I want a alarm clock to wake I up with something other than beep or a radio . I try the Sony ICFC707 clock radio which have more sophisticated programming than this clock . but the Sony have only 5 sound , all of which be too innocuous to penetrate my sleep mind . this clock 's designer include some sound for people like I who want a soothing sound to wake they up -lrb- I use the wind chime setting -rrb- . all in all , I miss the Sony 's programming , which include the 5 day programming . also with the Sony , you can choose different sound and volume level for each alarm and sleep function . this clock , as far as I know , have the same volume across the board . also , like other reviewer say , the increment between the volume setting -lrb- from vol 1 to vol level 2 -rrb- be just too wide . some of the sound be pretty hard to distinguish from each other , -lrb- ebb tide , oceanside & surf up , for example -rrb- so I be a bit unsure why they even bother to include they separately . the wind chime loop seem very short ; for wake up , it be just fine , for go to sleep , it might drive some people batty . pro : pleasant sound to wake up to which you can control the volume level con : somewhat unsophisticated programming -- one volume for all , no 5\/2 day alarm choice