Hi Fi system for an elderly person

[admin_exported]

I'm looking for a radio/CD (home HI Fi) for an elderly friend. It needs to be simple to use, simple to use and VERY simple to use! Can anyone please recommend anything? It doesn't have to be of any signfuicant quality. The cheaper end of the market is preferred. Thanks.

 

[simonlewis]

How about the Denon DM38DAB CD/ dab radio player.

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for the suggestion, but I'm afraid it's still much to baffling for an old person with almost zero technical skill. And secondly it's actually about three times what I was hoping to pay! The quality produced by £40/£50 systems will be absolutely fine. The problem I'm having is finding something with large, clear, simple, easy-to-use buttons.
What I'm after is the H-Fi equivalent of this mobile phone!
http://www.ttsims.co.uk/TTfone/TT002.html

 

[simonlewis]

If you want something with big buttons, you would need something from early learning, if that is not appropiate you could try contacting someone from RNIB, or maybe this page from john lewis would do.

 

[simonlewis]

Rega is simple but expensive & it only comes in seperates.

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks

 

[chebby]

Many thanks for the suggestion, but I'm afraid it's still much to baffling for an old person with almost zero technical skill. And secondly it's actually about three times what I was hoping to pay! The quality produced by £40/£50 systems will be absolutely fine. The problem I'm having is finding something with large, clear, simple, easy-to-use buttons.
What I'm after is the H-Fi equivalent of this mobile phone!
http://www.ttsims.co.uk/TTfone/TT002.html

http://direct.asda.com/Philips-AZ102S-CD-Soundmachine/000508675,default,pd.html?cm_vc=PPCXSLLF

Very good feedback on that page. The first review specifically mentions ease of use for someone elderly with hand mobility problems.

I don't think you can get much simpler.

 

[Anonymous]

Haha, you've called my bluff and actually gone down one step too far! I said quality is not an issue, which is quite true, but I do want it to be a non-portable Hi-fi with separate speakers.
Actually this one, on the same page as the one you just recommend
http://direct.asda.com/Polaroid-Music-System/000533288,default,pd.html?cm_vc=PPCXSLTP
would have been ideal had it had separate radio buttons. I really do need pre-tuned radio, not with a toggle-through "next" and "previous" button, but one button per channel.

 

[Anonymous]

Haha, you've called my bluff and actually gone down one step too far! I said quality is not an issue, which is quite true, but I do want it to be a Hi-fi with separate speakers.
Actually this one, on the same page as the one you just recommend
http://direct.asda.com/Polaroid-Music-System/000533288,default,pd.html?cm_vc=PPCXSLTP
would have been ideal had it had separate radio buttons. I really do need pre-tuned radio, not with a toggle-through "next" and "previous" button, but one button per channel.

 

[Anonymous]

Haha, you've called my bluff and actually gone down one step too far! I said quality is not an issue, which is quite true, but I do want it to be a non-portable Hi-fi with separate speakers.
Actually this one, on the same page as the one you just recommend
http://direct.asda.com/Polaroid-Music-System/000533288,default,pd.html?cm_vc=PPCXSLTP
would have been ideal had it had separate radio buttons. I really do need pre-tuned radio, not with a toggle-through "next" and "previous" button, but one button per channel.

 

[philipjohnwright]

I understand you requirement, my father has an onkyo equivalent to the system that simonlewis suggested, and really struggles with it at times. He's 82 and has a mobile phone like the one in the link above. Still can't use it. So frustrating for him, and me.

So the one chebby suggested looks a good bet; my dad has a similar one in the kitchen and has no problem with it. I review these sort of things for a small publication that a friend runs. I can't think of anything new that is a) near your budget and b) even if it was would meet the usability requirement. Basically most new kit ditches the CD player for a iPod dock or for wireless, as that's what sells.

A slightly left field suggestion would be a small portable CD player (the round ones from Sony and the like) - have a look on Amazon. Linked to a Tivoli Model One bought on eBay. Slightly over yor budget but not by much. No presets, which might be a problem. But it does have a lovely tuning dial that your friend would probably be familiar with using. Especially if he/she listens mainly to radios 2,3,4, which are all near each other on the dial. The only issue, and it might be one, is that you have to plug the CD player in every time you want to use it. You can't switch to it from the front of the machine. Other than that it would be a good solution and sound nice as well. Maybe find someone with one and have a look.

Good luck