In our home, the living room had become an unintentional museum of audio evolution. A dusty collection of CDs sat beside a forgotten player, a sleek but lonely Bluetooth speaker occupied a corner, and our smartphones, the modern-day jukeboxes, were constantly being paired, unpaired, and charged. The sound was fragmented, the setup was cluttered, and the experience felt disjointed. We longed for a return to simplicity—a single, elegant device that could honour our physical media collection, embrace the infinite world of digital streaming, and deliver a sound that truly filled the room with warmth and clarity. The problem wasn’t a lack of music; it was a lack of a cohesive, high-quality hub to bring it all together. This search for an all-in-one audio solution that refused to compromise on sound, design, or functionality is what led us directly to the doorstep of German audio-visual titan, LOEWE, and their compelling proposition: the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player.
What to Consider Before Buying an All-in-One Internet Radio
An Internet Radio system is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for consolidating your entire audio life into one sophisticated unit. It solves the modern dilemma of having countless music sources but no single, high-fidelity way to enjoy them all. The main benefits are immense: decluttering your space by replacing multiple devices, accessing a near-limitless library of global radio stations and podcasts, streaming from services like Spotify and Deezer, and breathing new life into a cherished CD collection. It’s about unifying nostalgia with cutting-edge convenience, all while delivering a superior audio experience that a simple Bluetooth speaker can’t match.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who appreciates both heritage and modernity. They likely have a curated collection of CDs they’re not ready to part with, but also subscribe to a streaming service for discovery. They value premium design and build quality, seeing their audio system as a piece of furniture that should enhance their living space. They desire powerful, room-filling sound without the complexity of a multi-component Hi-Fi system. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who are purely digital streamers and have no physical media, as the CD player would be redundant. It’s also likely overkill for someone who just needs a basic portable speaker for casual listening. For those users, a simpler, more compact Bluetooth speaker might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: At 46 cm wide and 16 cm deep, the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player is a substantial unit designed to be a centrepiece on a console, bookshelf, or sideboard. Before purchasing, measure your intended space to ensure a perfect fit, leaving some room around it for ventilation and cable management. Its slim but wide profile makes a distinct design statement, so consider how its presence will complement your room’s aesthetic.
- Capacity/Performance: The headline figure here is the 120 watts of total music power. This metric indicates the system’s ability to fill a medium to large-sized room with rich, dynamic sound without distortion at higher volumes. Look beyond the watts and consider the speaker configuration—in this case, a stereo setup with a bass reflex tube, designed for enhanced low-end frequency response. This combination promises a full-bodied sound profile that many smaller, less powerful units simply cannot achieve.
- Materials & Durability: The enclosure is crafted from brushed aluminium, a hallmark of premium electronics. This not only gives the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player a luxurious, tactile feel but also contributes to its acoustic properties and long-term durability, resisting vibrations and wear far better than the plastic found on many competitors. The Basalt Grey finish is sophisticated and designed to resist fingerprints, ensuring it maintains its minimalist appeal over time.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: While packed with features, a good system must be intuitive. The Klang S3 combines a clear 3.2-inch colour display with a prominent, illuminated rotary control and a full-function remote. This focus on tactile controls can be a significant advantage over overly complex app-based or touchscreen interfaces. Maintenance is minimal; a regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth is all that’s needed to keep the aluminium housing looking pristine. You can explore its user-friendly interface and design features here.
Understanding these elements ensures you select a system that not only meets your technical needs but also integrates seamlessly into your lifestyle and home environment.
While the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: A Masterclass in German Engineering
From the moment the courier delivered the box, the experience felt premium. One user noted the discreet, protective packaging, and they were right—the use of craft paper-based foam inserts ensured the unit arrived in flawless condition, a thoughtful touch that speaks to the brand’s attention to detail. Lifting the 4.8 kg unit from its packaging, the first thing we noticed was the cool, solid feel of the brushed aluminium chassis. This is not a lightweight, plastic affair; it feels substantial, dense, and meticulously engineered. The Basalt Grey colour is a deep, sophisticated charcoal that looks even better in person than in photos, subtly shifting in different lighting conditions.
Setting it up was straightforward. The main focal point is the large, illuminated rotary dial, which offers a satisfyingly tactile click with every turn. It feels precise and responsive, a welcome departure from the imprecise buttons on lesser devices. The 3.2-inch colour display is bright, crisp, and easy to read from across the room. We did notice a faint “new electronics” odour upon unboxing, a minor point also mentioned by a user, but this dissipated completely within a day or two. In a market saturated with generic black boxes, the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player immediately distinguishes itself with a design that is both minimalist and commanding—a true piece of modern audio furniture.
