I have always be a huge fan of product make by Sharper image because of they product ' high quality and sleek look . before purchase this clock , I read the review both on amazon.com and on the Sharper image website . base on the review , I be optimistic and willing to forgive the clock 's few design flaw that other note . I think that perhaps the critic be be , well , too critical . however , after use this clock every night for 2 month , it be clear this sound soother\/alarm clock definitely fall short for 3 reason : -lrb- 1 -rrb- the clock look great online and on the packaging , but , in person , it actually look and feel cheap . I would totally be willing to overlook the cheapness if not for the next 2 reason . -lrb- 2 -rrb- I can not believe this clock do not have a `` off '' switch for the backlight . the backlight -- even on the lowest setting -- be so bright that we have to put a towel over the clock to keep the room dark . the difference between the hi\/med\/lo setting be also totally minimal , which actually make no difference to I because I just want it off . I have buy $ 10 digital clock at target that be better design than this -- and actually have a on\/off backlight option . -lrb- 3 -rrb- the volume on this clock be unbelievably horrible . the lowest setting , level 1 , be LOUD . then , level 2 jump up like 50 notch to beyond loud . level 3 and above be simply obnoxious -- I can not believe anyone can actually sleep with so much noise . even level 2 be definitely not soothing , it be grate , and after a few minute begin to hurt we ear . we actually have to put the clock in the closet and leave the closet door slightly ajar just to find a volume level between 1 and 2 that be a happy medium . the entire process of go to bed each night have get a little ridiculous , have to put the sound soother in a closet to find a please volume , then cover it up so the light do not leak through . I try to focus on the clock 's positive , though , which include have a bunch of sound to choose from in the first place . -lrb- although , let 's face it , people generally gravitate toward a few similar sound , and for we that be the most benign sound of `` white noise '' and one of the babble brook or rain setting . -rrb- also , I do not hear `` break '' in the sound soother , nor restart to the sound loop , as I have read in reviews\/complaints of other sound soother product feature on amazon.com . so those be a few positive with this product . but I expect more from sharper image . we still have a awesome Sharper image sound soother\/alarm clock\/cd player from about 6-8 -lrb- ? -rrb- year ago . that clock be high quality , well make , and the sound quality\/volume be absolutely fabulous . after all this time , it still work , no problem . we have it in we 3-year-old 's room , and it be be great : a button for the backlight , volume range from super soft to super loud and everything in between , and excellent variety of sound . I wish I have a second one ! so , I be hope to receive the same performance from this product . instead , I 'll just have to store it away in the closet -lrb- craigslist ? -rrb- and continue my search .