Tivoli Model One BT black/silver

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

A wooden cabinet serving 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 avoids unwanted vibrations and offers 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. The unit can be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the layout of the room, bearing in mind that a bass-reflex port located under the chassis contributes to the low-frequency foundation. It is therefore best to leave a bit of space under the device 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 and source selection (AM, FM, auxiliary input or Bluetooth). The second controls the volume. The third, noticeably larger, is used for radio tuning.

The latter deserves special attention. 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 for precise adjustment, station by station, 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 markers on each knob are 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 adjacent frequencies. The AM band is also present, which can prove useful in regions where certain local or news stations still broadcast on these wavelengths.

The telescopic antenna, discreet at the rear, is usually sufficient in urban areas. For more challenging situations, a socket allows connection of an external FM antenna.

A fully embraced mono sound reproduction

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

The decision to go with mono, often perceived as a limitation, is in fact a deliberate technical choice: instead of multiplying small-diameter drivers to simulate a stereo effect that is often artificial at such a small scale, Tivoli Audio favors a single, well-made speaker. The result is confident and coherent sound; 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 sufficient for a medium-sized room.

Bluetooth to expand usage

The addition of Bluetooth (version 2.1+EDR with A2DP profile) allows you to wirelessly stream music from a smartphone, tablet, or compatible 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 device. The connection is stable within a range of about ten meters without major obstacles.

This function turns the radio into an auxiliary speaker for listening to podcasts, streaming services, or simply the audio from a video. Sound quality via Bluetooth proves slightly superior to that of 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 a wireless headset, for example.

Connectivity and power

The rear panel groups several recessed sockets within a reinforced area. In addition to the FM antenna input and 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 mini-jack format, automatically mutes the speaker when headphones are plugged in, allowing private listening without disturbing those nearby.

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

Technical specifications

Construction and design

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

Audio performance

• Full-range speaker optimized for clear, well-balanced 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

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

Connectivity and playback

• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming from smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Built-in 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