Pure Classic C-D6 Review: Retro Charm Meets Everyday Practicality
The humble radio was supposed to be dead by now. Streaming platforms, smart speakers, and algorithm-driven playlists were meant to bury it for good. And yet, radio is quietly staging a comeback. From Heart 90s blasting you awake to Classic FM lulling you back down, DAB+ radio stations have carved out a niche that feels both nostalgic and oddly fresh.
Enter the Pure Classic C-D6i.
Designed in the UK, it’s a retro-inspired all-in-one that blends classic charm with modern versatility. With its DAB+/FM radio, internet radio and podcasts, CD player, Bluetooth 5.3, aux-in, and USB support, it’s a one-box solution for anyone who still treasures physical media but also wants access to global stations and streaming from their phone.
After several weeks of testing, here’s the full breakdown of what it’s like to live with Pure’s latest retro-inspired music system.
Design: A Modern Retro Fixture
Let’s get this out of the way: the Pure Classic C-D6i is big. At over 40cm wide, with twin 15W speakers flanking a central control panel and CD slot, it’s more “permanent fixture” than “portable accessory.” This isn’t something you casually move between rooms, it’s wired only, no battery, and it has the weight to prove it.
But there’s charm in its heft. The design comes in a sleek Black/Ash finish or Cotton White, both accented with faux wood that give it a retro ‘70s hi-fi vibe. Initially, I found the look a little kitsch, but it grew on me. More importantly, it feels solid and well-built, the kind of device you can imagine lasting years rather than months.
The front layout is refreshingly clear: two large dials, a set of tactile buttons, and a sharp TFT LCD screen that makes navigation simple. I barely glanced at the manual: everything from scanning DAB+ stations to switching modes is intuitive.
On the back, you’ll find aux-in and USB ports, discreetly tucked away but easy enough to reach. And for days when you can’t be bothered to leave the sofa, there’s a remote control (with batteries included in the box).
Design verdict: retro styling that won’t suit everyone, but solid, practical, and easy to live with.
Features: All-in-One Audio Convenience
The appeal of the Pure Classic C-D6i is in its versatility. It’s radio first, but it’s also a Bluetooth speaker, CD player, USB player, aux-in hub, and crucially, an internet radio and podcast player. That last feature means you’re not limited to local stations: you can explore thousands of channels and on-demand shows from across the globe, from news to true crime to cooking.
The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is particularly strong here. Pairing is quick, connections are rock-solid, and I never once experienced dropouts during testing. Switching between modes, say, from Bluetooth to podcasts to CD, takes seconds, with no lag or fiddling.
There’s also an alarm and sleep timer, making it a natural fit for bedrooms if you have space on a dresser or bedside cabinet. And since it’s wired, you don’t need to worry about battery life it’s always ready to go.
This is very much a “set it and leave it” machine. Find your presets, line up your CDs, pair your phone once, and you’re done. It doesn’t have smart assistant integration (Alexa/Google), but that’s intentional. It keeps things simple, and in a world of constant updates and app fatigue, that simplicity feels refreshing.
Sound Quality: Steady, Not Spectacular
The Pure Classic C-D6i is equipped with two 3″ full-range drivers and a 2x15W stereo output, which makes it capable of delivering a rich and dynamic sound for everyday listening. The sound is crisp, clear, and perfectly fine for casual enjoyment, but don’t expect deep, thumping bass or sparkling high-end detail.
On radio, whether DAB+, FM, or internet, it performs like a good car system: steady, warm, and reliable. Heart 90s had enough energy to brighten the morning, while Classic FM sounded smooth and easy on the ears.
Switching to Bluetooth and CDs, the story is the same. Vocals are clear, mid-range is balanced, but bass feels restrained. On Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie, that iconic bassline didn’t quite punch through the way it should. Pop and rock tracks sound lively enough, but if you’re used to richer, room-filling sound from a Sonos or Bose system, you may find this a little flat.
That said, not every listening session needs to be an audiophile experience. For casual background music, talk radio, podcasts, or nostalgic CD sessions, the Pure Classic C-D6i delivers dependable, pleasant sound without distortion, even at higher volumes.
Everyday Use: The Joy of Simplicity
Where the C-D6i shines is in its day-to-day usability. Setup took less than 10 minutes: plug it in, let it scan for DAB+ and Wi-Fi stations, and save a few presets. After that, it was just a matter of pressing the dial to switch between modes.
The remote makes it even easier to control playback from the sofa, and the bright display means you can see track info or station names clearly across the room.
It’s a device that rewards routine. Morning radio, afternoon podcast streaming, evening CD nostalgia, the C-D6i slides into daily life without fuss. It’s not a conversation starter or a showpiece, but it is a reliable companion.
Value: A Mid-Range Commitment
At £219.99, the Pure Classic C-D6i sits in the mid-range of this niche market. It’s cheaper than the Pure Evoke Home (£399.99) but more expensive than entry-level DAB radios. Compared to the Roberts Revival RD70, it’s competitively priced, with the major advantage of including both a CD player and internet radio.
The value lies in its longevity and versatility. Buy one, set it up in your living room or bedroom, and you won’t need another basic music system for years. Yes, you could spend less on a Bluetooth speaker, but you’d miss out on the retro charm of DAB+, the practicality of physical presets, the huge expansion of internet stations and podcasts, plus the satisfying ritual of sliding in a CD.
Who Is It For?
The Pure Classic C-D6i isn’t for everyone. If you want cutting-edge smart assistant features, deep bass, or portability, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a stable, versatile, retro-inspired hub for radio, CDs, Bluetooth, and internet streaming in one neat package, it makes a lot of sense.
It’s especially suited to:
- Radio loyalists who want DAB+ and global internet stations
- Podcast listeners who want an easy way to stream without a phone
- CD collectors who still love their physical media
- Homes that value simplicity over smart integration
- Listeners who want one device to do it all, without constantly charging or updating
Verdict: Reliable, Retro, and Ready to Settle In
The Pure Classic C-D6i is a product of quiet confidence. It doesn’t chase trends, it doesn’t try to be portable, and it doesn’t pretend to be high-end hi-fi. Instead, it offers a simple, sturdy, and versatile way to cover all your everyday audio needs.
Yes, it’s bulky. Yes, the bass could be stronger. But those quibbles fade when you realize just how effortless and reliable it is.
Place it in your living room, plug it in, and it’ll be there for years, ready to wake you up with its alarm, entertain you through the day with DAB+ or podcasts, and lull you to sleep at night with its sleep timer. In a world of disposable gadgets, that feels almost radical.
The Pure Classic C-D6i may not thrill audiophiles, but for everyone else, it’s a charming, capable, and surprisingly satisfying all-in-one music system.
