The world of audio products in India has seen a lot of changes in the last few years, with brands overhauling their range of offerings to cater to budget-conscious Indian consumers. Amidst this, we saw the entry of Tivoli Audio, an American audio brand with proven prowess in making high-end speakers, enter the country and take the fight to premium Bluetooth speakers. On the surface, Tivoli’s speakers might look like any other retro-themed speakers. However, when the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen 2) came into the Digit Test Centre with its unique selection of connectivity options and interface, I was intrigued. I took it out for a spin, and here’s what I found out in my time spent with the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen 2) –
The Tivoli Audio Model One Digital Gen 2, a successor to the original Model One Digital, is a testament to the adage, “Don’t fix what isn’t broken.” It retains the high-grade wood surround, fabric-covered speaker, and the combo power-source-volume knob of its predecessor. The tactile aluminium “MOD ring” that lets you access the speaker’s functions is back, adding a touch of class. However, sometimes, it does get a bit too overwhelming to operate the speaker just through the ring, and that is when the remote comes in clutch.
The small, square colour display sitting in the middle of the MOD ring is a bit of a letdown. It could have been more visually appealing if it occupied the full space within the ring. But hey, it’s not a deal-breaker. The back panel houses a 3.5mm auxiliary input for analogue audio sources, a Micro USB port for factory servicing, a set-up button, and a mute button. The mute button’s placement is a bit odd, but it’s a minor quirk in an otherwise stellar design.
The real charm of the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital Gen 2 lies in its blend of classic aesthetics with modern functionality. It’s a digital-age reimagination of the classic Model One design, now equipped with reliable Wi-Fi platforms like AirPlay and Chromecast. The Model One Digital Gen 2 is not just a pretty face. It’s a Wi-Fi radio at its core, with DAB+/FM, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a perfect blend of old-school charm and new-age tech. It’s a perfect example of how to strike a balance between maintaining the classic design elements that people love and incorporating the functionalities that the digital age demands. It’s a bit pricey, but for the design and features it offers, it’s worth every penny.
The Tivoli Audio Model One Digital Gen 2 is a petite powerhouse. Don’t let its size fool you; it delivers a hefty but precise sound. It’s like a pocket-sized Hulk, if you will. The balanced sound impresses at all but the loudest settings. It’s like a well-cooked steak, just right, not too raw, not too well done—enough with the metaphors. I will get to explaining exactly what it sounds like.
The mids are the star in the sound signature of this speaker, with the Model One Digital (Gen 2) bringing in some of the best-sounding vocals I have heard from a speaker this size. It would easily go head to head against offerings from Marshall like their Middleton. The speaker’s sound signature fits well with most genres of music, with the loudness also being enough to fill a medium-sized room with people in it. Speakers like the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen 2) are not meant to be used as party speakers, with their focus being on bringing you serene music-listening experiences. However, this one will pull double duty and ensure that you are able to play a few melodies in your next party once the thing gets going.
Ample connectivity options ensure that you are getting the best possible sound from a host of source devices. It basically leaves almost nothing to complain about here. The FM reception is also decent; however, with LED lights around, you might face some difficulties due to the nature of the transmission and its interaction with LED lights.
Well, if you have around ₹42,000 in your pocket and are looking for a speaker that can not only provide you with a great music listening experience but also tie into your smart home ecosystem with a touch of nostalgia, then the Tivoli Audio Model One Digital (Gen 2) is the speaker for you. However, if audio quality is your focus and you are not looking for all the bells and whistles of the Model One Digital (Gen 2), then I would say you should save a buck and get your hands on Marshall Middleton. The winner of the Digit Zero1 Awards 2023, the Middleton sounds equally great, if not better, and is much more rugged and portable than the Model One Digital (Gen 2).
