I don't know exactly what your expectations are, but I've always seen clock radios as pretty much a commodity that was always satisfied with a Sony Dream Machine. They don't sound bad, considering, and they do pick up the local stations fairly well.
That buzzer is designed to be annoying to cut through any REM sleep that may still be present. But, ultimately, nothing says good morning like a glass of cold water splashed on sleeping beauty's face.
And, not to be insulting, he's eight years old. How sophisticated can his listening habits be, particularly for a clock radio? If it was a stereo I could see it, but a clock radio?
If sound is major, Cambridge Sound Works offers some pretty good stuff, both as far as sound and FM reception, but you pay for it.
Also, you might want to check out Teac. They have some interesting radios as well, or did at least.