Tivoli Audio Model Three (cherry/metallic taupe)
Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio Part number: M3TPE
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Tivoli Model Three is a great tabletop radio, but the built-in alarm clock falls short of the digital competition.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Tivoli Audio Model Three (cherry/metallic taupe) price range: $272.64 - $299.99
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 12/14/2004
- Released on: 05/15/2003
The good: Real wood-encased clock radio; rich sound; excellent AM/FM reception; auxiliary line-in (doubles as an iPod speaker); optional companion speaker available for stereo sound.
The bad: Mono only without optional speaker; quirky alarm/snooze functionality.
The bottom line: The Tivoli Model Three is a great tabletop radio, but the built-in alarm clock falls short of the digital competition.
Tivoli Audio is a small, Boston-based audio company with a worldwide reputation for producing high-quality radios. Its very first product, the Model One, raised the performance bar for table radios. For its Model Three, the company essentially took its venerable Model One and added an alarm clock--and almost doubled the price, from $120 to $200.
The Model Three measures in at 4.5 inches high, 8.37 inches wide, and 5.25 inches deep, and while it's available in just one color--a metallic-taupe front face--the real cherrywood cabinet is a big step up from the usual flimsy, plastic-bodied radios. Like Tivoli's Model One and PAL, the Model Three uses a proprietary AM/FM tuner (with a smooth-turning tuning dial) that harnesses technology originally developed for cellular telephones to produce superior reception--but it obviates the possibility for station presets that you'd find on a digital radio. However, unlike like its siblings, this radio's upward-firing three-inch speaker is set into the top of the radio instead of the front. The Model Three runs off an included external AC power pack, but you can also use 12-volt DC (car or boat) power to make it go.
The clock is analog--its fine quartz mechanical movement provides accurate timekeeping, while the clock face's pale blue backlight is easier on the eyes than the cold glare of a typical digital readout. But that pale light may be too bright for some who like to sleep in the pitch black. Conversely, we found the radio's frequency markings only marginally legible under low light conditions.
In terms of performance, AM and FM radio sound quality is nicely balanced in the bass and treble, easily besting the tinny sound of plastic department store radios. Reception is also above par, and after we experimented with the included FM wire antenna (you can also hook up higher-quality antennas), the Model Three pulled in our favorite low-power college stations. Bass-wise this model is identical to the clock-less Model One, but the Model Three's top-mounted speaker reflects sound off the wall, which makes for a softer, less direct sound, which we prefer.
Connectivity choices are downright generous for a tabletop radio. You get a headphone jack, an auxiliary input, and a mix input (the latter for intermingling audio from an external device, such as a computer, with the Model Three's radio signal), all of which are standard 1/8-inch stereo minijacks. The auxiliary inputs mean the Model Three doubles as a speaker for your iPod, or any other connected device that has a standard headphone jack; you need only supply a standard patch cable. Spring for another $99, and you can get Tivoli's matching Dual Alarm Speaker ($99) that gives you stereo sound, as well as a second clock/alarm. If you just want stereo and don't need the second clock/alarm, Tivoli offers the Companion Speaker ($49). There's also a matching compact subwoofer, the diminutive Model Subwoofer, to extend the bass response. It's $79.
While the Model Three is a great AM/FM radio, it has one big flaw: the alarm clock. The clock itself is fine, but the analog alarm leaves a lot to be desired, especially if you're used to a digital system. Setting the alarm (you can wake to standard beeps or to your favorite station) is simple enough--just rotate the indicator on the clock's bezel to the wake-up time and press a button to activate the alarm. But it's a 12-hour system, so it'll activate twice a day unless you cycle it fully off in the morning, then back on again just before bedtime. And the snooze button works only a handful of times, so especially drowsy users might find themselves late for work until they acclimate.
