Tivoli top-firing speaker adds stereo to your radio
Pros:
Great sound; great styling; perfectly matches the Tivoli Model Satellite radio
Cons:
Takes up extra space on your table or nightstand
The Bottom Line:
Recommended, if you have the space for a second speaker. In comparison with the expensive Tivoli radios, this speaker seems like a relative bargain.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I bought this top-firing speaker to get stereo sound from the Tivoli Model Satellite radio. The sound is excellent and I highly recommend it. (Epinions states that this is a “computer speaker,” but the photograph is clearly of what Tivoli calls its “Top-Firing Stereo Speaker,” and that is what I am reviewing).
As I have noted in my review of the Model Satellite, the basic sound from the single speaker built into that radio is very good - so good that it is hard to believe its mono. Anyone who does not want to spend any more money, or take up any more space on their table or night stand, need not feel guilty if they do not add a second speaker. But if you do have the space and the cash for this speaker, I think its worth it.
The speaker is well-matched to the one in the basic radio and has the same sound - warm and rich, if a little bit bass-heavy. Adding this second speaker for stereo just gives the sound an added dimension.
Connection is very easy - the speaker has a simple plug on a white cord that plugs into a jack on the back of the Tivoli radio. You set the switch on the back of the radio to stereo, adjust the balance as you like, and you are done. The radio’s built-in speaker becomes the “left” speaker, and this external unit becomes the “right” speaker. The radio unit powers this speaker - unlike computer speakers, this one does not require its own separate power supply, and the only cord running to it is the one connecting it to the radio. The instructions recommend placing the speakers 5 feet apart, but I get excellent sound placing them just about two feet apart on my kitchen table. The 15-foot cord gives you a lot of flexibility to do what looks and sounds good in your room. For example, if you use the radio in a bedroom, there is plenty of cord to allow you to put one speaker on each side of the bed.
Tivoli states that the styling is intended to match the Model Satellite, as well as the Model Three AM/FM radio. Like the speaker that is built into those radios, this one is mounted on the top of the cabinet. Since it is just a speaker, with no dials or controls, the box is just plain, simple, natural cherry, the same shade as my Model Satellite radio. I find it very attractive, and the two boxes make a nice matching pair on my kitchen table.
Tivoli also makes a front-firing speaker, in the same natural cherry/metallic taupe color, which is also intended to match the same radios. Personally, I like the looks of this one better, as it has even more natural wood.
