR’ and ‘HOT BUY’ feature on their website www.stuff.tv. An in depth review will be published in a future edition of STUFF Magazine, but this is yet further confirmation of what a great piece of equipment R4 is and will undoubtedly establish R4 as a ‘must have’ product for discerning design conscious customers everywhere.
R4 gains coveted ‘BEST BUY’ in Hi-Fi Choice
July 2008
Our R4 has only just been released yet already it is being hailed as one of the best ‘single box’ systems available. Hi-Fi Choice the respected and specialized audio publication are one of the to give R4 a critical review and they loved it, awarding a ‘BEST BUY’ and their top FIVE STAR rating.
They said "Offering CD, DAB and surprisingly good FM, plus USB, iPod and line inputs, this unit has it all at a very attractive price. One may be able to assemble a more sonically impressive system for the money, but the single-box convenience makes this a winner".
You can read the full review in the September 2008 edition of Hi-Fi Choice which is on the newsstands now.
The Gadget Show awards R4 their top 5 globes
July 2008
The Gadget Show, Britain's leading consumer technology television programme, heads its website reviews section with a truly outstanding write-up of our Vita Audio R4 scoring a maximum five out of five!
They say "It's accepted that you've got a choice when buying hi-fi: go down the route of purchasing separates for top quality sound and flexibility; or buy a small, good-looking - but weak-sounding - one-box system. But every now and then a product like the R4 comes along and proves the theory wrong. Very wrong. You CAN have your hi-fi cake and eat it, and you CAN have the best of both worlds: here's a system that's as easy on the ears as it is on the eyes; one that doesn't sacrifice performance for the sake of looks or size”. Verdict: “The lofty price tag means the R4 isn't for everyone, but if you've got a fair bit of wedge to spend on a new music system this should certainly be high on your list. It performs like a dream, boasts a bevy of talents and looks absolutely stunning".
You can read the full review here.
More praise for R2
1 May 2008
Having given our R1 an exceptional 10 out of 10, TrustedReviews the highly regarded online review site has followed on by again giving our award winning R2 10 out of 10 for sound quality and collecting a TrustedReviews award in the process.
They said "The Vita Audio R2 is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a stylish, compact DAB radio that doesn't compromise on sound quality and has the power to deliver enough volume to fill a sizeable room. It may not have some of the features of other devices but if you're simply after a DAB radio that sounds great, then look no further".
You can read the full review here.
TrustedReviews Recommended award for Vita Audio R1
28 March 2008
TrustedReviews, the premier online review site has given our R1 an exceptional 10 out of 10 for sound quality and picks up a TrustedReviews Recommended award in the process.
They said "It may be expensive but it’s worth every penny."
We couldn’t agree more and it confirms the old adage that you do indeed only get what you pay for. You can read the full review here.
Five Globes for R2 from Hi-Fi World
9 January 2008
Our Vita Audio R2 is the subject of a cracking Five-Globe review in the latest issue of Hi-fi World – which describes the Vita brand as an 'overnight sensation in the world of DAB portables'. Known widely in the UK as the only true audio-video high-fidelity enthusiast magazine, Hi-fi World is run by a team renowned for their long involvement in the audio industry.
They say:
"The Vita's sound quality was quite simply in a different league to the vast majority of DAB radios" and summerize the review by saying "Excellent sonics allied to beautiful design and build quality make the Vita an exceptional DAB portable".
On the newsstands now, this is a great start for 2008!
Group test win, five stars and Hot Buy award for Vita Audio R2 from Stuff
5 November 2007
Our R2 Stereo has come out on top in a massive DAB round-up in the latest issue of Stuff, Europe’s best-selling fashion, lifestyle, home entertainment technology magazine. The R2 is awarded five stars and is the only model to grab a coveted Hot Buy award.
They say:
"Just as we were getting over the luscious R1, Vita's gone a dropped the R2 in our lap. Radios don't get much better than this in terms of looks or sound".
Verdict: "The best radio we’ve heard in ages. Vita has raised the bar".
What Hi-Fi award R2 ‘Product of the Year’
18 October 2007
We are delighted to announce that the world renowned What Hi-Fi? Magazine has awarded our R2 ‘Product of the Year’ in their 2007 Awards.
