Festool Radio SYSROCK BR10

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
Please read the information below regarding the Sysrock.

Thank you for the feedback regarding DAB+ on the first launch of our new SYSROCK radio. We wanted to explain a little to why DAB+ is currently not on this launch product and hopefully answer some of your questions.

There are significant international differences regarding DAB-coverage. That’s why most DAB+ devices are equipped with a FM-Tuner as an alternative option. Our SYSROCK would have needed a hybrid antenna, so with the short antenna design this would have been a compromise and could have resulted in possible reception problems. We came to the decision that our first version of the SYSROCK will be a FM-Radio with Bluetooth function to cover the needs of all our international customers. We are aware that DAB+ may gain more relevance within the next few years, hence the SYSROCK´s concept is open for a follow-up version with DAB+ at a later date.

We hope that answers some of the questions that you have been asking us. We really do value your comments and feedback!

From Festool

 

[Wuffles]

Hi
Please read the information below regarding the Sysrock.

Thank you for the feedback regarding DAB+ on the first launch of our new SYSROCK radio. We wanted to explain a little to why DAB+ is currently not on this launch product and hopefully answer some of your questions.

There are significant international differences regarding DAB-coverage. That’s why most DAB+ devices are equipped with a FM-Tuner as an alternative option. Our SYSROCK would have needed a hybrid antenna, so with the short antenna design this would have been a compromise and could have resulted in possible reception problems. We came to the decision that our first version of the SYSROCK will be a FM-Radio with Bluetooth function to cover the needs of all our international customers. We are aware that DAB+ may gain more relevance within the next few years, hence the SYSROCK´s concept is open for a follow-up version with DAB+ at a later date.

We hope that answers some of the questions that you have been asking us. We really do value your comments and feedback!

From Festool

You know that's exactly what I posted above right?

 

[Jbmccombe]

But now we have it from the horse's mouth!

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
Please read the information below regarding the Sysrock.

Thank you for the feedback regarding DAB+ on the first launch of our new SYSROCK radio. We wanted to explain a little to why DAB+ is currently not on this launch product and hopefully answer some of your questions.

There are significant international differences regarding DAB-coverage. That’s why most DAB+ devices are equipped with a FM-Tuner as an alternative option. Our SYSROCK would have needed a hybrid antenna, so with the short antenna design this would have been a compromise and could have resulted in possible reception problems. We came to the decision that our first version of the SYSROCK will be a FM-Radio with Bluetooth function to cover the needs of all our international customers. We are aware that DAB+ may gain more relevance within the next few years, hence the SYSROCK´s concept is open for a follow-up version with DAB+ at a later date.

We hope that answers some of the questions that you have been asking us. We really do value your comments and feedback!

From Festool

You know that's exactly what I posted above right?

Hi
It is.....I was asked to post it as an official response - I have posted it in both threads. The same is on fb so you can see we all talk to each other as well and listen to our customers.
rg
Phil

 

[bkharman]

I will be honest with you... DAB, no DAB... No difference to me. My complaint would be that this has the same problem I have with my syslight.

Too easy for someone to pick up and walk away. I wouldn't bring this thing to a job site. I prefer to have my tunes in my pocket and earbuds in my ear.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Kev]

Seeing that we have an official response ...

I really do hope that the Sysrock is treated as the promotional item it should be regarded to be.

I have the last generation of Festool job site radio ... Big and bulky, but it's not a charger and gobbles batteries (throw away batteries, it doesn't even use the Festool battery system) when not on mains power (but at least the cord is built in). I would not have spent my money on it if it didn't come as a promo with a KAPEX. I'm happy that I got "something for nothing" and it was a branded promotional item ... I don't use it much at all.

As an "international customer" I'll go on record to say my "needs" haven't been met at all.

I honestly hope that as a pure "product for sale" the Sysrock isn't a sales success. If it is the market will be telling Festool it wants to consume under featured Festool branded products rather than well designed market leading innovations.

Just circling back to the issue about the Sysrock being made in China. I'm glad it is and I hope it was also designed there with a brief of "make a radio that looks like our Syslite" as I'd hate to think that any of the real tool design and development resources were wasted on this promotional gimmick.

 

[Jak147]

Not like you to sit on the fence Kev!

