Compact, well made, smooth, enjoyable sound, cool little remote

Remote lacks a "mute" button

This is a real buy and a worthy contender as the centerpiece of a small, second system. It has two sets of additiona line level inputs for plugging in a CDP, tape deck, or what have you. I haven't had mine long, but I am already enjoying FM radio again--something I haven't done for a long time. Because it is a Henry Kloss design, it has a quality-for-the money-but-not-to-wretched-excess look and feel to it.

Similar Products Used:

None

Sound quality, tuner quality (FM and AM), build quality

Ergonomics, no built-in clock

Great sound for a table radio. Balanced, smooth highs and mids, prominent upper bass that can be tamed with the woofer level control. Excellent FM tuner - very good sensitivity. Surprisingly good AM tuner (very good selectivity - I live outside Boston, and KDKA in Pittsburgh at 1020 comes in clearly right next to Boston's 50kwatt station WBZ at 1030). Inputs for CD and aux are very convenient.

Ergonomics okay - I have figured out the button layout, but would prefer knobs for tuning and volume (as with Tivoli Model One). The display is very easy to read. I like the way the unit turns on and gradually increases the volume to the last setting (slick).

Build quality seems very good (made in China).

Current store price is $150. Worth the extra $50 over the Tivoli (unless you need small - the Tivoli sounds good in a very compact package, but it has issues of its own). The 88 blows the Bose away in terms of sound, build quality and value. (Not looks - if you want pretty, look elsewhere.)

Similar Products Used:

Tivoli Model One, Bose Wave Radio

Great sound at a good price

Doesn't say "Bose" on the front

For a tabletop radio, I don't think you could ask for better sound. Has an adjustable subwoofer, which is a nice touch. FM tuner is outstanding, AM is dismal.

Great adjustable bass, Good looks, Great for office.

Remote weak, button placement not quite thought out. Larger than the Bose.

I bought the Bose system first as I really wanted some good sound for my bedroom and I didn't want the clutter of a stereo system and a clock radio jumbled together. Even so it took a few years before I could talk myself into spending the 400 or so bucks for a factory-reconditioned system. I really liked it until I bought the Model 88 for my office. I really wished I had researched more and bought the KLH first, I'll admit I went for the Bose hype of the system and I have to admit it does look better than the Model 88 and the clock has more options but the sound of the Bose pales in comparison to the Model 88. I'd recommend this over the Bose without question.

Similar Products Used:

Bose Wave radio/CD