Good Gear Guide
16/11/09
The Tivoli Audio Model One is a table-top FM radio with a single full-range 3in speaker. It's not a particularly advanced radio, lacking DAB+ and any audio streaming features, but it has the best FM tuner we've heard in a radio this size and offers fantastic audio quality.
The Tivoli Audio Model One table-top radio has a brilliant speaker, great looks and a wonderful FM tuner. It's simple and well built, and it's the best table-top radio we've ever heard. We're salivating for the DAB+ version.
The design of the Tivoli Audio Model One is exceptional. The wooden case is thick, and a variety of finishes are available. The front panel is simply laid out: there's a volume dial, a switch for FM, AM and auxiliary inputs, and a geared-down AM/FM tuning dial for precise adjustment. The dials and switches feel precise and lend the radio a sense of quality and careful workmanship.
Switching on the Tivoli Audio Model One for the first time, we were expecting good-but not great quality audio. The radio uses the same full-range driver design that we've heard in the recent batch of digital radios such as the OXX Digital Classic DAB+ and the Pure ONE Classic. After putting these radios head to head, however, the difference is night and day. The Model One has a room-filling sound that is rich and warm, without overpowering higher frequencies. Treble detail when listening on-axis is impressive, with fine musical details captured from high quality sources (we used Apple Lossless audio through an Apple iPhone 3GS). A downward firing bass port helps the 3in driver create surprising amounts of expansive mid-bass, which is balanced and impressive throughout the volume range.
Apart from the excellent speaker, the other aspect of the Tivoli Audio Model One that shines through is its excellent FM tuner. Inside a building with several walls between it and open air, the Model One picked up all the stations we searched for, and was consistently static-free and clear even when using the internal aerial. With a dial that makes minute adjustments easy, it's a breeze to select the right station in crowded airwaves.
The Tivoli Audio Model One is a brilliant table-top radio. If you look at it dispassionately, it's expensive and an outdated product. However it has great build quality and excellent sound quality, and its design ensures it feel great to use — making it a product we couldn't help but love. We're keen to see a DAB+ digital radio version when it arrives.
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1
Great sound for its genre ,although it might not be the very best.One way around this is to change the power cable to either a Russ Andrews(which yours truly is using) , Oyaide or even a Furutech ,only then it really shines..don't forget the 4 feet..substitute with something from Herbies then you really have the best of its kind albeit in mono(pity)
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Gordon Taylor
1
I have Tivoli Model Two and after about six mouths there was so much static when I moved the tuner knob to select other stations I can hudly find a station,
SO I ADVISE THAT THIS PRODUCT IS A WAST OF MONEY AND IS THE WORST PUCHAS I HAVE EVER MADE OF ANYTHING EVER.
Robert Wilson
2
Not sure what went wrong with the above person's comment (other than his atrocious spelling!), but like nearly everyone who reviewed the Tivoli Model One, I am astounded at its great sound, impressive FM tuner and classy understated design. One would expect nothing less that this from the legendary Mr. Kloss!