I got this for Christmas, and it's a mixed review for me. I'm actually pleased with the sound, as I wanted this for my office at work. Just wanted something I could plug my nano in and so replace the boombox I had here. So for what is required of it, I have no problems with the sound, as I never really crank it up. However, the 'visual' component was a major disappointment. Within a week the 'bulb' at the top no longer functioned. I gather there is a short of some type, as if I push down on the glass ball on top I'll get a visual light effect for 2 seconds. Otherwise, nothing. Since part of the appeal of this was to have the light effects WITH the speakers, I'd have to advise caution in buying this. You can probably get speakers just as good cheaper elsewhere, and my experience says you are rolling the dice if you are buying this for the light effects as well.