Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 735i (black)

Pros: Sound depth, charges my iPod, remote controls the iPod too.

Cons: Need to buy one for every room in the house.

Summary: The CNet review took issue with the lack of HD/Sat radio/CD capabilities of this radio... but if you want those things, you just have to buy a different model (seems kind of unfair to bring that up as a con, when Cambridge SoundWorks has put out multiple models to keep the price low for people who don't need all of that).

This is the second of these radios I have purchased, the first (an older model) does not have the iPod dock. I have listened to this radio in a head-to-head comparo with a Bose radio (that looks about the same, did exactly the same things, and cost more than TWICE what the Cambridge product cost) and the Cambridge radio absolutely held its own.

I would classify the sound as "different" from the Bose, but I would be unable to say whether it was better or worse. I don't have "golden ears" so perhaps someone with that particular blessing can chime in. I do, however, have extensive music experience (symphony/orchestra etc) so I feel justified in stating that the depth of sound and quality of the different ranges is exceptional.

For those who complain and recite the "No highs, no lows, must be Bose" mantra (which I don't actually agree with), and who do not like Bose products, you probably aren't going to like the Cambridge radio sound either.

For the best price, I did a google product search and found that Creative Labs was selling this radio for $179 (it was $199 at the Cambridge web site). So I called Cambridge to see if they would price-match. They did, plus I got free shipping. Tax and out the door for $196.

The radio controls (which the CNet review complains that they are all similar-looking) are all quite intuitive and easy to navigate. I like that the power/volume button is integrated to also command almost everything else too. The other buttons control radio pre-sets, and some tuning buttons. Once you get it set up, you rarely use any of the buttons other than radio pre-sets and I don't use them at all (I use the credit-card sized remote).

I don't have anything bad to say about this radio. With all the quality, and less than half the price of its biggest competitor (Bose)... I've liked enough to buy the Cambridge tabletop radio... TWICE!