Tivoli Audio Model CD Player, Cherry/Metallic Taupe
Whether you're looking for a CD player to compliment your Model One table radio or the Model Two stereo radio, or are in need of a smaller-sized CD player to add to a home stereo system, the Model CD satisfies on both counts. Its unique front-loading slot design, as found in most car CD players, makes loading a CD easy. Its compact size permits more placement flexibility over larger, tray-loading players, or pop-open top designs. The cherry wood cabinet is a refreshing change from the sterile, metal boxes so ubiquitous in electronics stores, and it looks perfectly comfortable next to a Tivoli Audio radio. And as is the tradition with all Tivoli Audio products, the Model CD couldn't be easier to use. The minimalist front panel sports a large, easy to read display paired with the primary controls. The credit card sized remote control adds Shuffle, Repeat, Volume, Intro, and Direct Track Access functions. On the inside, the Model CD yields excellent sound quality and superb shock protection. The Model CD will play any standard CD as well as CD-R.
The Tivoli Henry Kloss Model Two Radio with companion speaker, the Tivoli Model Subwoofer, and the Tivoli Model CD are designed to be used together as part of a complete compact stereo system but are sold separately. All the elements of the component system have classic styling that makes Tivoli products so distinctive. Simplicity and elegance are engineered into all three components and, for the most part, we came away impressed with what this little system could do in terms of sound quality, as well as its ease of use. It's worth noting here that all three components sport separate ports for AC and DC power, making them a great choice for boating or RV use. Henry Kloss Model Two
The Model Two serves as the base unit for the Tivoli component system. It is very similar to the Model Three clock radio, without the alarm clock section. Like other Tivoli radios, the Model Two is just over 8 inches wide, 4.5 inches high, and 5.25 inches deep--about the size of a toaster turned on its side. The unit also ships with a companion speaker which, unlike the monaural Henry Kloss Model One, gives the system full stereo separation. 
The Tivoli Model Two with companion speaker. |
The Model Two has a single rotary dial that handles tuning for both AM and FM stations. The dial is designed to move between stations at a speed that's a bit slower than the speed at which the user turns the knob--a five-to-one ratio, to be exact. This ratio dialing technique makes it far easier to tune stations accurately and quickly. It's a nice touch that sets the unit apart from other desktop radios. The tuner band selection and volume dials are easy to control, and they're well designed for hands of all sizes. A small LED power indicator, as well as an LED that helps determine signal strength, are positioned between the dials. We did have one gripe about the Model Two controls, though--the same gripe we had about the Model Three. Unlike the high-contrast labeling we found on the Platinum Series Model One radio, the Model Two's blue-gray lettering atop a taupe background is difficult to read, especially in low-light situations. The Model Two's 3-inch driver is housed next to the tuning dial and is protected by a handsome metal speaker cover. The companion speaker contains the same driver in a form factor that is the same size and construction as the Model Two's main unit. A 15-foot RCA speaker cord attached to the companion speaker allows you to set the speakers well apart in a room--great for getting optimal stereo separation. There's a small balance dial on the rear of the main unit as well as a mono-stereo switch. A coaxial antenna jack for the included FM antenna wire is provided, although the Model Two also has an internal FM antenna. Tivoli recommends using the supplied external antenna for tricky tuning in locales with a lot of closely spaced stations. There's a handy switch for alternating between the internal and external antennae, as well. A standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack is also provided, as is a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary line-in port for plugging in the Model CD. For the really techno-savvy, there's also a 3.5-millimeter mixing input that permits audio from your computer to be mixed with the radio. A preamp-out jack is provided for the Model Subwoofer, and if you want to use the Model Two as a component tuner--not a bad idea given the overall quality and accuracy of the tuning circuitry--Tivoli has provided a 3.5-millimeter output port. 
The Subwoofer adds rich bass to the Model Two. |
Model Subwoofer
At 6.5 inches high, 9.5 inches wide, and 6.1 inches deep, the Model Subwoofer is a bit larger than the other components in the Tivoli system. While a 5.25-inch bass driver dominates the front of the unit, there's also a deep front port for added bass response. A bass-level dial lets you decide how much of the low end you want to hear. The on-off switch has a sensor that automatically activates the subwoofer when a signal is detected. With 20 watts of power, the Model Subwoofer is an impressive little box with the capability of dramatically extending the fullness and richness of the Model Two sound.Model CD
With its cherry wood casing, Tivoli's component CD player matches the Model Two perfectly while offering equally simple operation. We really liked the elegant slot-loading mechanism; it felt solid and reliable. Basic functions like play, stop, and track selection can be controlled on the unit. There's also a tiny little remote that adds shuffle, direct track selection, repeat, and intro-scanning functions. True to form, the remote is simple and easy to use. The Model CD's display is bright and crisp with the look of a high-end audiophile-class component. We played a number of CDs, including CD-R discs with nary a hitch. Tivoli says that the Model CD will not play CD-RW discs, however. 