 

[Jak147]

I'm think the br10 will work well and I'm sure it will have a reasonable sound quality.
The problem is that simply isn't good enough from festool,
I'm not cross, just really very disappointed. My current set up consists of a hacked up Makita radio rigged to a car radio (with DAB), shoe horned into a sys 2 and is dire need of replacement. When I first saw this thread I thought it would be another custom job that would make mine look even worse. The excitement experienced seeing an actual festool offering can only be described as ridiculous. Unfortunately that was very short lived having read through the rest of this thread. Let's hope the next generation sysrock comes out in February in a sys light duo format with a proper power cable and stereo speakers. A charger would be nice but I think dewalt has a patent protecting that. An internal battery that can run 10 hrs at full volume would be high on my list too please mr festool designer

 

[DB10]

So reading between the lines if you want a Festool DAB+ radio then you have to waite for the mk2 version to come out maybe in a year or two.
I bought my first DAB radio eight years ago, in technology terms that was a long time ago. This looks like a missed opportunity from Festool to me.

 

[Staniam]

People actually listen to the radio? Seriously, I haven't willingly listened to the radio since I was in elementary. Personally, the biggest thing for me in a "jobsite" radio is Bluetooth, sound quality and portability. I have a library of mp3 format music spanning from freshman year (15 years ago) that needs only a Bluetooth connection to bring joy to my ears.

DAB? Come on guys, the lack of some sort of internal battery is a bigger miss but even then it's really no big deal considering the radio will use any of their batteries. To me, the same setup as the Sys lite would have been a better idea as far as battery.

Stop nit-picking at every damn thing. It's a job site speaker, how (I wouldn't consider it a radio/boom box) much can you seriously expect?

If it was the size of the larger Milwaukee/Bosch/Dewalt/Ridged radios and trying to bring only these features then there would be a serious problem or missed opprontunity. But it isn't. For those just wanting to spend money on something because it's Festool and you're angry you're not getting what you want from your money then here's an idea.... Don't spend the money!

This is probably my longest reply to a thread and regrettably it's over a tiny jobsite speaker which the market is already flooded with.

 

[DB10]

Yes people actually do listen to the radio.
Could actually save your life in the bush fire season,  which happens to be a long season over here and I am sure that there are plenty of other people out there when working, who listen to their radio's for many different reasons other than just music.

 

[Kev]

People actually listen to the radio? Seriously, I haven't willingly listened to the radio since I was in elementary. Personally, the biggest thing for me in a "jobsite" radio is Bluetooth, sound quality and portability. I have a library of mp3 format music spanning from freshman year (15 years ago) that needs only a Bluetooth connection to bring joy to my ears.

DAB? Come on guys, the lack of some sort of internal battery is a bigger miss but even then it's really no big deal considering the radio will use any of their batteries. To me, the same setup as the Sys lite would have been a better idea as far as battery.

Stop nit-picking at every darn thing. It's a job site speaker, how (I wouldn't consider it a radio/boom box) much can you seriously expect?

If it was the size of the larger Milwaukee/Bosch/Dewalt/Ridged radios and trying to bring only these features then there would be a serious problem or missed opprontunity. But it isn't. For those just wanting to spend money on something because it's Festool and you're angry you're not getting what you want from your money then here's an idea.... Don't spend the money!

This is probably my longest reply to a thread and regrettably it's over a tiny jobsite speaker which the market is already flooded with.

Yes [member=41633]Staniam[/member] people do actually listen to the radio. That's why there's demand for them. You need to first consider that the way others enjoy music may be very different to you. I listen to some fantastic semi-fringe DAB stations that are always playing new music from rising artists, free of commercials and talkback. This is where DAB shines. I'm happy for you that your MP3 library serves all of your musical needs. Sounds like you don't need FM either.

As for your "here's an idea comment" ... here's another idea, let the forum operate like a "forum" where people get to express their thoughts, concerns, opinions, etc ... giving Festool the benefit of insight from a broad audience in order to make better products.

On you very last comment ... ever heard of the thin end of the wedge? A switch to "quick buck" products could mean the end of Festool as most here value it (my opinion).

I'm happy that you have an opinion to share and as one of many I'm sure that Festool would value it. These threads deteriorate when people start criticising other people opinions and values rather that keeping the focus on the issue at hand ... it's best to understand your option is one of many and not the only one of value.

 

[Darren1972]

People actually listen to the radio? Seriously, I haven't willingly listened to the radio since I was in elementary. Personally, the biggest thing for me in a "jobsite" radio is Bluetooth, sound quality and portability. I have a library of mp3 format music spanning from freshman year (15 years ago) that needs only a Bluetooth connection to bring joy to my ears.

