Majority Oakington: An affordable all-in-one audio solution
Majority Oakington in Oak and Beech wood. Pictures: Majority.
The Majority Oakington is an affordable FM radio, CD player, and DAB Radio that can double as Bluetooth speakers. Its retro looks are stylish and available with wood-effect finishes that will suit a wide range of locations in the home.
The Oakington has a retro vibe with a modern touch. This is a unit that will look great on a kitchen counter, a coffee table or a bookshelf. It comes in two wood-effect finishes – a dark oak (available in October) and a light beech. The wood is wrapped around the sides, top, base and rear with rounded edges. Around the front is a brushed aluminium faceplate with wood bezels and two circular dark grey speaker grilles. Between the speakers is a small screen; below are eight buttons and then the horizontal slot for the CD player. On top of the unit is a large circular control dial used for volume.
Around the rear is a metal telescopic antenna, a 5V USB-A port for charging other devices, a 3.5mm audio-in jack, a second USB-A port for playing audio files from a memory stick, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a power switch and a figure of eight power port. The base has four large silicone feet to stabilise the unit and provide grip.
Majority includes a feature-rich remote control and a stereo RCA to 3.5mm audio cable, which is a nice bonus.
Unlike the Majority Quadriga I reviewed recently, the Oakington doesn’t connect to WiFi, so there’s no internet radio. If you need that, I’d connect an Echo Dot to the 3.5mm audio port around the back or get the Quadriga.
Many will see the lack of any ‘smart’ or internet features as a plus. The Oakington is an excellent option for those who want to revive a CD collection or perhaps use it in a holiday home that may not have an internet connection and tune into your local FM radio stations. The DAB features are null and void for those living in Ireland since no radio stations broadcast a digital stream here.
Of course, you get modern conveniences such as Bluetooth to stream from a phone or tablet, but it’s not the latest.
The USB charging port included alongside the aux and headphone cable ports can charge your phone. However, it also has the potential to play digital music straight from a USB drive for those who might have a lot of music ripped to MP3 files.
The display offers crisp text that’s easy to read from a distance with three lines of text, with the first line being three times the size of the second and third lines. It displays the time,
station name and RDS (radio data system) information, if available. When a CD is loaded, all you will see is the track number and track time counting up. Pairing your phone to the Oakington will read ‘Bluetooth’ and ‘Audio’ for the 3.5mm Aux connection.
The remote takes two AAA batteries, which are included in the box. It provides full control over all of the features of the Oakington, so you only have to get up from your chair to change CDs. The rubber buttons are nicely raised above the surface, making them easy to use. However, if you do lose the remote, you can still use the dial and buttons on the unit itself.
When you take into account its budget-friendly price, the sound quality of Oakington is genuinely great. It boasts an impressive 30-watt speaker system that delivers ample volume, making your music come to life with powerful low frequencies and bass.
One of the standout features is the ability to fine-tune your music's EQ effortlessly. Whether you prefer to use the remote control or your smartphone, you have the power to adjust the treble and high frequencies to suit your taste.
While it's true the Oakington may not match the power levels of some pricier alternatives on the market, it holds its own with its unique strengths. The wood construction is pivotal in delivering excellent acoustics, ensuring your music sounds crisp and vibrant. So, even at its affordable price point, you can expect a high-quality audio experience that doesn't compromise clarity.
The Majority Oakington offers an impressive audio experience that punches above its weight in terms of affordability. It’s an ideal all-in-one solution for those who want to take their CD collection for a spin and still be able to use it as a speaker to stream audio from your smartphone. The Oakington comes with a 12-month warranty, which can be extended for an extra two years for free when you register online.
Majority Oakington - RRP €179 from Amazon.co.uk
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