Every year What Hi-Fi? makes a short list of products which they believe are the best available. From this list categories are made and from each category an overall winner is chosen. For 2007 they have selected our R2 as the best radio you can buy today. This is a wonderful accolade and is further proof of our ongoing policy to design and build the very best small audio products money can buy.
Vita Audio announce limited edition R1 Dream
8 October 2007
To celebrate our first birthday we are launching a special limited edition of our highly regarded R1. Resplendent in a white piano lacquer finish with a crisp white on black liquid crystal display, the R1 Dream shows our commitment to setting new standards for style and sound in compact audio. R1 Dream will be available from late November through a select number of dealers and has a suggested retail price of £179.99. Please contact us directly for outlets and further details.
Hot buy from Stuff.tv for R2
17 September 2007
Stuff, Europe’s best-selling lifestyle and technology magazine has given the R2 stonking write-up on their website, awarding the design five stars and a coveted Hot Buy award.
They say:
"If the list of things your DAB radio has to do starts with ‘sounds great’, finishes with ‘look great’ and has nothing in between, you want to see and hear the Vita R2 sharpish."
You can check out the full review here.
Five out of five stars for the R2 from What Hi-Fi
1 September 2007
‘What Hi-Fi’ the UK’s most popular audiovisual magazine has given their full five stars to the R2.
They say:
"Where the R2 scores is with indulgent sound and build quality… Lifestyle magazines will queue up to dress their loft-style apartments with the R2. That walnut veneer is a tactile treat too, and the rubber controls feel good. If your priorities begin and end with sound and decorative considerations, buy this".
R2 receives top marks from the Gadget Show on Five
21 August 2007
Channel Five’s Gadget Show team have awarded the R2 their top 5 globes.
They say:
"With seemingly hundreds of DAB radios out there to choose from, it's difficult to make one stand out from the teeming crowd. Vita Audio has pulled it off by making the R2 stunningly beautiful to look at".
Verdict:
“A compact, eye-catching DAB/FM stunner that simply oozes quality and will actually make your home look better into the bargain”.
You can check out the full review here.
R1 receives 'BEST BUY' in latest DAB round-up by Which?
6 August 2007
Which? the independent experts for the consumer have awarded the Vita Audio R1 a 'BEST BUY' in their review of over forty DAB radios.
They say:
"The Vita Audio R1 is a beautifully designed model available in four finishes - high gloss red or grey, and a cherry or walnut veneer. It's not all looks and no substance though, it has excellent sound quality and it's not too difficult to use. If you're looking for a stylish model that's not too difficult to operate then the R1 is a great choice. It's not feature packed but the basic functions are excellent".
R2 is group test winner and is awarded 5 stars in the September edition of T3
31 July 2007
The R2 has become a group test winner and the only unit to be awarded a full 5 stars in the September edition of T3, the world’s No1 gadget magazine.
They say:
"Sound quality is a revelation. The stereo speakers go silly loud, while 3D Wide Stereo Sound and EQ are easily tweakable via the remote and two line display. The R2 may lack features, but stonking sound and styling make this our favourite DAB".
Vita R2 receives Editors Choice in the latest issue of What Home Cinema
23 July 2007
Back in May What Home Cinema awarded our R1 a Best Buy in their DAB round-up and now they’ve added our R2 to their list of favourite DAB radios with an Editors Choice award.
They say:
"Sound quality from the two speakers is excellent. Precise and with just the right level of bass, the sound from an attached iPod is also brilliant. If you’re after a no compromises DAB, look no further".
Vita Goes International
10 July 2007
Vita Audio are now looking to appoint dealers around the globe. We currently have distributors in Belgium, Holland and Switzerland (see 'Where to buy' for further details), but consumers or potential distributors from other countries are encouraged to contact us directly where we will be happy to assist.
A Grand Design
11 June 2007
Above: from left to right, Neil Adams, Jan Paoli and Alan O'Rourke of Vita Audio at the 2007 Grand Design Awards.
We are proud to announce that our Vita R1 was a finalist in the 2007 Grand Designs Magazine Awards.
Chosen by a team of respected journalists and designers, no other radios were selected for these prestigious awards. The event was held at Dockland's Excel, London on 8th June and celebrated the best in architecture and product design.
