Sound quality was amazing when it actually did operate. However, the CD player quit working less than 24 hours after first powering on the unit. Needless to say, quite unimpressed. Also, there are no controls on the unit itself requiring the use of the remote control to do anything. The new Bose Wave Music systems are a pretty significant downgrade from the first generation models. Those early models had the CD player built in to the top of the unit which was so simple to use. Just lift the lid and place a CD. Nothing to it. These newer models require the CD to be inserted into a slot near the bottom of the unit and it's quite finicky. Very easy for a CD to get stuck. Also, contrary to the instructions and specs, it will seldom play a home-burned MP3 CD.
If only purchasing for the radio though, the sound is brilliant. It does indeed fill the room and reception on both AM and FM was quite good. I easily received a couple of station nearly 100 miles away with no external antenna.