Customer Reviews

Tivoli Audio MSYBLK Music System Digital AM/FM/CD Hi Fi System with Black Ash Finish

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Tivoli either doesn't plan to sell many of these or will have to come down on the price--not that it's necessarily overpriced. As a musician, reviewer, and constant listener I can attest that the Tivoli engineers' "tuning" of the sound leaves little to be desired. Evenness across the sonic spectrum, balance, "tightness," crispness, fullness, richness, naturalness and presence--more in evidence than ever. It's not a sound that's likely to cause heads to turn the first time you hear it--Tivoli doesn't go in for the artificial effects, echoey and overly spacious synthesized sounds. If you want a lot of stereo separation, save some money and pick up the Tivoli Model Two with the satellite speaker plus CD deck. If you want to feel to rumble, add Tivoli's sub-woofer. But if you simply want great, reliable, true sound in a small package, this is quality all the way.

A couple of minor annoyances: the many little buttons on the machine go against Tivoli's tradition of simplicity as well as occasionally strain my patience (especially when I'm using sources other than CD). Also, the CD will occasionally appear to jam. The solution is to disconnect and reconnect the electrical cord.

I ordered this model from Amazon in December just before Tivoli raised the prices to ridiculous levels. I paid $699 for mine and while I was awaiting delivery (it ended up being back ordered) Tivoli raised the prices by about 50 percent or more on their various models. Frankly, I think the version I bought was pretty pricey before the big markup in January of this year. I bought this model after listening to a Bose Wave radio and looking at reviews which said the Music System was better. I own a Model 1 and have been very pleased with it since day one and I knew what Tivoli can do with a single box, (and I wanted single box, not a multi-component stereo system) so I took the plunge. The sound quality seems quite good to me, but I am no audiophile. The CD player has the tendency to reject disks or have a failure in loading- you just eject it and reload. The problems are probably more related to dust or warps in the disks than any failure in the Music System. I like the symplicity of Tivoli's products- the reason I tried out the original Model 1 to begin with. They are not burdoned with numerous auxillory features that frankly most people wouldn't use. And of course the housing is furniture quality wood, not plastic and they look great- retro and contemporary at the same time. All this being said, I don't think they are worth the current prices that Tivoli is charging. I even scratch my head at $699 for one of these, but $999 is just ridiculous. Lastly, I think the instruction manual could use a little more detail.

A few days ago I wrote of my satisfaction with the Tivoli Clock Radio.

On the excellence of that, I wanted one that played CDs, AM & FM, and bought this model after EXTENSIVE research!

We had a Bose which was to fill a hall with symphony sound. It didn't offer what it said and we gave it away. A few years ago, my husband bought a Marantz for a few thousand dollars. Both he and I admit the sound from this Tivoli surpasses that. Incredible.

The Tivoli Audio Music System Digital AM/FM/CD Hi-Fi System in Black Ash/Silver is stunning. It is substantial and impressive asthetically. We are New Yorkers and with all honestly, it sounds like Carnegie Hall.

A glass of Chablis and awe-struck from the sound we had the best night in a long time!

It is so phenominal, I've called two people to listen and experience it. We never would have thought of doing this with the Bose, it just wasn't special enough. The Tivoli system is a true "experience". Designed with the help of Henry Klaus is impressive enough to start with. It simply can't be put in words the sound from this system.


I'd suggest if you're looking for a high-end stereo, you consider this. The Bose isn't even a close 2nd (not in the same class at all.)

Hope this helps you.

First of all, I agree with other reviewers who complain about the high price. When it was $599 back in 2007 I figured I would wait until it came down in price. So I was a bit dismayed, to say the least, when the price went in the opposite direction. The audiophile in me wanted the darn thing, so I went onto Ebay and bought a slightly used one for just under $500. (The owner claimed that he had it for only a few days, and the receipt he sent me seems to confirm that.) As soon as I took it out of the box, I marvelled at the beauty of the finished wood cabinet (I have the walnut dark beige). But the real magic was turning it on and hearing the sound. I popped in a CD of Wagner's Die Walkure (ride of the maiden) and it was totally awesome. Especially the soprano's voice. For several years I've been listening to the Cambridge Soundworks Radio CD model, and I have to say that as much as I like the Cambridge Soundworks table model, the Tivoli Audio surpasses it--especially in the midrange. Brass instruments sound like brass instruments. A piccolo sounds like a piccolo. Sometimes I feel like I'm right there in the concert hall.
Now for the downside. It's much less convenient to use than the Cambridge Soundworks Radio CD. If you pause the CD, turn it off and turn it back on, it doesn't remember where you left off--instead it goes right back to the beginning. In fact, if you briefly switch from CD to radio or AUX, the CD player starts from the beginning when you go back to it. The presets for EQ and Space Phase are always reset to the default values when the unit is turned back on. There are only 6 FM (or AM) station presets. But for me, the sound quality makes up for the glitches.

Order based on positive reviews, and comparisons, purchased to replace old cumbersome stack system, and speakers. However, received sub-standard product. Openned and followed easy install instructions, and had planned to use as background music for same evening dinner party. Excellent sound quality as advertised, however 4 cuts into CD everything unravelled, CD distorted, and skipped. Maybe defective CD? tried new/multiply CD's, same result every time. Followed trouble shooting instructions to remove batteries, and unplug unit, complied with instructions muliple times over three day period (also, needless to say, no music for dinner party evening). Lost confidence in item, did not want to chance same result on relacement, returned for refund, and purchased Boston Acoustic CD unit. BA Plays perfectly with great sound quality, and looks good.