Roberts BLUTUNE 300 LE cherry
Specifications and features
Overview
Heir to the Blutune line, the 300 LE carries on the all-in-one audio system principle that Roberts has championed since the 2010s, in a format that fits on a shelf or bedside table. This version combines DAB/DAB+/FM reception, a CD player, Bluetooth and wired inputs in a 36 cm wide unit weighing 4.29 kg.
A wood cabinet that plays an acoustic role
The choice of wood is not purely aesthetic. The cabinet acts as a natural resonance chamber, a classic hi-fi technique for reinforcing bass frequencies without relying on electronics. Roberts has long applied this principle to its compact models. The two stereo speakers are paired with two bass reflex ports that amplify the low end, giving the sound a solidity that plastic enclosures struggle to replicate.
Five audio sources in a single device
The Blutune 300 LE accepts an unusually wide variety of sources for its category. The tuner picks up FM stations with RDS and DAB/DAB+ digital radio, with 20 presets (10 in DAB, 10 in FM) to recall favourite programmes without any fuss. The slot-loading CD player, discreet on the front panel, plays standard audio CDs as well as discs burned in MP3 or WMA format.
The USB port allows audio files to be played from a flash drive or external drive, and also serves to charge a phone. The Bluetooth connection enables streaming from a smartphone, tablet or laptop. A 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary input rounds out the package for connecting a turntable (such as the Roberts Stylus or Stylus Luxe) or any other wired device. A headphone output on the front panel allows for private listening.
A more comprehensive equaliser than it appears
Six preset profiles (rock, classical, jazz, normal, pop, vocal) provide a quick starting point depending on the content being played. Manual adjustments go further: bass, midrange and treble can each be set independently. This flexibility makes it possible to compensate for the acoustic characteristics of a room or simply tailor the sound to personal taste. The device retains settings from one session to the next.
The sound remains that of a compact system. Treble and bass are well defined, but the midrange can lack presence depending on the source. Stereo imaging is best appreciated from a frontal position; the effect diminishes when moving to the side. Nothing unusual for a device of this size, but it is worth bearing in mind before expecting it to fill a large living room.
A full-featured remote control, though with room for improvement
The included remote control (with two AAA batteries) provides access to all functions without leaving your seat. The buttons cover source selection, menu navigation, volume adjustment and playback controls. The control panel on top of the unit remains directly usable, with two notched dials for volume and station or menu selection.
The remote control is made of plastic, which contrasts with the perceived quality of the wood cabinet. The buttons have a slightly soft feel. This is a recurring weak point on Roberts radios in this range, noted by several sources. The colour LCD screen, readable with adjustable brightness, displays the active source, station name or track information.
Dual alarm clock and sleep timer
Two independent alarms allow wake-up times to be set at different times on different days. The alarm can sound with a pre-saved radio station or a classic buzzer. The snooze function grants a few extra minutes to reluctant risers. A sleep timer automatically switches the unit off after a chosen delay, handy for drifting off to the radio.
Technical Specifications
- DAB / DAB+ / FM RDS / Bluetooth / CD / USB sound system.
Radio Reception
- Tuner: DAB, DAB+, FM RDS
- Presets: 20 stations
- 10 DAB presets
- 10 FM presets
Audio Playback
- Supported formats: CD, MP3, WMA
- Playback sources: CD, USB
- Bluetooth streaming from smartphone, tablet or laptop
- USB port for playback and device charging
- Stereo auxiliary input
Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- USB port
- Stereo auxiliary input
- Front headphone jack
Acoustic System
- Stereo speakers with 2 bass reflex ports
- Wooden enclosure
- Equaliser: 6 preset profiles + treble / mid / bass adjustments
Ease of Use
- Dual alarm with radio or buzzer
- Sleep timer and snooze function
- Adjustable screen brightness
- Multifunction remote control included
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: 360 (W) × 135 (H) × 260 (D) mm
- Weight: 4.29 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Blutune 300 LE play FLAC or AAC files from a USB drive?
No. The USB port only supports MP3 and WMA formats. FLAC, AAC or other high-definition format files will not be recognised.
Can a turntable be connected directly?
Yes, via the 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary input located at the rear. Roberts Stylus and Stylus Luxe turntables, which feature a built-in preamp, connect without an adapter. A turntable without a preamp will require an external phono preamplifier.
What is the Bluetooth range?
Standard Bluetooth range is around 10 metres indoors, depending on obstacles (walls, furniture). The device supports SBC and AAC codecs for wireless audio transmission.
Does the CD player accept CD-RW (rewritable) discs?
Roberts does not guarantee compatibility with all CD-RW discs. CD-Rs burned in audio mode or with MP3/WMA files are generally read without issue, but rewritable discs may cause difficulties depending on their quality and formatting.
Can the screen be turned off completely at night?
Brightness can be adjusted across several levels, but a minimal level of illumination remains to display the time. It is not possible to turn the screen off entirely while keeping the alarm functions active.
Is an external aerial needed for DAB+ reception?
The unit comes with a built-in telescopic aerial. In areas with good DAB+ coverage, this is generally sufficient. In areas with poor reception (valleys, concrete buildings), an external aerial can improve signal quality.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: BLUTUNE300LE
- GTIN / EAN: 5038301313258