Sony ICF-CD814 AM/FM Stereo Clock Radio with CD Player, White

 (4 customer reviews)

I did a fair amount of research both online and in local stores to find the best CD alarm clock for my money. Most of them seemed either way to expensive or cheaply made. As soon as I saw and tested out this unit, however, I knew it was a winner. Now after having purchased it and used it for a week or two I'm really very satisfied. This unit is built to last and has surprisingly "big" sound for its size. The CD player doesn't hum or whir loudly, the display is nice and big and the features are pretty easy to use.

A couple features that I don't think you'll find out about by reading the spec. chart are as follows:

-You can set both of the alarms to CD (which many other models boasting dual alarms won't allow) and even to the same track. The second alarm just overrides the first if it's still going.

-Buzzer alarm doesn't get progessively louder but does get progressively faster, which is nice.

-Snooze button works in 10 min. increments...Read more

I'm somewhat disappointed with Sony on this one.

CONS: The volume dial is inconveniently located on the right side, low towards the back. The AM/FM analog tuner is a dial with numbers on it. No battery back up. My unit has a slight hum at all times -- don't know if that's typical, or if mine is just defective. Sound is just OK, not great. Not as compact as description would lead you to believe (still pretty large footprint).

PROS: The clock display is large, with 3 brightness settings. Has Line-In for MP3 players.

Overall, it's just OK. I guess I shouldn't have expected too much for about $40.

I bought this during the mad Xmas rush to keep @ my desk @work. It's small enough to fit in the corner of my work cubicle.

Actually, my rating would be a 3.5

Cons: The volume control is inconveniently located in the right hand rear corner. if you keep it at the same volume,it's ok, you don't have to hassle with reaching to the back.

Pros: a plus, the inline MP3 player connection, conveniently located in front. the large numbers for the clock; the CD loading is conveniently located at the top of the unit; the inline is very easy to use and connects instantly at the touch of a button. the top is black, so smudges, ink from your pen or oil from your fingers don't show up as easily as on white.

For the $35 I paid at the register, it's OK for the money.