Sony ICF-CD2000

Originally I purchased another version of this item from Sharper Image corresponding to the ICF-CD1000 which I returned due to poor sound, superfluous "nature sounds" feature, poor analog tuning, and poor CD performance.

I then ordered this model (ICF-CD2000) after waiting seemingly forever for it to become available. It was worth the wait!

I needed a replacement for my old RadioShack clock radio and I also wanted to kill 2 birds with one stone and get a CD player with it. This is all that!

The speakers give remarkably good sound quality for their size (around 1.5" diameter each). They are in the lid and face right at you. The stereo effect is pretty good even though they are not separated by much space. They are behind a nice perforated metal grille which gives no vibration at all. The clear sound is audible at higher volume across a large room without breaking up.

The clock is easy to set. There is an up and down button for all functions which avoids going all the way around. One button switches from daylight savings to standard time. Setting the alarm is a snap. You can wake to a buzzer, CD (you can even pick the track), or radio (you can set the station).

The volume control is analog (wheel on right edge) and is nice and convenient for portable use. There is bass boost which also works with the speakers. The radio is digitally tuned and there are 5 presets for AM and 10 presets for FM. The telescoping antenna parks nicely when not in use. The cover closes with a latch. The CD space has a separate cover with latch and is easy to use. There is a switch to keep all settings secure.

This unit comes with an AC adapter and headphones. It runs on 4 AA batteries seemingly forever. There is a backup battery in a clever space on the edge of the clamshell cover for the clock and alarm.

The backlight activates with the convenient and large snooze button when using battery power; sadly, the backlight stays on continuously on AC power and is quite bright (I need to close the clamshell to sleep when it is plugged in...wishing for a switch for this feature).

I wish they had put an external antenna connector on this unit for fringe reception. It skips quite easily when not using the very effective anti-shock feature.

The box had a mail-in coupon on it for a free portable case from Sony which came after a very long wait. It was worth it...the case is nice simulated leather which fits the player like a glove and has a pocket for some CDs or the headphones too finished with an adjustable shoulder strap.

Despite the minor annoyance of the backlight, this is a really great item, beautiful to see and use, light and functional in almost every way.