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We opted not to get the stereo. So far, we don't miss it. I think it's in Brookstone I saw outside speakers that you can hook up to your inside stereo or IPOD and it will play outside. Seems to me that this would be a good way to go. More versatile. If you have company and your hot tub is closed for whatever reason, you can still listen to music. Also, if there is a problem, it's probably a little easier to service. In the summer, the sounds of the crickets was the perfect music. The rustling of the leaves in the breeze sounds good too. The sounds of the motors and the water is like a white noise sound and makes it easy to zone out and be with your quiet thoughts or to have no thoughts at all.