What We Like
- Extraordinary 120W sound output that fills the room with rich, detailed audio.
- Highly versatile playback options, including a CD player, DAB+/FM, Internet Radio, and major streaming services.
- Superb German engineering with a premium brushed aluminium housing and tactile controls.
- Large, clear 3.2-inch colour display makes navigation intuitive and pleasant.
Drawbacks
- Lacks a touchscreen, which some users might expect at this price point.
- Bluetooth 4.2 is functional but not the latest standard.
- A faint initial odour upon unboxing, which fades over time.
Performance Under the Microscope: Sound, Sources, and Sophistication
A beautiful design is meaningless if the performance doesn’t match. We spent weeks putting the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player through its paces, testing every source, from decade-old CDs to obscure internet radio stations from halfway across the world. We scrutinised its sound signature with everything from bass-heavy electronic tracks to delicate classical arrangements and dialogue-driven podcasts. The result is a performance that largely lives up to the premium LOEWE name, blending raw power with nuanced control.
A Sonic Powerhouse: Deconstructing the 120W Audio Experience
Let’s talk about the 120 watts. In a compact, all-in-one system, this is a formidable figure, and it translates into an audio experience with remarkable scale and authority. During our testing, we placed the Klang S3 in a large open-plan living area, a space where smaller speakers often sound thin and get lost. The LOEWE filled the room effortlessly. Pushing the volume to 50%, the sound was already robust and immersive; at 70%, it was powerful enough for a lively party, with no hint of strain or distortion. The integrated stereo speakers and bass reflex tube configuration work in perfect harmony. On tracks like Massive Attack’s “Angel,” the low-end frequencies were deep and resonant but also tight and controlled, avoiding the boomy, muddy bass that plagues lesser systems. The bass reflex design allows the speaker to move more air, giving weight and impact to kick drums and basslines without overwhelming the rest of the frequency spectrum.
But power is nothing without clarity. Streaming a high-resolution version of Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue,” the Klang S3 revealed its finesse. The delicate brushstrokes on the snare drum were crisp, the upright bass had a woody, natural texture, and the brass instruments soared with warmth and detail. The stereo separation was impressive for a single-unit device, creating a soundstage that felt wider than the physical dimensions of the speaker. Vocals, whether in music or podcasts, were a particular highlight—rendered with presence and clarity, they felt centred and articulate. This is a system tuned for musicality, not just brute force, a quality that makes it a joy to listen to for hours on end. The powerful and balanced sound is its greatest asset.
The Ultimate Source Juggernaut: From CD Nostalgia to Infinite Streaming
The true genius of the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player lies in its seamless unification of audio formats old and new. For many of us, the CD player is the star attraction. There’s a certain ritual and permanence to physical media that streaming can’t replicate. We loaded up an old, well-loved copy of Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” and the slot-loading mechanism accepted the disc smoothly and quietly. The playback was flawless, reminding us of the uncompressed, robust sound quality of the format. As one user aptly noted, it’s perfect for things like “children’s nursery rhymes,” providing a simple, screen-free way for the whole family to enjoy music—a feature that feels more valuable than ever in our screen-saturated world.
Switching sources is effortless using the remote or the main dial. The Wi-Fi setup was quick, and once connected, a universe of audio opened up. We navigated to BBC Radio 6 Music via DAB+ and the signal was locked in, crystal clear, and stable. Venturing into the Internet Radio menu, we were presented with a staggering list of over 25,000 stations, easily searchable by genre or location. Within minutes, we were listening to a jazz station broadcasting from New Orleans, the sound quality excellent. Integrating streaming services was just as simple. Logging into our Spotify account allowed us to use Spotify Connect, controlling playback from our phone while the Klang S3 did all the heavy lifting, ensuring no interruptions from calls or notifications. Support for Amazon Music and Deezer is also built-in, covering the major platforms. This unparalleled source versatility makes it a true audio hub for the entire household.
Design and Usability: A Tactile Triumph in a Touchscreen World
In an age where touchscreens are ubiquitous, LOEWE made a bold, deliberate choice with the Klang S3’s interface. As one user admitted, they were initially “fooled into thinking” it had a touchscreen, but quickly came to appreciate the alternative. We share this sentiment entirely. The lack of a touchscreen is not a flaw; it’s a feature. The primary point of interaction is the large, weighted, and beautifully illuminated rotary dial. Spinning it to scroll through menus and pressing it to select provides a positive, tactile feedback that is immensely satisfying. It feels deliberate and precise, a world away from the often-finicky nature of small touch displays.
