Sonoro Elements W

By Don Ellis

German engineer Sonoro audio has added Pandora Internet radio to its Elements W model, enabling the clock radio to connect through a LAN or Wi-Fi. The Sonoro elements W is a unique animal, indeed, as it manages to marry the needs and desires of a very distinct set of music enthusiasts. The curvy, sleek box with an iPod dock extension is small enough for a desk or nightstand, but it still manages to deliver in both FM antenna and WiFi modes, offering access to over 13,000 Internet radio stations. Use the AUX line on the Sonoro elements W, and you’ve got even more options by streaming your music libraries from your Mp3, iPod and PCs and connect the unit to your home stereo system.

Sonoro has really set itself apart with its gorgeous looks; as one of the most stylish and chic clock radios we've seen, this little box has a high gloss lacquer and acrylic finish, the brushed metal navigation wheel and bright and clear OLED displays. The player is packaged with a spare faux OLED facade that features a navigation style that mimics Apple's iPod interface, complete with trademark click-wheel.

Sonoro Elements W

It's easy to feel that you are witnessing a new beginning in the way clock radios can be conceived, built and presented. With the Elements W retailing for $499 (and the optional iPod dock adds $80 to the package), this is a clock radio is meant to hit the solar plexus of the most discerning amongst the discerning. In other words, this is German engineering at its finest, and not meant for general consumption.