It resembles an old transistor radio but stands out with WiFi connectivity through Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast, offering an advantage over standard Bluetooth speakers.
Bluetooth speakers are evolving beyond basic audio streaming from a smartphone. The Tivoli Audio Model One Digital Gen 2, although small like an old transistor radio, is packed with features that cater to music lovers.
Indeed, the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital Gen 2 looks like a forgotten old transistor, complete with an antenna for FM radio. The wooden cabinet front features two large dials and a fabric speaker grill. A large ring surrounds a small LED display that shows modes, song titles, and radio stations, providing useful information.
Of course, it functions as a regular Bluetooth speaker for those who want to connect it to their smartphones. However, streaming music from phones often comes with interruptions like notifications and incoming calls. This is where its WiFi connectivity via Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast sets it apart from regular speakers. You can select sources and adjust settings using the dials, but there’s also a full-function remote for easy control, allowing you to change settings, set alarms, and adjust the time display. However, the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital Gen 2 does not connect to the Tivoli Audio app.
The first time I streamed a song from Apple Music, I was genuinely surprised by the sound profile of this small tabletop radio. It delivers impressive performance far beyond its size. I’ve tested much larger speakers that didn’t have the impact of this compact device on my dining table. It’s not just about being loud; the bass on this speaker is among the best I’ve experienced in a Bluetooth speaker.
With this speaker, you can understand why Malayalam rapper Baby Jean, with his Leonard Cohen-like baritone, has become such a sensation in Kerala. When I played Midhun Mukundan’s “Chandrachooda,” it felt like my entire 2BHK apartment was alive with divine Carnatic vibes. The bass vibrations fill the room, while the vocals maintain their own space, perfectly balancing the lows.
This speaker is perfect for lounging on the weekend with a classic Ghulam Ali or Jagjit Singh ghazal. As Ali’s soulful voice in “Chupke Chupke” fills the heavy July air, I can distinctly hear the tabla’s layers in the background and the sitar stepping in when needed.
The audio quality is superb when using Bluetooth or WiFi. However, I couldn’t connect using AirPlay on my iPhone, possibly due to the iOS 18 Beta version. On Android, I had no issues and could set up the speaker in a couple of minutes. With FM, you can easily select stations and save them in presets accessible via the remote. However, I didn’t use the radio option much, preferring to avoid listening to ads at home.
Priced at Rs 48,590, the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital Gen 2 might seem expensive to some, but its superior audio quality and features make it a worthy investment. This speaker impressed me greatly, and I can recommend it, especially for those willing to invest in high-quality music experiences.