Pure vs Sony Bookshelf Speakers

Pure and Sony are very different choices. Pure makes stylish all-in-one radio and CD systems, including the CLASSIC-CD6 DAB+/FM CD radio at £168 in black or £179 in white and the CLASSIC-ST at £349 in white or £469 in coffee black. Sony is built around home cinema and vinyl, with the SASW7 wireless subwoofer at £249, the SARS8.CEJ rear speakers at £449, the PSLX3BT full automatic turntable at £299 and the PSLX5BT at £399.

Pure's technology is about radio and streaming. The CLASSIC-ST combines internet and DAB+/FM radio, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth 5.2 and a CD player in a retro-styled unit, while the CLASSIC-CD6 offers DAB+, FM, CD and Bluetooth in a compact body with walnut or oak accents. Sony's kit is wireless and modular. The SASW7 is a 100W subwoofer, the SARS8.CEJ supports IMAX Enhanced sound for surround, and the PSLX5BT adds Bluetooth vinyl playback. Sony's products need a compatible Sony system, while Pure's stand alone.

Pure suits radio-first listeners who want a stylish system for a kitchen, bedroom or living room, and anyone who wants CD and radio without extra boxes. Sony suits households with a BRAVIA soundbar who want deeper bass, surround sound or a Bluetooth turntable for vinyl. Pure has no multi-room support, so whole-home streaming is not its strength. The choice comes down to whether you want a self-contained system or an add-on to Sony kit you already own. Anyone who already owns a BRAVIA soundbar should look at Sony for the surround and bass options, while a buyer starting from scratch will find Pure's all-in-one units simpler to set up.

Bottom line: choose Pure if you want a stylish all-in-one with DAB+, CD and Spotify Connect from £168; choose Sony if you already own BRAVIA kit and want wireless bass, rear speakers or a Bluetooth turntable.