Tivoli Audio Model Two AM/FM Table Radio with Stereo Speaker, Cherry/Metallic Taupe Review

The Model Two is a modern update on the Henry Kloss designed KLH Model 8, a simple hi fidelity system that combined a decent tuner/amplifier with a separate acoustic suspension speaker. It featured bauhaus/lab equipment inspired design that was minimalist and clean. If you were to see KLH equipment from the late 50's through the early 60's you would not only struck by it's classic, timeless design, but it's striking similarity to the Model One and Model Two by Tivoli Audio.

Choosing this is perhaps more a matter of aesthetics as it is performance. It is indeed one of the best compact stereo systems available, but at this point there are many other very capable options available, some at a more affordable price. It is unfortunate that the price on the Tivoli Model One and Two have climbed so much in the last few years. You are paying for nice packaging, including a real-wood grain cabinet. But whether or not that is worth $300.00 is debatable.

I fell victim to the Model Two for the reasons outlined in my title. I admire the human engineering that went into vintage stereo equipment. I love Braun's beautiful stereo systems from the late 50's. Buying a Model One or Model Two allows you to get a system with this same clean, focused design, but with current electronics and a warranty. It is a piece of equipment that will be valued 20 years from now for the same reasons it is prized today.

You get ample inputs for connecting a computer or mp3 player, and a subwoofer output for their companion subwoofer, which add a modest amount of low-end to the system. I wish they had chosen not to use 3.5 mm connectors for equipment, instead of more rugged RCA connectors. Headphone type connectors are simply not as durable, but fortunately I have had no complaints so far, but I would recommend not repeatedly unplugging and plugging in equipment to the connectors.

So -- I won't argue based on sound quality. The system sounds good, but for $300 there are many other potential choices that cost less and sound as good. This is a decision that can't be made by only one side of the brain. It is as much about how it looks as it is about how it performs. I was tempted to give it four stars because it's cost to performance ratio simply isn't that good, but as I have repeatedly said here, it is not all about how it sounds.

Buy it here now!