Tivoli PAL

[d.r.cook]

This sort of relates to the ipod thread that Claus started; I just got one of the new Tivoli PAL AM/FM radios--basically a repackaging of the highly regarded (and very reasonably priced) Tivoli table radios. Developed originally by (embarassingly, his name escapes me) one of hi-fi's "founding fathers"--involved with AR, Advent, Cambridge, etc.

Anyway, this little PAL is built for indoor/outdoor use, and has a mini-jack outlet for external sources (i.e., the ipod, or similar mp3 player). What a gem! The sound, even though mono, is awesome. As anyone familiar with the tuner section knows, it picks up scads of stations lound and clear. I even use the AM section for a couple of sports stations, and it's also very good. It has an excellent rechargable battery built in, and will also play (and recharge) off house current.

For travel, backporch, shower/bathroom, etc., plug the dynamo little ipod into it, and you've got thousands of tunes from your CD collection (or wherever) ready to roll!

On a related subject, anybody see the Wall Street Journal tech writer's (Walter Mossberg?) review of the upgraded Sirrus satelite radio options? He was raving about it.

I love my PAL and would probably get 2-3 more to drop around the house, but digital radio somewhere on the horizon gives me pause. Any thoughts? I tend to think it won't happen as fast as HDTV is going to (and that's not exactly at lightning pace).

doug

P.S. Tivoli makes a stereo version of the table-top radio with a speaker separate from the one built in the radio. That model goes for $159, the mono table radio for $99, and the PAL for $129 (in several stunning or subtle colors).

[Cafe Jeff]

Hi,
I have a couple of the Tivoli Model 1s. Have you tried the Pal as a tuner? I understand it has a Stereo out, unlike the Tivoli Model 1. Jeff

[d.r.cook]

Jeff,

I haven't used it with external spkrs, just stand-alone. I suspect the performance would be pretty good, since it pulls in signals so well. But obviously, the beauty of this product is convenience/portability, not ultra-advanced hi-fi.

doug

[Cafe Jeff]

Originally posted by d.r.cook
Jeff,

I haven't used it with external spkrs, just stand-alone. I suspect the performance would be pretty good, since it pulls in signals so well. But obviously, the beauty of this product is convenience/portability, not ultra-advanced hi-fi.

doug






Hi Doug,

I agree. They're amazing little radios. I have this sort of dream office or kitchen system that might feature a PAL. Also, the Tivolis I have can pull in a few stations that I otherwise can't get on my Revox with roof mounted antenna. With a PAL as a Stereo Tuner and with its AM, it would be useful in my main system. I also need another excuse to buy one. On the Tivoli Model 1, I am a little disapointed with the AM performance. Do you know if the performance is different on the PAL? Jeff
Also how long does it run on batteries for?:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[d.r.cook]

Jeff,

Haven't used AM much (just for ESPN), but I'd guess it's the same. Also not sure about battery life, since I haven't actually run it down before reconnecting to AC.