A Number One Choice!
Written: Oct 02 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: quality construction, great range, classic styling
Cons: lack of tone control?
The Bottom Line: a beautifully-made and designed AM/FM radio, offering premium performance and construction for the price of a cheap stereo system.
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| johnr55's Full Review: Tivoli System Henry Kloss Model One AM/FM Radio ( ... |
I bought my Model One off of Tivoli Audio's web site following a web search.
I live just far enough from Houston with its several dozen radio stations to give an ordinary AM/FM stereo fits. This was my motivation in buying a mono radio.
The Model One first impresses with its simple, attractive styling. The real wood casing is available in several finishes, each with a different colored control panel. This is a very small radio, one that will fit virtually anywhere. I have it on my nightstand, as it's roughly the same size as a compact clock-radio. It is also very heavy for its compact size, and the padded feet ensure it won't shift easily.
Operation couldn't be simpler. There are only 3 controls on the front: the volume,the bandswitch, and the large tuning knob. After so many years of digital tuning it can be a revelation to find a truly high-quality analog tuner. The tuning knob is geared low, so that small adjustments may be easily made.
The sound quality is terrific in my area. I'm a big fan of the classics, and they project with both clarity and depth. Rather than having scratchy stereo reception, the mono reception is rich and static-free. As the radio sits by my bedside, I don't crank it up loud anyway. Somehow I never notice that it's mono! I think it's rather like watching a good old movie in black-and-white; after a few minutes it simply isn't noticed. This little radio receives all 20+ FM stations from Houston, and will hold the stations indefinitely with no drift. This is important in our area, as we do have a really packed FM dial.
I'm a Houston Astros fan, and enjoy listening to their games on Houston radio. The AM reception is as crystal-clear as the FM for me. As expected, late at night the AM characteristics change and I find I can pick up some really distant stations, though without compromising my local and Houston stations.
I might also add that there are connections on the back for additional antenna connections, though I haven't needed them.
I've had my Model One for nearly two years and have had no problems whatsoever. The initially-stiff controls have broken in to a perfectly smooth set.
Drawbacks? The only thing I can think of is that I'd like a different tone control for AM; it can come across a little strong on the base, depending on the station. I'm guessing the tone is optimized for those who listen to FM, as this comprises the bulk of listeners (for music).
NOTE: Based on my satisfaction with the Model One, I recently purchased the Model Two--the FM stereo version. I also purchased the optional, powered subwoofer. It matches the appearance of the Model One. I have found the FM stereo reception to be very good, but have noticed that, unlike the Model One, the FM tends to drift somewhat. I have it in my den, where it plays all day long to keep my little dog company. When I get home I find that all but the strongest stations will have drifted noticeably. For someone with closer FM stations it would probably not be an issue at all. And, of course, it's just as pretty as the Model One.
In summary, I'd recommend the Model One to anyone looking for a compact radio for a desk or bedroom. I think the mono-only reception will be forgotten in a very short time. The other qualities of the radio will see to this.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
johnr55
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Member: JohnRichard Keistler
Location: Houston, Texas area
Reviews written: 87
Trusted by: 7 members
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