I bought the JBL Harmony because I was tired of my old clock radio. I was not expecting it to sound like my rack system, and it does not. But it does have a high quality sound with good bass (down to 60 Hz), similar to a good pair computer speakers with a subwoofer, though with less stereo separation due to its one-piece design. It has a rich sound for its size, and it's solidly built with well thought out basic and alarm functions. I've been waking up to it every morning. You could get a more powerful minisystem with a CD changer, cassette, equalizer, and separable speakers for the same amount of money (I actually paid only $289 for my JBL over the internet), if that's what you're looking for. But if you already have a full-sized system and/or want something compact and well-constructed with good quality sound and innovative technology, then this may be what you're looking for.

I've had my JBL Harmony for about 2 months now. When I was looking for a system ,the primary function I wanted was as a quality sounding CD based system to wake me up in the morning. Regular music listening was of secondary importance since I already have a component system in my bedroom.
The only other system I looked at was the JVC F-5000 mini system. I chose the JBL because the bass was much better,the sound quality was more natural (less thump and tizzle), The JBL's 1 piece design is much more convenient, and the it's $50 cheaper ($250 at J&R)than the JVC.

As a system to wake me up in the morning and as an occasional music system I'm very happy with the Harmony.
On the plus side:
(1) the bass is very good, much better than comparably priced systems.
(2) the tonal quality also is very good compared to the competition at this price
(3) The design of the system is just beautiful
(4) because it's a 1 piece design it's very convenient and easy to use.

On the downside:
(1) because of the fixed speakers there's practically no stereo image, the sound just emanates from one space
(2) there are no tone controls whatsoever so it's impossible to tailor the sound the way you like it
(3) at this price at least a 3 cd changer would be nice.

Overall I'd say the JBL Harmony is excellent as a high quality CD clock radio but flawed as a stereo music system. I'd give it 4 stars as a clock radio and 2 stars as a primary music system.

Compared to the Bose and Cambridge Soundworks clock radios it more than holds it's own and with the Bose at $500 and the CSW at $200 without CD, the JBL is a better value. But as a primary music system in a room, I would not choose the Harmony. The lack of a stereo image from the fixed speakers and lack of tone controls would kill it for me. I would spend more and get the JVC F series or a Denon minisystem and add a small subwoofer. I think for the vast majority of people out there, however, who really don't know or care that much about stereo imaging and tonal balance, the JBL's flaws would be acceptable and the Harmony would be a fine all around music choice for them. But for us audio enthusiasts, in a role as the primary music system in a room, the Harmony's flaws are it's downfall.

nice remote, few wires, nice separate wake-up

no tone control, clock invisible

Another Ubid buyer, it came missing the 'quality' fm antenna. I like the little remote, which takes some getting used to. I like that I can wake to music, then have the alarm buzz in 15 minutes later. Nice appearance.

I do not like that the display is invisible unless directly in front from less than 5 feet away. The controls are not instinctual. No way to adjust tone.

Sound quality is much better than a standard clock-radio.

Overall NOT worth more than $150, so I'll end up overpaying.

I bought one of these about four months ago for my bedroom/office. I'd rate it good. It's solidly built and ergonomically friendly to use.
As a music source, it's good but not as good as other mini-systems I've heard. I chose the JBL for its one piece, low-key space-efficient design.

As a clock, the display is back lit 1/2 inch LCD digits, which means you can't
read the time from across the room.

It has absolutely _no_ tone adjustment controls, only so-so radio sensitivity,
and no way to turn off the FM muting, which it makes it deaf to weaker
stations. The "sleep" timer function is only available via remote control,
which I thought was poor design.

Nevertheless, I kept the unit (the store had a 30-day return policy) because I
like its size and appearance, there's no wires to string around to the loudspeakers, and I can put up with its weaknesses.

I just received by JBL Harmony after winning it in an auction on the EBAY Internet site. I basically knew what I wanted so it was a question of getting a good deal....210 dollars including shipping, and it was like brand-new. For something this small, unless you are extremely picky about sound, this is a wonderfully sounding and physically attractive alternative to multi-part systems, even mini systems. It's only one piece, but still has a stereo image. For the price, it's better than Bose (overpriced of course) and JVC which takes up more room. It's given four stars sted of five cause the bass, though excellent, could be better (though it is already good and improves by moving fm tuner to mono position), and that's where Bose might win out, if you are dumb enough to spend hundreds of dollars for it.

Nice looking, one-piece construction, strong amplifier

No tone controls, LCD display is not visible across room

I picked up a refurb (B stock) JBL Harmony from UBid for $127 plus rip-off level shipping fees. I have a 13 year old Proton clock radio by the bed that works okay, so I figured I could use the JBL in the bathroom. I have it sitting on the vanity, loaded into a corner, and I must say that it really cranks in a location like that. The bass is tight, and the mids and highs clean (no doubt to the discreet amplifiers driving the LF and HF). The tuner is sensitive and selective. I'd like to adjust the eq to my liking, but there's no tone controls so that's out. Also, I'd like to see what time it is when I'm in the shower but the LCD display is not visible across room.

Given the amount of acoustic output it's capable of, I really think it's better suited as a den or bathroom table radio than as a bedside radio, because in that position you're way to close to it. Strangely enough, thats about the only position where the clock is visible.

I don't know how it compares to the Bose wave radios, as I have a really bad attitude toward Bose products and would never consider them.

At approximately $150, I'm satisfied; if I had paid the $400 list I'd be pissed.

Strong clear sound. Good looks

CD Changer - there's only one.

I have had my system for one year. When people come to my house they always take a good look as they they can't belive the sound and how good it looks. I get so many compliments on it. I even take it outside and it fills the air with loud clear music. I'd say this is comparable, if not equal to - or even better than the Bose system. If you see one - grab it. I am looking for another myself.