Tivoli radios: let's talk about them

Posted by: ErikL on 01 November 2003

Hi,

I read the old threads but since there are surely new Tivoli owners here I thought I'd start a new discussion. I'm destined to buy myself a Model One or Model Three for the holidays. My concerns:

- Any luck using the 75-ohm jack with cable service? Or, am I better off using the ribbon antenna and getting 2 FM stations?

- Does anyone place their radio vertically (i.e., on its short side)? My space is limited.

- Has anyone found a particular inexpensive headphone to work well with Tivolis? I have very cheap Sony in-ear things that I use with my laptop, but I hate them.

Gushing comments on these little marvels welcome. Thanks.
Posted on: 02 November 2003 by garyi
The main gushing comment I woul dhave is that here in Watford Richer sounds is selling them a damn site cheaper than John Lewis!

I very nearly plumbed for the tivoli as it can take aline in (i.e. my ipod)
Posted on: 02 November 2003 by Peter C
For the money Tivoli's are well worth the money.

The stereo model is better than the mono model, with a well balanced sound

Tivoli's are small enough that putting them on their makes no sense; even with a lack of space.

If you have cable service, use it; it will give you a better reception and lets face it, you've got plenty of hills around Seattle to screw up reception using a ribbon aerial.
Posted on: 02 November 2003 by Edot
It's now available in black. Just what I've been waiting for. Boston Acoustiscs just came out with a similar unit that looks similar but unfortunately it does not have an input.
Posted on: 02 November 2003 by ErikL
Radio via cable in the US

I'm assuming this is possible everywhere in the country, where you run cable to your tuner or radio and get all local stations crystal clear? I ask because it's been at least 5 years since I did this (over the span of 10 years, in 3 different locations in New York state).
Posted on: 02 November 2003 by ErikL
Richard... I just checked Comcast's site and I don't see any mention of radio. One more- what do you know about many US stations being broadcast with "circular polarization"?

-----

So, what's the best color for the Tivoli Model One?
Posted on: 03 November 2003 by Dave J
I love the sheer simplicity of the thing. It's internal antenna is excellent, it takes up so little space and it just sounds 'right'. No unecessary tweaking is involved - although there are a number of "enhancements" available through Puss Andrews and others - just place and play.

Other than in the car, I'd almost stopped listening to radio but the Tivoli has reintroduced the joys of the medium. There's something so very satisfying about listening to football commentary on AM, for example.

Classic/walnut or cherry are the nicest.

Dave
Posted on: 03 November 2003 by Vaughn3D
I have been a big fan of the Tivoli radio for a while now. I would not suggest placing the radio vertically because there is a bass port on the underside of the unit. My guess is that the design is such that it needs to be placed on it's feet to work as intended. I also use the Tivoli as a tuner into my Nait 5 on occasion.
Posted on: 06 November 2003 by ErikL
Any more comments regarding my initial questions?

I'm leaning towards cherry/blue or white/silver.
Posted on: 06 November 2003 by JohanR
One little tweak I found out: I have it on a window shelf, and to me the bass was to heavy. I just shoved a sock tight up into the bass reflex port. This will probably take care of any problem with placing it vertically to.

JohanR
Posted on: 06 November 2003 by prowla
The problem with the Tivoli is the content.
There are no good radio stations in the UK.
It's all top ten this top ten that.

Paul Rowlands
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by bob atherton
Ludwig

We have a Tivoli 1, great little radio. I have changed the very soft feet for slightly harder ones and stuffed some wadding into the port. The Archers never sounded so good..... well maybe on my NAT 01...!

Bob
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by Greg Beatty
Ludwig -

"- Does anyone place their radio vertically (i.e., on its short side)? My space is limited."

Considering how small the Tivoli is, I almost fell out of my chair when I read this!!!

Thanks for the chuckle and enjoy your soon-to-be Tivoli.

- GregB

Insert Witty Signature Line Here
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by Simon Perry
They make a model that can be put on its side called the PAL. Perhaps that's the one you need?
Simon
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by Dan M
quote:
Originally posted by prowla:
The problem with the Tivoli is the content.
There are no good radio stations in the UK.
It's all top ten this top ten that.

Paul Rowlands


YIKES! Paul you don't know how good you have it - nearly every radio station here is owned by Clear Channel whose playlist is about 20 songs long. At least you have Peel and Late Junction.

Ludders - white is the only way to go - sounds better too (same effect as white vs black naca5 Wink). Looks great in our kitchen.

cheers

Dan
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by Jaitch
Tivoli Audio - Model One radio

If anyone in UK is looking to buy one of these little radios they are available in full range of colour options from www.unbeatable.co.uk at £79.99.

JoeH
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by ErikL
A cherry/blue Model One has been ordered and I should have it within a week. I think I'll like it.

Per the space issue some found humorous, if you've toured the bedding quarters of my castle you know that my nightstand typically has piles of books, a lamp, and maps of my kingdom. Now I'll throw it all on the floor to make room for the Tivoli. Wink
Posted on: 11 November 2003 by Roy T
The Nov/Dec 2003 issue of Hi-FI+ has a page about the PowerPak II power supply for the Tivol , more details of this and other accessories can be found at Russ Andrews. Has anyone tried the powerpak I or II?
Posted on: 13 November 2003 by ErikL
I thought I'd move over to this thread...

Dan, I just read from the Tivoli FAQ's:

"The tuner is highly sensitive and thus vulnerable to noise. Other electronic devices such as florescent or neon lights... may be the culprit. Be sure not to plug the radio into an electrical outlet shared by any of these devices and move the radio further away from these devices."

The neighboring lamp is a cheap IKEA halogen jobby, so I assume that was the problem.

Anyhow, I've now noticed that none of the stations I like hold onto "amber light" quality reception for more than a few seconds.
Posted on: 13 November 2003 by Haroon
How well does a tivoli compare to a similarly priced Roberts or Sony. thinking of getting one for use as a tuner with my Nait and be used seperately for the kitchen.

Cheers
Posted on: 14 November 2003 by BLT
I have the Roberts "retro" model in my kitchen, it looks great but sounds fairly pants with music. I wanted to buy the Tivoli stereo model for my study earlier this year but they simply weren't available anywhere in the UK. I got tired of waiting and bought a second hand Nytech CTA252 receiver and a pair of speakers from Richer Sounds instead. I'm toying with buying the Tivoli alarm clock model to replace the 1970's Denon system + timer that serves in my bedroom at present.
Posted on: 14 November 2003 by Roy T
I agree with Ag, the Evoke DAB Radio does indeed offer a large choice of music and other formats. I often have the World Service various news and business offerings on in the background as I work.

Roy T
Posted on: 14 November 2003 by Derek Wright
I have found that Tivoli will give an overemphasised bass response if placed on a book shelf where the books are adjacent to it and the upper shelf is only a few inches away - it gives a "folded horn" effect.

Head down while the definition of folded horn is provided by FH experts. <g>

Derek

<< >>
Posted on: 14 November 2003 by Malcolm Davey
I agree with the slight bass boom, I cured this by placing the Tivoli on a Mana wall stand and giving a dedicated spur...... Smile
Posted on: 14 November 2003 by prowla
Is the Tivoli clock radio an alarm clock too?

Paul Rowlands
Posted on: 14 November 2003 by Dan M
ag,

In your comparisons what antennae did you use? Are there any Tivoli users running there's with a large outside antenna? If so, does it help reduce multipath effects?

Ludders - where's the FAQ?

cheers,

Dan