Pure Elan E3 review
Contributing Editor
Choosing the ideal radio system is a complex process.
You’ll need to think carefully about what you really need from your music device.
For instance, some people will want an entire audio system that plays everything from CDs to digital radio, like the Pure Chronos CD.
On the other hand, other consumers might be looking for something simple, small, and portable, that still packs a punch when it comes to audio quality and performance.
If your search for the ideal radio has sent you on a hunt for a lightweight and portable design, then you’re likely to come across the Elan series by Pure.
The Pure Elan radios are affordable, durable, and easy-to-listen to on the move. The Elan IR3, for instance, comes with access to thousands of stations from across the globe thanks to internet connectivity, and Spotify Connect.
Here’s our complete Pure Elan E3 review.
Pure Elan E3 review: Design and build
Like many of the other leading radio companies on the market today, Pure is a reliable and well-trusted company for many consumers, thanks to its excellent combination of state-of-the-art technology and attractive design.
Similar to the other products in the Elan portfolio, the Pure Elan E3 portable radio is slim, sleek and lightweight.
Available in a range of colours to help brighten up your living room or bedroom, this Pure digital radio was created for both aesthetic appeal and practicality.
This is a device that will fit easily in your backpack if you want to take your radio with you on the move. At the same time, the Pure Elan E3 can work as a fantastic bedside radio too.
From a design perspective, the first thing you’re likely to notice about the Pure Elan E3 portable DAB+/FM radio, is its crystal-clear colour display. The colour screen is 2.8 inches in size, making it easier to access information about your radio stations, as well as other important details like the time.
We also liked the fact that the buttons and dials on the Pure Elan E3 are tactile and easy to use. You don’t have to fiddle around with tiny buttons when you’re trying to find the right station.
The practical button layout makes the Pure Elan E3 a convenient device for many users. We even think that this product might be a good pick for an older relative or someone who is just getting used to Pure DAB radio technology.
Pure Elan E3 review: Features
At first glance, the Pure Elan E3 looks very similar to the Pure Elan BT3 and other products in the Elan range. There’s also plenty of similar features to enjoy too, such as a full colour screen, and a headphone input for when you want to listen to your favourite music privately.
Despite being slightly less expensive than the BT3, the Elan E3 actually comes with many of the same capabilities, including aux input for streaming your own music, and the option to switch between mains and battery power.
The most important thing missing is that there’s no Bluetooth connectivity with the Pure Elan E3.
Fortunately, in our opinion, the device makes up for its lack of Bluetooth functionality with a host of other features, including:
- Alarm clock function
- Aux-in to play your own music
- Full and informative colour display
- Headphone jack for private listening
- 40 available station presets
- DAB, DAB+ and FM radio
With the Elan E3, you still get all the benefits of a state-of-the-art portable Pure digital radio. The device is easy to use, with slideshow artwork and access to information like station data, weather predictions and more.
At the same time, although you can’t stream your content to the device via Bluetooth, you can still connect and play your own music via aux cable.
For a little less than £60, the Pure Elan E3 DAB radio is an excellent choice for budget-conscious individuals who want a modern radio set.
Pure Elan E3 review: Performance
As mentioned above, one of the first thing we noticed in our Pure Elan E3 review, was the fact that this device is very easy to use. You don’t need to spend forever reading your Pure Elan E3 manual before you can get started.
Instead, you can jump straight into action, setting your favourite stations to one of forty available spaces on your list of preferred channels.
The Elan E3 also delivers excellent performance as a portable radio system. The compact design means that you can easily carry your Elan E3 around with you, whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, or pruning the weeds in your garden.
What’s more, the DAB radio setup ensures that you’ll be able to find countless great channels to listen to.
From a sound quality perspective, the Elan E3 excels. Despite a compact form, this product from Pure delivers exceptional volume and clarity.
Like some of the other Pure digital radio products, the device benefits from a bespoke full-range speaker powered via a digital amplifier for cleaner quality.
There are also six equalisation settings to choose from if you want to adjust the tone and depth of your music according to your individual needs.
Pure Elan E3 review: Verdict
The Pure Elan E3 portable DAB+/FM radio isn’t the most complex or advanced digital radio in the Pure portfolio – but it’s an excellent choice for someone in search of simplicity and versatility.
This radio can deliver exceptional music whenever, and wherever you need it, whether you’re using the Elan as a bedside radio, or garden listening station.
What’s more, despite being compact and portable, the Pure Elan E3 is packed full of exciting features, including two alarms, a kitchen timer, and the option to play your music via aux cable.
As mentioned, the only thing missing is the Bluetooth connectivity.
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