DAB? Come on guys, the lack of some sort of internal battery is a bigger miss but even then it's really no big deal considering the radio will use any of their batteries. To me, the same setup as the Sys lite would have been a better idea as far as battery.

Stop nit-picking at every darn thing. It's a job site speaker, how (I wouldn't consider it a radio/boom box) much can you seriously expect?

If it was the size of the larger Milwaukee/Bosch/Dewalt/Ridged radios and trying to bring only these features then there would be a serious problem or missed opprontunity. But it isn't. For those just wanting to spend money on something because it's Festool and you're angry you're not getting what you want from your money then here's an idea.... Don't spend the money!

This is probably my longest reply to a thread and regrettably it's over a tiny jobsite speaker which the market is already flooded with.

Yes [member=41633]Staniam[/member] people do actually listen to the radio. That's why there's demand for them. You need to first consider that the way others enjoy music may be very different to you. I listen to some fantastic semi-fringe DAB stations that are always playing new music from rising artists, free of commercials and talkback. This is where DAB shines. I'm happy for you that your MP3 library serves all of your musical needs. Sounds like you don't need FM either.

As for your "here's an idea comment" ... here's another idea, let the forum operate like a "forum" where people get to express their thoughts, concerns, opinions, etc ... giving Festool the benefit of insight from a broad audience in order to make better products.

On you very last comment ... ever heard of the thin end of the wedge? A switch to "quick buck" products could mean the end of Festool as most here value it (my opinion).

I'm happy that you have an opinion to share and as one of many I'm sure that Festool would value it. These threads deteriorate when people start criticising other people opinions and values rather that keeping the focus on the issue at hand ... it's best to understand your option is one of many and not the only one of value.

mp3 is no good when i want to listen to live sports or the news is it i could not think of anything worse than listening to the same songs over and over i also like the radio presenters

 

[Saskataper]

Kinda disappointed in this one. For the price that I'm seeing you can get a much nicer work site radio. Usually if Festool makes something they are making a superior product. This seems like a gimmick and should be priced that way. I just picked up a Milwaukee Bluetooth speaker that's the same size and runs for a couple days off one of their little 12v batteries. They are $60 at Home Depot.
It is kinda cool but having to use one of my two batteries to run it makes it uncool real quick.

 

[Kitmech]

Bit disappointed you can't charge your batteries or your phone, no dab but I'll probably still get one cause I'm a sucker :

 

[sigmatango]

Kinda disappointed in this one. For the price that I'm seeing you can get a much nicer work site radio. Usually if Festool makes something they are making a superior product. This seems like a gimmick and should be priced that way. I just picked up a Milwaukee Bluetooth speaker that's the same size and runs for a couple days off one of their little 12v batteries. They are $60 at Home Depot.
It is kinda cool but having to use one of my two batteries to run it makes it uncool real quick.

Where did you get your SysRock? I'm in Alberta, none of my dealers stock or will order it in...

 

[DzordanoBruno]

Hello, I have question.  When I turned off the radio( Bluetooth mod) and then turn on,stays on Bluetooth?

 

[Paddyfin1]

I always listen to Spotify through my phone, so when partnered with the sysrock it makes a cracking combo
Small,neat and tidy.......... And sounds very good given its small size
Don't want a huge cube of a Bosch ghetto blaster...... Thats what my Tilers have, what a bloody monster [scared]

 

[jeh]

Just circling back to the issue about the Sysrock being made in China. I'm glad it is and I hope it was also designed there with a brief of "make a radio that looks like our Syslite" as I'd hate to think that any of the real tool design and development resources were wasted on this promotional gimmick.

My point to except I'll take it a step farther...stick to making just tools and not gadgets.

 

[Davesbuildtips]

Played around with a sys rock today, cranked it as loud as it would go and no distortion, amazing clarity. Not bad for a tiny mono speaker which they tell me is a BOSE. The unit I was listening to had the artists name and song scrolling across the bottom of the screen when I was listening to the radio. I think this is FM RDS which allows up to 64 characters. The bluetooth connection was easy, the unit is light and the same size as the syslite. If I buy one, I will mostly use it for my phone tuned into Pandora and also the odd demonstration as a PA.
The sound really does fill a large room, very surprised.
No internal battery, no usb port. Even so, I am very tempted.