Best sound in a small package!
Written: Jun 16 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent Sound, Great FM reception, Great AM reception, build quality.
Cons: No switch for aux input. Aux input doesn't use RCA jacks.
The Bottom Line: Great for a bedroom, kitchen, or anywhere where small space and great sound are required. Everyone should own one!
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| kb9vrg's Full Review: Tivoli System Henry Kloss Model One AM/FM Radio ( ... |
Let me preface this review by saying that I was extremely skeptical of buying a small radio such as this. I've heard many other "small" radios such as the over-priced "executive" sets that are found at many big-box retailers. I've also heard the Bose Wave and thought it wasn't very "warm."
While rearranging my master bedroom, I came to the realization that my Yamaha receiver and 3-way bookshelf speakers were really overkill. I didn't like the reception of the radio, plus all I really used the system for was listening to CDs off my portable CD/MP3 player. I wanted more room.
I went to browse around the web looking for a small radio. I wanted a good tuning section for FM, and at least one input for an auxiliary device. The Tivoli Model One seemed to have a ton of rave reviews, and at $100 was reasonably priced.
I bought the Model One from American TV for $99.95. They have an excellent return policy, so I figured I'd take a chance and buy the radio. The salesman said it was one of his favorites and that he doubted I'd return it.
The Model One is roughly as long and tall as a VHS tape stood on edge. It's only about 4 inches deep, so it can be placed nearly anywhere.
The Model One is a model of simplicity. The front panel has a simple Off / FM / AM switch. The tuning dial is very easy to read and has a 5-to-one reduction ratio, so it's easy to tune. The only other control is a rotary volume control. Two indicator lights are present; a green power light and an orange tuning light. All the controls feel very solid.
The rear panel consists of a power jack for the mains, a record out 1/8" jack, a 1/8" headphone jack, and a 1/8" aux-in jack. There is also a standard F-Type coax connector for an external antenna and a switch to utilize the internal or external antennas. There is also a DC power input jack if you wish to use the radio in another situation, such as from a cigarette lighter or battery.
The chassis is constructed from furniture-grade wood of various types, depending on the color chosen.
To utilize my CD Player, I needed to plug in a 1/8" to 1/8" cable. My main disappointment with this is that there is no switch to control the aux input; plugging in a cable will automatically disable the radio. This isn't the most convenient, but it is fine for my use.
My first impression when I plugged the unit in was "WOW!" The sound is truly amazing from the little box. The Model One sounds better than my Yamaha receiver did. The tonal range is excellent, and I don't even miss having any controls to adjust the bass or treble. There is plenty of bass, even without using the bass boost function on my CD player. It has no trouble handling everything from classical to heavy metal.
FM sounds very balanced, and I can pull in a ton of stations using the internal antenna. I really don't miss having the stereo sound, as the mono is much more clear.
AM has good reception, unfortunately I get a lot of interference. That is most likely due to the many pieces of lighting and pumps for my aquariums in the apartment. Reception of stations was by far the best of any radio I've heard in a while.
For fun, I hooked up the Model one to my TV's headphone jack and was very happy with the sound. I may use it in this fashion in the future.
Overall, I'm just plain giddy over the Model One. It's simple, sounds great, and is relatively affordable.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kb9vrg
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Location: Pewaukee, WI
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 1 member
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