Tivoli Audio Model Three
Small size, big sound. What else can we say about the Tivoli Audio Model Three Clock Radio ($349)?
It's a huge leap beyond those cheap n' cheesy clock radios where you can never quite get the station to lock in on the dial and you wake up in the morning to hum and crackling static.
Tivoli makes a series of similar radios which, somewhat fittingly, are called the Model One and Model Two. Designed by Henry Kloss, they all look the same and come in a wild combination of natural wood or glossy colour enclosures with contrasting faces.
The Model Three adds an alarm clock function and is a bit of a price leap from the Model One at which starts at $180. It's at the same price as the Model Two which is two enclosures, the second being reserved for a second speaker to create a stereophonic listening experience.
In keeping with its retro-yet-contemporary design, the Model Three is mono, in. A second speaker and subwoofer are available as optional add-ons.
Everything about the Tivoli just seems right for its function. The size is perfect for a night stand, the controls are robust and seem authoritative, the stations tune in clearly and the sound is quite pleasant even on the AM setting. By the way, the feel and response of the tuner is no accident; it uses cell phone technology to lock in the station.
It's also compatible with MP3 players and has an external FM antenna to hook in stations. It comes in a series of colour combinations: White/Silver, Cherry/Metallic Taupe, Black/Silver and Classic Walnut/Beige.