Tivoli Model One Digital (Gen. 3) white/silver

The third generation of the Model One Digital marks an evolution of the table radio from Tivoli Audio. It features a full-range driver, a brushed aluminum grille, and supports multiple streaming services, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast. The device includes a Class AB amplifier and 56-bit digital signal processing (DSP). It is designed for long-term use and can receive software updates, while retaining an analog control interface.

A refreshed design using premium materials

The Model One Digital Gen. 3 stands out visually from its predecessors with the adoption of a brushed aluminum grille, whereas previous versions used Danish-inspired fabric. This choice aligns the device with newer models in the range, such as the Model Two Digital and the Boutique. The real-wood veneer cabinet in walnut, white, or black depending on the finish preserves Tivoli’s signature visual warmth while providing beneficial acoustic inertia. Beyond its contemporary appeal, the aluminum grille offers robustness and easy maintenance.

The front panel incorporates three elements: the speaker grille on the left, a square color display in the center, and a multifunction knob on the right. This central knob manages power, source selection (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM, DAB+, auxiliary), and volume. It is surrounded by a rotating ring that lets you navigate menus, skip tracks, or change stations. This dual control system—knob and ring—avoids a proliferation of buttons while preserving intuitive operation. The display shows the active source, the name of the current station or track, and some additional information (time, volume). Its size remains modest, confined to the central space, which can limit readability from a distance or in bright light.

On the back, there’s a Wi-Fi button to switch to pairing mode, a 3.5 mm auxiliary input, a socket for the mains power supply (included), and a connector for the FM antenna (included, but optional if the internal antenna suffices). The unit stands on four rubber feet that isolate the radio from its surface, thereby limiting unwanted vibrations. A full-featured remote control comes with the device, offering direct access to essential functions (volume, track skip, source selection, menu navigation, alarm).

The three finishes—walnut/gold, white/silver, black/black—allow the product to suit different interiors. The walnut/gold combination appeals with its warm contrast, while the white/silver and black/black versions lean toward a more minimalist aesthetic. The careful assembly underscores Tivoli’s continued premium positioning in the table radio segment, where cheap plastic still largely prevails.

Amplification, driver, and signal processing

For this third generation, Tivoli equips the unit with a completely redesigned full-range driver paired with a Class AB amplifier delivering 45 watts. This mono configuration—one single speaker—may surprise, but it aligns with the brand’s philosophy: favoring sonic coherence and wideband dispersion over stereo in a compact form factor. The rear port (bass-reflex) helps extend the frequency response into the lows, with a stated bandwidth of 0 to 20 kHz.

The 56-bit DSP refines equalization, corrects the inherent limitations of a single driver, and optimizes spatial rendering. The 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters allow processing of high-resolution audio streams up to 48 kHz / 24-bit, or beyond depending on the service used. In practice, this means the radio can play lossless FLAC or ALAC files, fully leveraging the quality offered by Tidal, Qobuz, or Apple Music (when these services are streamed via AirPlay 2 or Google Cast). Standard formats at 44.1 kHz / 16-bit (CD quality) are also supported.

This increased power compared to generation 2 (which offered around 20 watts) and the new driver aim to fill the soundstage more effectively, with firmer bass and improved dynamics. Feedback highlights the ability to fill a medium-sized room without notable distortion, while preserving a recognizable Tivoli signature: natural, balanced, without excessive emphasis on treble or bass.

Extended connectivity and streaming services

The Model One Digital Gen. 3 multiplies streaming options. Over Wi-Fi, it supports AirPlay 2 (Apple), Google Cast (Android and compatible services), Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. The latter two are a major addition over generation 2, which was limited to AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. With Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, users control playback directly from the service’s native app, without any intermediary. The radio appears as an output device, simplifying the workflow and reducing latency.

AirPlay 2 lets you stream from any compatible app on iOS, macOS, or iTunes on Windows. Google Cast works similarly on Android and offers compatibility with YouTube Music, Deezer, TuneIn, and other platforms. The radio connects to the home network via the Tivoli Audio Setup app (mandatory for Android, optional but recommended for iOS). Once configured, it remembers the network and reconnects automatically. Users of generation 1 will recall a finicky ART app; this third generation abandons that proprietary system in favor of standard protocols, eliminating many frustrations.

Bluetooth 5.2 offers a non-Wi-Fi alternative, useful for streaming from a smartphone or tablet without network setup. Sound quality over Bluetooth remains respectable but falls short of Wi-Fi, which avoids additional compression. The 3.5 mm auxiliary input accommodates wired sources—portable CD player, computer, turntable equipped with a preamplifier—ensuring compatibility with older equipment.

