For those of you who remember crystal radios, consoles, early clock radios, transistor radios, etc. this radio is quite an improvement in term of sound quality, lack of hum or distortion, etc. The clock is an added bonus as is the battery addition for picnics, etc., the spot for a headphone or auxiliary input [devices not included]. The AM sound quality is not as clear as the FM [which is very clear and smooth] - however this suits those of us who want to read a book, do housework, or just tune out the TV.