The best compact hi-fi clock radio

If you're looking for a tabletop radio with classic looks, impressive balanced sound, but also want modern features like a remote, auxiliary input and clock radio, look no further than the Sangean WR-2.

Originally all I wanted was a way to amplify my iPod in my bedroom and something that would function as a clock radio, so I bought the iHome IH5 clock radio, because it seemed like the perfect solution to my needs. It is a very nice product, but the tuner couldn't pick up my favorite station WHYY 91 FM (NPR). Living in Center City Philadelphia, 91 FM is a hard station to get clearly. I realized I needed something that had a hifi quality tuner.

In the end I found 3 hifi radios that met my needs for under $200. The Tivoli Audio Model 3 ($199), The Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 730 ($199) and the Sangean WR-2 ($169). I preferred the classic looks and compact size of the Tivoli and Sangean, so I ruled out the Cambridge.

I bought both the Sangean and Tivoli and in the end the Sangean won for me. The Sangean pulled stations (both AM and FM) better than the Tivoli and had more power. The Sangean also features station presets, a remote and a backlit diplay, things that the Tivoli lacked.

The Tivoli is the better choice for someone who is technophobic as it's designed to be really intuitive to use. But in making it so simple to use, it's also missing features that I wouldn't want to live without. For me the Sangean is the clear winner, but I may find still keep the Tivoli for another room.