Ok, I confess. I am a radioholic. I used to design commercial radios for a living. I am now a patent attorney who spends long hours in his office alone, pushing paper, with the radio playing in the background all day long. So I am not your typical radio customer.

Last year, I tired of the cheesy boombox in my office, and wanted something better. Better looking. Better sounding. A former co-worker had a Bose wave radio, and it was very nice. I have Bose speakers in my home theater, and both of my vehicles have 8 speaker Bose systems, so I clearly have nothing against Bose. But when I read that Henry Kloss had designed a radio called the Model 88, I was intrigued. After reading all the reviews, I dropped the hint to my wife, who purchased the Model 88 for me last June.

From the day I opened the box until today - seven months later - I have been thrilled with this radio. I like the classy slate-gray metallic case. The Bose-style credit card remote is cool. The reception is good for a desktop radio (I use a Silver Ribbon Antenna), although of course not up to my reference Denon tuner at home. But the best thing is the sound quality. Rich, deep bass. Clear highs. A joy.

To paraphrase Lloyd Bentson: I know the Model 88. The Model 88 is my friend. The Bose Wave Radio is no Model 88. Even if they cost the same, I would easily prefer the Model 88. When you consider that my wife paid $150 for the Model 88, about half what the Bose costs, it is no contest.

The Cambridge Soundworks Model 88 is "Simply the Best."

Recommended: Yes