The Tivoli CD is elegant and capable. |
A 3.5-millimeter headset jack is provided on the back of the unit, as are RCA outputs and an AC power port that connects to a supplied brick-style AC adapter. The unit is also capable of running on DC power.All Together Now
Setting up the component system was fairly straightforward. All of the inputs and outputs are clearly marked, and each component ships with everything you need to make the right connections. Although it might be too much to ask for, it would be great if the Model Two main unit had an AC power input for plugging in at least one of the components. This is admittedly a minor quibble, and it might not be feasible in such a small device. Just like our experiences with other Tivoli products, sound was impressive--full of clear highs and mids and rich, room-filling lows. The Model Two tuning feature felt less accurate than the Model One, but we still were able to dial in stations quickly and easily. Overall, we recommend the Model Two as a high-quality mini-component system, because systems this size rarely sound this good. Even without the subwoofer engaged, the sound was rich and resonant. As soon as we plugged in the subwoofer, though, we were transported to near sonic bliss. It's a must-have accessory for the Model Two.--Joshua Gunn Pros
- Simple, stylish construction on all the component parts
- Great sound from such a compact system; good tuning accuracy
- Subwoofer option adds exceptional dynamic range
Cons
- Tuner is slightly less accurate than the Model One
Tivoli Audio Model CD Player, Cherry/Metallic Taupe Accessories
 Tivoli Audio Model Two AM/FM Table Radio with Stereo Speaker, Cherry/Metallic Taupe
Tivoli Audio Model Subwoofer, Cherry/Metallic Taupe
Tivoli Top-Firing 3-Inch Full-Range Stereo Speaker, Cherry/Metallic Taupe
Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio, Cherry/Metallic Taupe
Tivoli Model Satellite Table Radio (Sirius Satellite Radio / AM / FM )
Tivoli Audio Model One AM / FM Table Radio, Classic / Walnut
Tivoli Audio Model Three Stereo Speaker, Cherry/Metallic Taupe
Tivoli Audio Model One AM/FM Table Radio, Cherry/Cobalt Blue
Tivoli Audio Model Three Dual Alarm Speaker, Cherry/Metallic Taupe
Tivoli Audio RadioCombo CD/AM/FM Stereo System
Tivoli Audio Model CD Player, Cherry/Metallic Taupe Reviews
I bought a Tivoli Two and this CD player together, and they are truly beautiful little beasts, both in appearance and in sound quality. The Tivoli Two has performed flawlessly, but after a few months, the CD player developed a nasty habit of eating CDs at unpredictable intervals (turning the player off, turning it on its head, turning it back on and pushing Eject is usually successful after three or four tries). If I were a sensible person, I would send it in for repairit's otherwise a marvelous set and well worth it.
Obviously my unit is out of warranty and I am out of luck, but I would sure hope that this company (which is always boasting of it's audiophile roots) would help it's loyal customers out of this situation. It was never a great sounding player, but having invested in several other Tivoli Audio components, I had no alternative but to live with their extremely expensive single disk unit. After less than 2 years of use, the dosplay has now failed completely and the player rejects all disks from any manufacturer. My Model CD started to have problems after one year of light use. Initially the display would lose segments and then would require a power-down to restore. This problem got worse with time.
Just buy it for it's elegance , simplicity and high quality. Tivoli will never let you down.
Don't misunderstand the review though, this is a nice product, but don't think that there are not a few shortcomings. Another disadvantage is that the LCD screen is not as clear as you would want and for a dim room the angle of clear viewing is slim at best. The best way to get this product is in a bundle. Sound quality is nice and the cabinetry is well designed; however, the remote lacks a few essential features as well as the LCD on the CD player leaves room for improvement. The remote does not have the ability to power on and off the CD player making it only somewhat helpful in remotely adjusting your CD listening, but not fully featured.
It was the perfect gift - she loves it. The Tivoli CD player was ideal: One CD only, play-pause-stop, forward-back, that's it, and that is all that is necessary - and it is very attractive and sounds great. We wanted something that looked and sounded good and that was also easy to use. My brother and I were looking to replace our mother's broken CD player. Finding something with the last attribute, simplicity of use, without giving up the first two attributes was the hard part.
|
