Tivoli Model One Digital (Gen. 3) black

The third generation of the Model One Digital marks an evolution of the table radio by 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 with premium materials

Visually, the Model One Digital Gen. 3 sets itself apart from its predecessors with the adoption of a brushed aluminum grille, whereas previous versions used Danish-inspired fabric. This choice aligns the device with more recent 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 favorable acoustic inertia. Beyond its contemporary look, the aluminum grille offers robustness and easy maintenance.

The front panel includes 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 handles 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 screen shows the active source, the name of the station or current track, and a few additional details (time, volume). Its size remains modest, confined to the central area, which may limit legibility at a distance or in bright light.

On the back, there’s a Wi‑Fi button to enter pairing mode, a 3.5 mm auxiliary input, a socket for the included mains power supply, and a connector for the FM antenna (included, but optional if the internal antenna suffices). The unit rests on four rubber feet that isolate the radio from its surface, limiting unwanted vibrations. A full-featured remote control is included, providing 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 charms with its warm contrast, while the white/silver and black/black versions offer a more minimalist aesthetic. The meticulous assembly underscores Tivoli’s premium positioning in the table radio segment, where cheap plastic still largely dominates.

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—a single speaker—may surprise, but it aligns with the brand’s philosophy: prioritize sonic coherence and wideband dispersion over stereo in a compact format. The rear bass-reflex port helps extend low-frequency response, 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 A/D and D/A converters can handle high-resolution audio streams up to 48 kHz / 24-bit, and potentially 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 Gen. 2 (which output around 20 watts) and the new driver aim to better fill the soundstage, with more assertive bass and improved dynamics. Feedback highlights its ability to fill a medium-sized room without notable distortion, while retaining 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 major additions versus Gen. 2, which was limited to AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. With Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, playback is controlled directly from the service’s native app, with no intermediary. The radio appears as an output device, simplifying the flow 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 who owned Gen. 1 may recall a finicky ART app; this third generation definitively abandons that proprietary system in favor of standard protocols, eliminating many frustrations.

Bluetooth 5.2 offers a no‑Wi‑Fi alternative, useful for streaming from a smartphone or tablet without network setup. Bluetooth sound quality is respectable but trails Wi‑Fi, which avoids additional compression. The 3.5 mm auxiliary input accommodates wired sources—portable CD player, computer, turntable with built‑in preamp—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, present in Europe and other regions). Tivoli has always paid close attention to radio reception, a legacy of Kloss’s expertise in FM tuners. The integrated 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 day-to-day 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 simplifies Google Cast integration; without it, only AirPlay 2 works out of the box. The pairing procedure is to power on the radio, select the Wi‑Fi source via the knob, press the Wi‑Fi button on the back to activate pairing mode, then follow the app’s instructions. Once connected, the radio shows “Connected” on screen and stores the network.

The physical controls favor simplicity: the central knob turns the radio on/off (short press), cycles through sources (repeated presses), and adjusts volume (rotation). The ring surrounding the display handles menu navigation (rotate to browse 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 preserves a satisfying haptic feel.

The remote mirrors these essentials: power button, source selection, volume +/−, navigation, play/pause, track skip, access to settings (screen brightness, time, alarm). The built‑in alarm lets you schedule a wake-up to an FM/DAB+ station or a Wi‑Fi stream, a practical 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 delivered 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 finicky connectivity. Users complained of frequent dropouts, sluggishness, and a confusing interface. Gen. 2, released in 2020, addressed these issues by adopting AirPlay 2 and Chromecast and removing the requirement to use the proprietary app. However, it retained the same exterior design, with a fabric grille and a driver identical to the first version.

Gen. 3 brings several notable changes:

• Design: brushed aluminum grille instead of fabric, inspired by the Model Two Digital and Boutique. This looks more modern and robust.
• Driver and amplification: new full-range driver, Class AB amplifier boosted to 45 watts (versus roughly 20 watts in Gen. 2), extended bandwidth to 0–20 kHz.
• Streaming services: addition of Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, which were not available in Gen. 2. These protocols offer direct control from native apps without using AirPlay or Google Cast.
• Bluetooth: upgrade to Bluetooth 5.2 for improved range and stability.
• Remote control: Gen. 2 shipped with a full remote; Gen. 3 retains this accessory, often absent in Gen. 1.

Some aspects remain unchanged: the color display is still modest in size, confined within the central ring. Several Gen. 2 user reports noted that a larger screen occupying all the inner space of the ring would improve legibility. Tivoli did not change this in Gen. 3. Similarly, the lack 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 varies by 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 combinations of grilles and real wood veneers available
• 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 elegantly designed 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, or 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 suitable for any space.