Customer Reviews

Tivoli Audio Model CD Player, Cherry/Metallic Taupe

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Having come across the three preceding reviews, I feel obliged to correct the negative impression they leave. I bought one of the first Model CDs to be made, and it had a design problem. It didn't play all CDs and the drive mechanism was flaky. But it SOUNDED terrific - high resolution and warm, balanced sound - one of the best digital/analog converters I've ever heard.

I contacted the company immediately and learned that they were having problems with many units and that they were already in the process of fixing the design problem. They said that they could send a replacement immediately, but I opted to wait until they knew they had fixed the problem. At that time, they shipped me a new unit and allowed me to return the old one in the same packing materials.

It was a pain to wait for, but well worth it. This is a simple, "bare-bones" CD player that is perfectly matched to the Model One. The design problem was part hardware and part software, and it is completely fixed. What's amazing is how good the music sounds. If that's what you're looking for, you'd be foolish to ignore this CD player because of the other reviews. They are not wrong, but collectively they leave the wrong impression about this CD player. For the price, I doubt you can find any CD player that sounds this good.

Like the previous writer, I also had trouble with my first Model CD that was attributed to a "software error." Tivoli had it picked up, and sent me another, which has been trouble-free. I've had it connected to a Tivoli Model Two radio ever since.

The Model CD is fine, within its design limits. It sounds great, and the slot-loading mechanism (like a car player) is handy, but the player is pretty spartan when it comes to convenience features. There is no track programming, the display is rudimentary, and some functions (direct track access, and volume control, for example) are accessible only from the tiny remote control, and not from the player's front panel.

For use with Tivoli's Model Two or Model Three radios, the Model CD is a worthwhile addition. It matches them in appearance and build quality, and its operation is simple. For use with more conventional stereo or home theater gear however, there are choices that offer equally good sound and more convenience features, but for fewer dollars.

I've recently purchased a tivoli model two, cd and subwoofer and I can honestly say that I am in love! This system is simple to use, has terrific sound quality and is BEAUTIFUL to look at. I must admit, having such great sound eminating from these tiny wooden boxes was a wonderful surprise, because what initial attracted me to them were their aesthetic wonder! The model two is definitely the centre piece and it's a real joy simply to turn it's dials and adjust it's knobs- it speaks of quality and an age-old construction and is a far cry from how other units in general are built- smooth, substantial and a real smooth feel- you jsut know that when you are looking for a station that this unit is really working to lock onto it and keep it there! As to the cd player- it fits in perfectly with the model 2 and if you can afford it by all means buy it! It is wonderfully minimal (as is the entire tivoli line) and dispenses with all the gidgets and gazmos found on just about every mini-system made today. It sucks your cd in (as a car cd player does) and produces a smooth wonderful sound. It's tiny remote (again fashioned after Henry Klosses remotes from teh past) All you really have to do is lift one of the units to feel how solidly built -their surprisingly heaviness screems out what great components they have (no cheap plastic parts here!). The subwoofer really adds a great soft punch to the music- I was really afraid about this part of the unit from what I've read from some reviewers online. Honestly, I've no idea what they were expecting. There is definitely a big difference once the bass unit is added! I'm now so in love I'm wanting to add a model three to my "collection"! A truly great investment- these pieces will be with me for a very long time- their timeless looks alone will see to that!

This is a great idea: a small CD player to match the rest of the Tivoli line. Unfortunately, the quality of the units I tried came nowhere near the quality of the rest of the Tivoli line. All in all, Tivoli sent me four of these units and each had problems: one wouldn't play the disc, one wouldn't eject the disc, one had an LED readout that would go blank, and one had variations on all of these problems. The Model One is a great product and the PAL and the others are close behind, but the Model CD needs a lot more work.

My first Model CD would not play extended play CDs. I contacted Tivoli, and they very graciously sent a new version of the player that resolved that software problem. I received a new one, which didn't play at all. Called them up again, and they very graciously sent a new player with a pre-paid return slip. The new one they sent worked for about a week and has since stopped playing. I'm very sad about this, and though the people at Tivoli were so helpful, I'm not sure I'm going to continue owning this product.

My Model CD started to have problems after one year of light use. Initially the display would lose segments and then would require a power-down to restore. This problem got worse with time. After less than 2 years of use, the dosplay has now failed completely and the player rejects all disks from any manufacturer. It was never a great sounding player, but having invested in several other Tivoli Audio components, I had no alternative but to live with their extremely expensive single disk unit. Obviously my unit is out of warranty and I am out of luck, but I would sure hope that this company (which is always boasting of it's audiophile roots) would help it's loyal customers out of this situation.

I am using it with a plug in mini plug to the pod on a Bose Computer Sound System. It works beautifully.(Thanks Amazon for the upgraded shipping.) This unit's heft shows heritage of design along the lines of expensive car deluxe CD players. Size is perfect and sits inconspicuously on my small bookcase. The fluorescent display is great,no way it could be improved. The player loads and plays the disk automatically.Slick. The remote is a coup d'etat of just the right size and easy to read symbols. Important, else you would be hard pressed to see and fumble for the function keys on the unit if you are not eagle eyed.(This is an industry design thing that aint never going to go way) Summary: I think Tivoli put their money and value in this one. And recommend it,even if you don't use it w the Tivoli radio. The 12 Volt option is one I may explore. That would mean getting a back seat amp to the rear of my VW wagen. But it remains possible,so that is a design plus for this company. Hats off to Tivoli, my garden spot for small discrete audio gear...with minimum of glitz and faddishness. GS

My wife and I had been looking for over a year for a simple sound system to install in our new dining room/library on a very narrow (8 inches deep) built-in shelf. None of the micro systems were small enough and most looked like they'd be at home in a sci-fi horror flick. Not only is this unit attractive but it's not much deeper than a CD. The controls are easy to use and with the remote we can control the unit from the dining table.

Sound quality is nice and the cabinetry is well designed; however, the remote lacks a few essential features as well as the LCD on the CD player leaves room for improvement. The remote does not have the ability to power on and off the CD player making it only somewhat helpful in remotely adjusting your CD listening, but not fully featured. Another disadvantage is that the LCD screen is not as clear as you would want and for a dim room the angle of clear viewing is slim at best. The best way to get this product is in a bundle... Don't misunderstand the review though, this is a nice product, but don't think that there are not a few shortcomings.

My brother and I were looking to replace our mother's broken CD player. We wanted something that looked and sounded good and that was also easy to use. Finding something with the last attribute, simplicity of use, without giving up the first two attributes was the hard part. The Tivoli CD player was ideal: One CD only, play-pause-stop, forward-back, that's it, and that is all that is necessary - and it is very attractive and sounds great. It was the perfect gift - she loves it.