Tivoli Model One BT black wood

In the early 2000s, acoustical engineer Henry Kloss designed in his workshop a table radio that followed in the footsteps of his previous decades of work. This original Model One quickly became a classic of its kind. The BT version preserves its full sonic and aesthetic DNA while adding a Bluetooth connection, allowing wireless playback of music stored on a phone or tablet.

A wooden cabinet in the service of acoustics

The rectangular cabinet with beveled corners is made of MDF with real wood veneer, a material chosen as much for its acoustic properties as for its appearance. This inert construction prevents unwanted vibrations and provides a stable internal volume for the speaker. The veneer grain is matched at the corners for a visually coherent result, and several finish combinations are available to suit different interiors.

The format remains compact: just over 21 cm wide and about 11 cm high, with a weight close to 1.9 kg. This relative density reveals the quality of the materials used. It can be placed horizontally or vertically depending on the room layout, bearing in mind that a bass-reflex port located under the chassis contributes to low-frequency support. It is therefore better to leave some space under the unit rather than placing it on a padded surface.

Three knobs, one philosophy

The front panel shows only the essentials: a speaker protected by a metal grille and three rotary knobs. The upper left knob combines power on/off and source selection (AM, FM, auxiliary input, or Bluetooth). The second controls the volume. The third, noticeably larger, is used for radio tuning.

This last one deserves a closer look. Its mechanism operates with a 5:1 reduction ratio, which means that one full turn of the knob moves the needle by only one fifth of the frequency band. This deliberate slowness allows fine, station-by-station adjustment and recreates the ritual of radio listening as it was practiced before the advent of digital presets. The feel is smooth, with no play or excessive resistance. The visual indicators on each knob remain discreet yet easy to read.

A high-sensitivity analog tuner

The FM reception circuit is based on a discrete-component architecture incorporating GaAs MES-FET transistors, a technology derived from mobile telephony that improves selectivity and sensitivity. In practice, the radio picks up weak or distant stations that other devices struggle to lock onto, and maintains a clean signal even when several transmitters occupy nearby frequencies. The AM band is also present, which can prove useful in areas where certain local or news stations still broadcast on these waves.

The telescopic antenna, discreetly placed at the back, is generally sufficient in urban areas. For more challenging situations, a socket allows connection of an external FM antenna.

A fully embraced mono sound

The 76 mm (3-inch) full-range speaker uses a heavy magnet and long-throw suspension. This technical choice allows a large cone excursion, resulting in a more generous bass response than the cabinet size would suggest. A frequency correction circuit automatically adjusts the response curve half-octave by half-octave, balancing the rendering of voices, instruments, and bass depending on the content being played.

The choice of mono, often seen as a limitation, is in fact a deliberate technical decision: rather than multiplying small-diameter drivers to simulate a stereo effect that is often artificial at such a small scale, Tivoli Audio favors a single, high-quality speaker. The result sounds confident and coherent; voices remain intelligible at low volume, and the music retains body when the level is turned up. The rated power of 25 watts is more than enough for an average-sized room.

Bluetooth to broaden its uses

The addition of Bluetooth (version 2.1+EDR with A2DP profile) enables wireless music streaming from a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer. Pairing is done via a button located on the back: a long press activates discovery mode, and the unit then appears in the list of available devices on the source. The connection is stable within a range of around ten meters, with no major obstacles.

This feature turns the radio into an auxiliary speaker for listening to podcasts, streaming services, or simply the audio track of a video. Sound quality via Bluetooth is slightly superior to FM radio, as the digital signal is free from the interference inherent to over-the-air broadcasting. Note, however, that Bluetooth works only as a receiver: it is not possible to send the radio’s sound to wireless headphones, for example.

Connectivity and power supply

The rear panel groups several sockets recessed in a reinforced area. In addition to the FM antenna input and the Bluetooth pairing button, there is a 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary input for connecting a CD player, portable player, or any other wired audio source. A headphone output, also in 3.5 mm mini-jack format, automatically mutes the speaker when headphones are plugged in, allowing private listening without disturbing others.

Power is supplied via an external AC adapter whose cable measures about 1.70 m, providing some flexibility in positioning the device. No battery is built in: the Model One BT is designed for fixed installation rather than portable use.

Technical specifications

Construction and design

• Furniture-grade wooden cabinet, optimized for natural acoustic reproduction
• Iconic Tivoli Audio design, inspired by classic analogue radios
• Balanced front panel layout with front-facing controls
• Multiple finishes available depending on the collection

Audio performance

• Full-range speaker optimized for clear, balanced sound reproduction
• Tivoli Audio sound signature: rich, precise, and warm sound
• Excellent radio reception quality
• Suitable for near-field listening: bedroom, office, kitchen, living room

Controls and interface

• Analogue rotary knobs for intuitive use
  • Volume control
  • Radio tuning and station search
• Simple, immediate operation, with no complex interface

Connectivity and playback

• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming from smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Integrated radio function
• Mains powered: no battery, no recharging required

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 11.43 × 21.27 × 13.34 cm
• Weight: 1.88 kg

Box contents

• Model One BT Bluetooth radio
• Power cable
• User documentation