Table Radios: Reviews

Reviews say the Cambridge SoundWorks CD 745i is the best high-quality radio/CD player. The Wall Street Journal awards the previous version of this table radio (the 745i adds an iPod dock, but is otherwise the same) its… highest rating among five table radios tested, saying the subwoofer creates the most satisfying and best low-register sound. The Cambridge radio plays CDs and MP3s, has a remote control and costs $150 less than the Bose Wave Music System (*est. $500) and Boston Acoustics MicroSystem CD (*est. $500), which have similar features. The Cambridge table radio includes a digital clock with dual alarms.

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Reviews say that this is the most feature-packed table radio in its price class. Along with a CD player, remote control and Bluetooth capability is a built-in iPod dock. Although its sound quality doesn't hold up as well… as higher-priced competitors at louder volume levels, reviewers say the iLuv i199 is the best value in its price range. Experts say the iLuv is meant for smaller rooms, and many miss controls for treble and bass. Though a good value, it lacks the sonic depth of higher end table radio.

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Price is the only major flaw noted in reviews of the Polk Audio I-Sonic table radio. This unit has four speakers -- two of which fire from the rear to bounce sound off walls and give rooms great sonic depth. Sound quality… is often described as spectacular. Along with CD playback, the Polk radio includes HD and XM satellite radio compatibility and a DVD player (when hooked up to a TV). An iPod dock is available as an accessory. Although we found excellent professional reviews for this model, we found some user reviews that complain about durability (some received bad units).

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If you are looking for excellent sound quality but have no use for a CD player, the Model Two is an excellent choice, say reviewers. Henry Kloss, the brain behind Cambridge SoundWorks, developed the even smaller and… well-received mono-only Tivoli Audio Model One radio, which is now available in stereo versions as the Model Two and Model Three (with analog alarm clock). It lacks some features boasted by other radios, such as a remote control or digital tuning, but reviewers are amazed at the rich, full sound produced by the Tivoli radio, which fits easily on a nightstand.

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