This physical interface is complemented by the crisp 3.2-inch colour screen. It’s not for control but for information, clearly displaying album art, station information, and menu options. It’s bright enough to be read from across the room, which is crucial when you’re using the excellent, full-featured remote control. The remote, as the user highlighted, is “complete and makes this radio speaker easy to handle.” Every function is accessible without needing to get off the sofa. This combination of a primary physical dial, a clear display, and a comprehensive remote creates a user experience that is intuitive, relaxing, and refreshingly direct. The build quality reinforces this premium experience at every touchpoint, from the smooth aluminium casing to the precise action of the buttons. It’s a device that feels as good to use as it sounds.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly echoed in the feedback from other owners. One particularly insightful review, originally in French, provides a perfect snapshot of the user experience. The buyer specifically chose the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player for its integrated CD player, finding it “very pleasant for children’s nursery rhymes.” This highlights the appeal of physical media in a family setting, offering a simple, tactile way to play music without resorting to a phone or tablet.
Interestingly, this same user initially thought the device had a touchscreen and felt “fooled.” However, this initial disappointment quickly turned into appreciation. They found the “complete” remote control made the system incredibly easy to use and ultimately preferred the physical controls over another screen. This is a crucial point for potential buyers: the Klang S3 champions a more traditional, tactile user experience. The only negative point raised was a “smell which took a while to go away,” confirming our own unboxing experience with the temporary scent of new materials. Ultimately, they “highly recommend” the product, also praising the high-quality, protective packaging that ensured it arrived in perfect condition.
How Does the LOEWE. Klang S3 Stack Up Against the Competition?
The LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player operates in a competitive space, but its focus on premium build and powerful audio sets it apart. While it commands a higher price, the value is evident in its German engineering and sonic performance. However, several compelling alternatives cater to different priorities and budgets.
1. Imperial Dabman i200 Internet DAB+ CD Radio
The Imperial Dabman i200 offers a more traditional, classic aesthetic with its wood-effect finish, which may appeal to those with more conventional decor. It shares many core features with the LOEWE, including internet/DAB+/FM radio, a CD player, and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, its audio output is significantly lower, and it lacks the sheer power and sonic fidelity of the 120W LOEWE system. While a capable and well-regarded unit, the Dabman i200 is geared more towards users seeking solid functionality in a classic package, whereas the LOEWE is aimed at those prioritising minimalist design and high-performance, room-filling sound.
2. Hama 00054891 Internet DAB+ Radio Bluetooth USB
Hama’s digital radio is a strong contender in the mid-range, offering a comprehensive feature set including Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and a CD player in a very compact form factor. Its 40W power output is respectable for its size, suitable for kitchens or bedrooms, but it cannot compete with the expansive soundstage of the LOEWE. Klang S3. The Hama’s design is more utilitarian and plastic-based compared to the premium aluminium of the LOEWE. This is a great choice for users who need a feature-packed, compact system and for whom budget is a more significant consideration than ultimate audio quality or luxurious materials.
3. MAJORITY Quadriga DAB+ CD Internet Radio Bluetooth
The MAJORITY Quadriga is perhaps the closest competitor in terms of raw power, also boasting a 120W output. Its key differentiator is the 2.1 stereo system, which includes a dedicated, inbuilt subwoofer for enhanced bass performance. This might appeal to fans of bass-heavy genres like electronic music or hip-hop. However, the LOEWE’s design is arguably more refined and minimalist, using premium materials like aluminium versus the Quadriga’s wood and fabric finish. The choice between them comes down to aesthetic preference and audio signature: the Quadriga’s subwoofer-driven bass versus the LOEWE’s powerful but potentially more balanced full-range stereo sound. After considering the alternatives, many will find the LOEWE’s blend of power and elegance to be the most compelling premium option.
Final Verdict: Is the LOEWE. Klang S3 the All-in-One Audio System for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the LOEWE. Klang S3 Smart Internet Radio CD Player is a triumph of design and engineering. It successfully solves the problem of modern audio clutter by merging every conceivable source—from CDs and DAB radio to Spotify and global internet stations—into one stunningly beautiful and sonically powerful unit. Its 120W output delivers a sound that is rich, dynamic, and fills a room with an authority that belies its slim profile. The premium aluminium construction and tactile controls offer a user experience that is both luxurious and refreshingly straightforward.
It’s not for everyone. Those who live exclusively in the world of Bluetooth streaming or demand a touchscreen interface may look elsewhere. But for the discerning listener who values superior build quality, exceptional sound, and the versatility to enjoy a cherished CD collection alongside limitless digital content, the Klang S3 is a phenomenal choice. It is an investment in quality, a centrepiece for your living space, and a gateway to a world of audio, delivered with sophistication and power. If you’re ready to declutter your audio life and elevate your listening experience, we wholeheartedly recommend it.