Table Radio Review

Introduction to Table Radios

Bose and Cambridge have had a longstanding showdown when it comes to the high-end table radios you see advertised in magazines. Marketed to audio connoisseurs, these models claim to deliver the best radio sound available. Do they succeed? And are they worth their high price tags compared to clock radios? Dependable reviews by CNet.com, The Wall Street Journal and Consumer Reports compare Bose, Cambridge and their other competitors, focusing on sound quality, radio reception, features and ease-of-use.

Reviews certainly agree that both Bose and Cambridge make consistently excellent products. One model, however, doesn't seem to compete in the same league. The Sharper Image Slim 1 CD player (now called the Blue Night CD Stereo, *est. $100) is included in a roundup of five radios in The Wall Street Journal, coming in decidedly last. This broad, flat, upright panel includes detachable speakers, a CD player and a radio/clock dial, but reviewers say the design looks gimmicky, and the sound lacks the crispness and strength of other table radios. Sharper Image reportedly said their powered subwoofer (*est. $100, but $70 if purchased with the radio) improves the sound. Granted, this model is cheaper than either the Bose or Cambridge radios, but its sound quality doesn't compete.

An even less expensive table radio is sold by Target, the Emerson Simplicity (*est. $30). One user compares the Emerson to the Tivoli Audio Model Two, noting that it "does not compete" in sound, tuning and finish; however, this user says for the price, it's "a classy looking unit that does perform nicely." If you want just a simple radio for your work desk, the Emerson might be worth consideration. Physically, the Emerson is a near-clone of the Tivoli Audio Model Two.