On the radio side, the Model One Digital Gen. 3 receives FM and, depending on the market, DAB+ (not available in North America, available in Europe and other regions). Tivoli has always taken radio reception seriously, a legacy of Kloss’s expertise in FM tuners. The built-in tuner uses discrete components and an architecture designed to lock onto weak or distant stations. The internal antenna often suffices in urban or semi-urban areas; the included external antenna may be necessary in rural zones or to pick up low-power transmitters.

Setup and daily use

Initial setup requires the Tivoli Audio Setup app, downloadable from the App Store or Google Play. For Android users, this app is essential to enable Wi-Fi. For iOS users, the app streamlines Google Cast integration; without it, only AirPlay 2 works out of the box. The pairing process involves turning on the radio, selecting the Wi-Fi source via the knob, pressing the Wi-Fi button on the back to activate pairing mode, then following the app instructions. Once connected, the radio displays “Connected” on screen and remembers the network.

The physical controls prioritize simplicity: the central knob powers the radio on/off (short press), cycles through sources (successive presses), and adjusts volume (rotation). The ring surrounding the display handles menu navigation (turn to scroll options, press to confirm) and lets you skip tracks during Wi-Fi or Bluetooth playback. This system avoids a touchscreen, often less reliable over time, and retains a satisfying haptic feel.

The remote control mirrors these essentials: power button, source selection, volume +/-, navigation, play/pause, track skip, access to settings (display brightness, time, alarm). The built-in alarm lets you schedule a wake-up to an FM/DAB+ station or a Wi-Fi stream, a handy feature for a bedside radio. Six radio presets store favorite stations, accessible via the remote or the navigation ring.

In Wi-Fi mode, multiple users on the same network can take control of playback, facilitating shared use (family living room, shared kitchen). Software updates are performed automatically over the network, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving streaming services.

Comparison with previous generations

The Model One Digital Gen. 1, launched in 2017, introduced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the Model One line but suffered from an unreliable ART app and flaky connectivity. Users complained of frequent dropouts, sluggishness, and a confusing interface. Generation 2, released in 2020, addressed these issues by adopting AirPlay 2 and Chromecast and removing the requirement to use the proprietary app. It nonetheless retained the same exterior design, with a fabric grille and a driver identical to the first version.

Generation 3 brings several notable changes:

• Design: brushed aluminum grille instead of fabric, inspired by the Model Two Digital and Boutique models. This yields a more modern and robust look.
• Driver and amplification: new full-range driver, Class AB amplifier increased to 45 watts (versus around 20 watts in generation 2), extended bandwidth of 0–20 kHz.
• Streaming services: addition of Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, which were absent in generation 2. These protocols offer direct control from the native apps without going through AirPlay or Google Cast.
• Bluetooth: upgraded to Bluetooth 5.2, providing improved range and stability.
• Remote control: generation 2 shipped with a full remote; generation 3 retains this accessory, often missing in generation 1.

However, some characteristics remain: the color display is still modest in size, confined within the central ring. Several generation 2 user reviews mentioned that a larger display occupying the ring’s entire inner space would improve readability. Tivoli did not change this in generation 3. Similarly, the absence of a line-out persists, which limits integration into an external hi-fi system—only the headphone output is available (not mentioned in the provided specs, but present on earlier generations).

Technical specifications

Connectivity and streaming

• Wi-Fi: Built-in AirPlay 2, Google Cast compatible
• Radio: DAB+ / FM (DAB+ availability depends on market)
• Streaming: Spotify Connect
• Bluetooth
• Auxiliary input: 3.5 mm jack

Audio features

• Built-in alarm
• Class AB amplifier with rear port for wide-band sound dispersion
• 56-bit digital signal processing (DSP)
• 24-bit stereo analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) converters
• Support for lossless high-resolution audio

Supported audio formats

• Standard audio formats: CD quality 44.1 kHz / 16-bit
• High-resolution streaming: up to 48 kHz / 24-bit or higher

Design and finishes

• Three available combinations of grilles and real wood veneers
• Refined, contemporary design suited to any interior

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 11.5 x 22.2 x 14 cm
• Weight: 1.55 kg

Box contents

• Model One Digital Generation 3
• User manual
• Power adapter

Key benefits

• Clear, dynamic sound in any space
• Easy connection to your favorite streaming services
• Reliable, high-quality radio reception
• Compatible with high-resolution audio standards

General information

The Model One Digital Generation 3 is an elegant Wi-Fi radio that combines modern technology with contemporary aesthetics. It keeps you connected to your favorite music content via AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth®, while delivering quality DAB+ / FM radio reception. With its rear-ported design and Class AB amplifier, this radio delivers powerful, clear, wide-band sound suited to any space.