Tivoli Model Three BT walnut/beige

The Model Three BT is an AM/FM clock radio with Bluetooth developed by Tivoli Audio. It features a backlit analog clock, a mono upward-firing speaker, and a precision analog tuner. The device has three control buttons and a 5:1 ratio tuning dial, following a design approach initiated by audio engineer Henry Kloss. It also integrates modern features such as Bluetooth 5.0 streaming, a USB charging port, and multiple auxiliary inputs.

A unique sound design inherited from half a century of expertise

The Model Three BT adopts the acoustic architecture that made the Model One successful, the cornerstone of Tivoli’s catalog since 2000. Its 3-inch (7.6 cm) upward-firing speaker uses a heavy magnet, long-throw transducer paired with a particularly sophisticated frequency bypass circuit. This circuit automatically adjusts the sound output in half-octave increments, a technology that achieves precise tonal balance and surprisingly deep bass response for a device of this size.

The handcrafted genuine wood cabinet is not merely aesthetic casing. It forms an acoustically inert enclosure that directly contributes to the device’s sound quality. Unlike plastic radios that can generate parasitic resonances, this solid wood housing provides a stable and neutral base for the transducer, enabling natural and balanced sound reproduction. Midrange frequencies emerge with warmth and definition, while highs maintain their clarity without ever becoming aggressive.

The speaker’s upward firing is a judicious technical choice for a clock radio. This orientation allows optimal sound dispersion regardless of the device’s position on your nightstand, ensuring you’ll be awakened effectively even if the radio isn’t directly oriented toward you.

An exceptional analog tuner and modern features

At the heart of the radio section lies the same precision GaAs MOSFET (Gallium Arsenide Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) tuner used in the Model One. This technology, more commonly employed in cellular phones, offers remarkable sensitivity and exceptional ability to lock onto weak or distant stations, while efficiently managing nearby stations on the frequency spectrum.

The 5:1 ratio analog tuning dial is one of the brand’s signatures. This gear reduction ratio means five complete turns of the knob correspond to a complete sweep of the FM band, thus providing very fine tuning precision. This characteristic allows easy reception of stations that would be difficult to tune on conventional radios. An indicator LED on the front panel illuminates when the received signal reaches its optimal level, facilitating precise tuning of the desired station.

Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity integrates naturally into the whole, using the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) to ensure high-quality audio transmission. FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) technology minimizes interference with other wireless devices in your environment. To activate Bluetooth, simply turn the source selector to the auxiliary position and proceed with pairing to your mobile device.

The analog clock: daily simplicity and reliability

The analog clock is the distinctive element of the Model Three BT compared to the Model One. Using a high-precision quartz movement, it displays time with remarkable accuracy. Its permanent and moderate lighting, carefully calibrated, allows reading the time in complete darkness without disturbing your sleep. This soft and constant luminosity creates a soothing ambiance in the bedroom, avoiding the aggressive effect of traditional digital displays.

The alarm system demonstrates design oriented toward simplicity. Setting the wake-up time is done by turning the aluminum dial counterclockwise until the alarm hand points to the desired time. This mechanical approach eliminates the complex manipulations often associated with digital clock radios. It’s important to note that the analog mechanism may present a variation of a few minutes in alarm triggering, a characteristic inherent to this type of system that should be understood during initial use.

The sleep timer function offers automatic shutdown after 20 minutes, ideal for falling asleep to music without the radio running all night. The snooze button, located on top of the housing, allows postponing the alarm by an additional 5 minutes with a simple press. An AA battery backup system ensures the clock continues functioning even during power outages, thus ensuring your alarm’s reliability.

Connectivity designed for all uses

The Model Three BT has comprehensive connectivity that goes far beyond a simple clock radio. Two 3.5mm auxiliary inputs allow connecting various wired audio sources. The headphone output offers quality private listening, particularly appreciated for not disturbing a sleeping partner.

The recording output (REC) opens creative possibilities by allowing you to record your favorite shows on an external device. More interestingly, this output can transform the Model Three BT into a high-quality tuner for your main hi-fi system, taking advantage of its reception circuit excellence.

The subwoofer output allows extending the device’s sound capabilities by adding an external bass enclosure, transforming this compact radio into a true bedroom audio system. The integrated USB-A port ensures charging of your mobile devices, avoiding the clutter of additional chargers on your nightstand.

Technical Specifications

Audio and Connectivity

• Powerful speaker delivering rich and balanced sound
• AM/FM radio with precise 5:1 tuning
• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming
• 3.5mm auxiliary input
• USB charging port for mobile devices

Clock and Alarm Functions

• Backlit analog clock, readable even at night
• Choice of sound or radio alarm
• Snooze button
• Sleep timer
• Backup battery (AA battery) to ensure alarm reliability

Package Contents

• 1 x Model Three BT
• 1 x user manual
• 1 x power cord
• 1 x external FM antenna
• 1 x AA battery

Dimensions and Construction

• Dimensions: 11.43 x 21.27 x 13.34 cm
• Weight: 1.66 kg
• Handcrafted wooden cabinet with timeless design