I haven't bought a stereo system in 15 years, so I decided it was time to get another stereo. I wanted a stereo that was small enough to be place on my dresser without taking too much space. I also wanted a stereo that I could play in the living room when I entertain without having a lot of wires to deal with when carrying from the bedroom to the living room. I needed a stereo that had incredible sound for my wide range of music interest. I enjoy all types of music: Rock, Punk, Classical, Opera, Arabic, Heavy Metal and also Atonal music; I wanted a system that could also give rich full tones. I also needed a stereo that would enable me to hook up Apple's Ipod. After listening to over 50 different stereo systems including Bang and olufsen products, the Bose Wave Radio/CD clock Radio beat them all in sound, richness and fullness. The sound is unbelievable. The Bose Wave system with my IPOD enables me to connect my IPOD and I can play all my tunes, plus listen to audio books. I enjoy listening to stories before going to bed. Right now, I'm listening to James Earl Jones Reads the Bible . The sound is out of this world. The system is totally worth the price. I am just disappointed that it took me so long to make a change. The technology has to be heard to appreciate just how beautiful music and voice can be. Go out to your local Bose dealer and listen to the sound for yourself. Bose's acoustic wave system is amazing.