Yes, Bose is overpriced. No doubt to that fact. But the Wave radio does not sound "tinny". Is it overpriced? Yes, of course it is. Like Sony, you are buying the name. Will the Wave radio sound as good as tower speakers and seperate receiver? No, of course not.
But for what it is, the Wave radio
does sound very nice, if, as with any other audio equipment, it is used correctly and not used to try and over power the tower speaker/receiver system.
But even with that said, I wouldn't buy one. At least not for the money they command. I would not buy the Lifestyle system either. Not because it doesn't sound nice, it does, but because it too is overpriced.
Back to the Wave radio tho, compare it to any other clock radio in the same class and you will hear how good the Wave radio is in comparison. They are really made for non critical listening, like in a Dr.s office waiting room, or a nursing home residents room. It is small, completely contained, and sounds nice up to normal listening levels and below.
Compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges.