Radios Without CD

Table radios without CD players

If you don't need to play CDs, reviews say the Tivoli Audio Model Two (*Est. $200) produces great sound and is a good option. The Model Two, designed by Cambridge SoundWorks' Henry Kloss, is smaller than either the Bose or Cambridge radios. It's only 8" x 4.5" x 5", yet a review at Geek.com says it has "the best sound you'll find short of a full-blown stereo." The Model Two is the stereo version of the Model One (*Est. $100), and it uses the same GaAs MES-FET tuner technology, which is supposed to cut down on noise and capture signals from weaker-signaled stations. The Model Two can be matched with the Model CD (*Est. $200) and/or Model Subwoofer (*Est. $80). If you prefer your CD player, radio and subwoofer in one unit, then you're better off going with the Cambridge SoundWorks above. Still, the Model Two is a clear favorite in reviews.

The latest in the Tivoli Audio Model series is the Model Three (*Est. $200). The Model Three is identical in price, and it shares the same features and basic design as the Model Two, with the addition of an illuminated analog clock face which sits in the space formerly occupied by the main speaker. The speaker now sits on top of the case. The clock has a snooze button, as well as a 20-minute sleep timer -- and you can choose to wake up to an alarm or music.

Although reviews say the Tivoli Audio Model Three sounds just as great as the other Tivoli radios, we found a lot of complaints about the clock radio functionality of the Model Three. The snooze button is awkward. If you don't hit the snooze button within two minutes, for example, the snooze button simply turns the radio off -- so you have to decide pretty quickly whether you want the alarm to wake you again after you hit the snooze button. The clock needs a single AA battery -- oddly, it doesn't run off the AC power that fuels the radio. Although the analog clock looks nicer than a digital clock, it isn't as accurate and needs occasional resetting with an awkward control wheel. Many people say they got used the Model Three's somewhat quirky clock, but others say it's a small blemish on an otherwise excellent radio.

The Boston Acoustics Recepter Radio (*Est. $110) is less expensive with fewer features, but editors at Sound & Vision Magazine says the sound quality is "rich and clear." Editors don't compare this model to the Tivoli Audio table radio, however. We also found one recommendation for the Sangean WR-1 AM/FM radio (*Est. $100), which is comparable with the Boston Acoustics Receptor Radio in sound testing and has similar features, except the Sangean doesn't have an alarm clock.

Although products such as the Cambridge SoundWorks CD 745i and Bose Wave Music System are considered to be high-end systems, reviews say that for $100 more than the Bose table radio, the Polk Audio I-Sonic (*Est. $600) holds the mantle of "best in class." In CNet.com's product roundup, the Polk Audio I-Sonic scores a higher rating than any of its competitors. Positives include the most robust feature set of any table radio on the market. Along with the Polk's high price tag, you get the ability to tune into both HD (discussed in detail below) and XM satellite radio, DVD video playback (when hooked up to a television), and the standard features of the other top rated models on the market. An iPod dock is an accessory.

Sound quality is described by critics as exceptional. Bass, midrange and treble frequencies are all perfectly balanced which allows for all styles of music and talk radio to sound equally great. Darryl Wilkinson of Home Theater Magazine says that the I-Sonic excels at using "a minimum of physical space to produce a maximum of perceived acoustical listening space." In addition to the standard two front-firing speakers is a pair of rear-firing ones. This creates a stereo sound field both in front of and behind the unit, giving it the ability to sound a lot larger than it actually is.

Even though the Polk I-Sonic handles most table radio tasks masterfully, the DVD player is described as an afterthought. Reviewers still appreciate its inclusion though, stating that it rounds out the system quite nicely. Reception could be a little better as well, as some tests say the Bose pulls in a stronger FM signal. High price aside, experts say the Polk is the best all around table radio on the market.