The Tivoli Model Three is a great solution for anyone in the market for an upscale tabletop clock radio. If you're looking for a more robust alarm, however, check out the Boston Acoustics Recepter. It loses the retro "woody" look of the Tivoli, but the Boston's digital design offers a solid dual alarm that's perfect for the bedside table--and it sounds great, too.
User reviews
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Curiously designed, throwback clock radio
Pros: Surprisingly good sound for the size, excellent tuner portion, easy to use. Nicer looking and sounding than the plastic Sony it replaced.
Cons: Overpriced definitely. Should have had a 60 Hz. clock with battery backup. Single AA battery, with no low battery warning, runs the clock, lasts a year they say. Has no distinction between AM and PM, so alarm sounds twice a day if you leave the alarm on.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Too Bright At Night!
by rynosand on July 12, 2006
Pros: Great sound, easy to use
Cons: Clock is like a beacon and can't be adjusted
Summary: Sound is wonderful.
Clock's light is way to bright in a dark room. It can keep you up at night, it's so bright.Summary: Sound is wonderful.
Clock's light is way to bright in a dark room. It can keep you up at night, it's so bright.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very good sounding radio
Pros: This radio sounds very very good for it's size, it's small but it puts out a nice big sound with an even response.
Cons: The radio has an external power supply and I don't like that as much as an internal one..
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good DX (long zdistance) Radio!
Pros: Small enough to add a DX MW Loop & has proper external antenna inputs. Annalog beats digital tune for long distance reception.
Cons: Metal cabinet would act as a better RF(noise shield.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Disappointing (not disastrous) alarm
by caponsacchi on November 8, 2007
Pros: Sound and reception of peerless Model One; capability of adding inexpensive satellite speaker.
Cons: Alarm system, price.
Summary: The radio gets a 10 hands down, and this model, unlike the Model One, allows you to add the satellite speaker (in effect, giving you the Model Two plus a $...
Summary: The radio gets a 10 hands down, and this model, unlike the Model One, allows you to add the satellite speaker (in effect, giving you the Model Two plus a $30 alarm clock).
The two deficiencies of the alarm system:
1. It rings twice a day (12-hour cycle)
2. You cannot wake up to the radio, then have a final wake-up buzzer (the alarms are not independent). -
Audio is Great, Looks Greate, but the Clock Stinks
by pdxgrey on March 11, 2007
Pros: Perfect audio system for our bedroom, sound is awesome with subwoofer, has an auxillary jack
Cons: Clocks are hard to read at angle (notice how 1/2 the numbers are unreadable in the CNET video photo), two buttons are confusing and poorly labeled, satellite alarm function is buzzer only,
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Horrible alarm clock functionality. Skip it! -If you want a nice wooden radio buy the Model 1.
by cmimaui on February 19, 2007
Pros: Very pretty cabinet, good sound quality
Cons: Illegible, low-contrast text on control panel. Snooze that will make you late for things. Silly alarm controls. Terribly bright at night. Denial of issues on the part of Tivoli customer svc.
Summary: Purchased this unit as a nightstand alarm clock and I'm stunned that it dissapoints on so many different levels!
After I missed an early-AM flight due to what I ...Summary: Purchased this unit as a nightstand alarm clock and I'm stunned that it dissapoints on so many different levels!
After I missed an early-AM flight due to what I thought was a malfunctioning snooze function, Tivoli customer service explained that the snooze button stops being a snooze button after the alarm (or wake-to-music) has been going off for 120 seconds. -At that point it becomes simply an alarm shut-off button. (this is not mentioned in the manual). They then told me that "all alarm clocks work this way". That claim was so bizarre it wasn't worth arguing with the person on their end...
