Finally a high quality integrated tabletop satellite radio
Although this was the only quality integrated satellite table radio on the market when I was looking to buy this summer, I held back from this bargain-priced out-of-production Tivoli for two reasons. First, Sirius and Tivoli instruct you that the cheap antenna that comes with it must be set on the window sill of a Western facing windows (in the area that I live) and I had only southern and eastern facing windows. When Sirius successfully launched its first geo-stationary satellite this summer, I gambled that my southern window would now work. Success. I not only get perfect reception, but I can get it with the antenna sitting on top of the radio pointed at my southern window 5 feet away.
My second problem was the inadequate 20 minute only sleep timer. I solved this by purchasing the inexpensive Intermatic TB121C timer offered here on Amazon. The timer plugs into the wall socket, the radio plugs into the timer, and the easy-to-set timer control is on a cable that I set right next to the radio on my night table where I can easily set it when to shut the radio off. Not a perfect solution because when you wake up and look at the radio to see the time, you have to press the power button on the radio or remote to get the time to display. But I have little problem with it.
The radio itself offers great sound for its size. The display is impressive. It autosizes the text so that it is completely visible in the display as large as possible. If the title or artist is too long to fit, the display automatically scrolls it. I was also impressed by the built-in FM antenna, although I no longer listen to FM. Perhaps Tivoli will start up production again.
2009-12-03
Simply the Best Satellite Radio
Already owning the Model One, Two, and Subwoofer, I wasn't in the market for another Tivoli. However, when my wife found the Satellite on sale for $49.97 I couldn't pass it up (I think she regrets telling me about). Being almost identical to the Model One, I thought it would be a nice radio for the computer room so I took a chance on it.
At first, I was just excited about basically getting a Model One with a digital clock display for $50. It didn't take long to start appreciating some of the differences. The unit is very similar to the Model One with some minor changes and additions.
Changes/Additions:
* The speaker has been moved from front to the top of the radio. This actually sounds a little better since it isn't directional and kind of fills the room.
* A Mono/Stereo switch was added to the rear allowing the addition of a stereo speaker.
* A digital display was added for Sirius radio. The display includes a clock when the unit is turned off.
In the past, I had been interested in getting satellite radio. This unit made it extremely easy with just one phone call. After talking to a Sirius radio representative, I ended up buying a lifetime subscription. Listening to commercial free, Sirius radio with such good sound quality is quite the experience.
In mono mode the Model Satellite sounds just as good, if not better than, the Model One. It has a warm, rich, deep sound that fills a bedroom well. Talk radio and music are both crisp and clear sounding across all ranges.
Being so compatible to other Tivoli components, I also attached the Satellite to my right side Model Two speaker and Model Subwoofer. The sound is the same as my Model Two with the addition of the satellite radio.
All in all, I am very happy with my purchase. As a stand alone radio it is great and when matched with a stereo speaker and the subwoofer, the Model Satellite really comes alive. Even if I had to pay full price for this unit, I would still give it a very high rating.
2009-12-02
