the Sharper image sound Soother have a very sleek and modern design , however , there be a few flaw that detract from the overall experience . first , the digital display be very bright in a dark bedroom . unlike a regular , cheap alarm clock where only the time be light , the entire display of the sound soother be backlit . if you bedroom have little ambient light at night , this display will emit a glow that some people may find too bright . although there be three display brightness setting , there be little difference between they and the lowest setting be still bright . we have to turn the clock away from the bed at night so it be not directly in we face , but the glow be still significant . second , the sound quality could be better . this could be a tradeoff for the sleek design , but the sound be not very natural come out of the small rear speaker and be a bit tinny as another reviewer have note . the volume control be not very good either , as the difference between the first , second , third , etc. volume selection be very noticeable . in other word , 1 be too soft for some sound , but 2 be way too loud . the audio loop on some of the sound be too short as well , and if you be concentrate on the sound you may be able to detect the pattern , which can be distract as you be try to fall asleep . also , the control button themselves make a very loud and abrasive `` click '' sound when you push they , which seem odd for a machine design to relax you . overall , the Sound Soother be a decent alarm clock that get the job do , but it could definitely be improve -lrb- display too bright , audio quality be lack , and button take away from the overall experience -rrb- . although it be make by Sharper image , it have a somewhat `` cheap '' feeling to it . despite the flaw , it be one of the better sound machine\/alarm clock I come across that be less than $ 50 .