Though I bought direct, they wouldn't give me a refund or allow me to exchange for the price difference and get a model one, so I've moved this attractive albatross to my kitchen and purchased a Boston Acoustics receptor for the bedroom. The Receptor, with it's elegant controls & feature set scores an easy 9 out of 10. (subtract one for somewhat overdone, boomy bass). -
Cool design combined with basic functionality
by dallasfan824 on February 5, 2007
Pros: design, sound, ease of use
Cons: limited functions
Summary: I like this unit. My bedroom is decorated in the craftsman style. I spent a few years trying to find a clock radio that would fit the decor AND provide ...
Summary: I like this unit. My bedroom is decorated in the craftsman style. I spent a few years trying to find a clock radio that would fit the decor AND provide quality sound. This is it.
Yes the snooze only goes for 5 minutes. That is the main drawback. But I always wake up to music so no need for another type of alarm. The fact you need to turn the alarm on is not a problem since I always turn it on before I go to bed.
The bluish light is not bright. I dont know how anyone who has ever had an LED read out clock would find this any brighter.
This clock looks great and provides the basic functions of a clock radio. I am very happy with it. -
An odd duck
Pros: Very nice, full range sound... for its size. Analog dial controls made for adult hands. Simple.
Cons: It is a clock and a radio, but not a "clock radio." If you want to radio to go on at a certain time, you set the alarm... which wakes you... so you can turn on the radio. Clock is dim and hard to see at night. Labels/features difficult to see/read, day o
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its not worth $200 i mean gosh
by upsidedowndude on May 9, 2007
Pros: its wood if you like that
Cons: its um freaky
Summary: i no like for $200
Summary: i no like for $200
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
- Part number: M3TPE
- Description: Start your day the Tivoli Audio way. You don't need a degree in rocket science to operate the Model Three clock radio. Like Tivoli's other products, the Model Three is simple to use, so you won't lose sleep wondering if you'll wake up. The analog clock's fine quartz mechanical movement provides accurate time keeping and compliments the analog tuning dial. The handsome exterior houses a rather high-tech interior. The Model Three uses the same "Henry Kloss designed" tuner with GaAs MESFET mixers, 5: 1 ratio analog tuning dial, and the same inputs and outputs as the award-winning Model Two, but because it's a clock radio, Tivoli Audio has added a 20-minute sleep timer, a snooze button, a sleek thumbwheel to set the alarm time, and the option to wake to a buzzer or the great sounding AM/FM radio. It's this warm sound, ease of use, and distinguished appearance that gives the Model Three its wonderful bedside manner. The constant gentle illumination makes the clock face visible in low or no light without keeping you awake.
General
- Product type Clock radio
- Color Metallic taupe
- Depth 5.2 in
- Height 4.5 in
- Width 8.4 in
- Weight 6.6 lbs
Audio Features
- Digital storage None
- Timer Sleep ,
Snooze ,
Playback - Built-in clock Analog clock
CD System
- CD system type None
Cassette System
- Cassette system type None
Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 1 x Speaker Built-in
Radio
- Tuner type Analog Radio tuner
- Tuner bands AM/FM
- Tuning display Tuning scale
MD System
- MD system type None
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Connectivity
- Connector type 1 x Subwoofer output Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x DC power input,
1 x FM antenna,
1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
2 x Audio line-in Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Audio line-out Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm Battery / Power
- Power device type Power adapter
Product series
-
Tivoli Audio Model Three (cherry/metallic taupe)
Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
Specs: Clock radio,
AM/FM,
6.6 lbs,
Metallic taupe -
Tivoli Audio Model Three (walnut/beige)
Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
Specs: Clock radio,
AM/FM,
3.7 lbs,
Dark walnut -
Tivoli Audio Model Three (piano black/silver)
Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
Specs: Clock radio,
AM/FM,
3.7 lbs,
Piano black -
Tivoli Audio Model Three (white/silver)
Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
Specs: Clock radio,
AM/FM,
6.6 lbs,
White
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Tivoli Audio products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Tivoli Audio
- Address:
82 West Broadway, Boston, MA - Phone: 877-297-9479
- Email: mail@tivoliaudio.com
- Fax: 617-464-0008
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