Customer Reviews

Tivoli Audio MSYDKCLA Music System Digital AM/FM/CD Hi Fi System with High-Gloss Dark Walnut Finish

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

 

 

This is an absolutely gorgeous piece of audio engineering and as long as your tastes don't run to Jefferson Starship at concert volume levels it runs rings around any other "all in one" system I've heard. However, the prospective purchaser should be aware that the only resemblence between this unit and the Model 1, 2, & 3 Tivoli products is in appearance only. This is a completely digital CD/AM/FM/Aux with all that implies....no comfortable venier tuner knob, much more complicated user controls complete w/ 2 alarms, a clock/date function, shuffle capability for the CD, presets, etc., etc. If you're looking for the simplicty of the Model 1 (still the best table radio made, period) then I'd urge you to consider the Model 2 unit with the CD player. The controls are much less complicated and very much like the Model 1. Hook up the optional bass module and you've got the optimum system for less cash, but in more boxes w/ less features....but as a singular piece of gear I don't think you can beat the Tivoli Audio system. If you still have vinyl and a head amp and turntable the aux input will accomodate; ditto for a tape deck or any other common audio source. And, in terms of pure cosmetics, nothing even comes close. Pricey, but worth it.

I needed to replace my Nakamichi Soundspace 8 unit which was beginning to function quite poorly. While I had enjoyed the highs and mids of the Nak, the bass response had always been poor, too boosty, and too rattly at mid range amplitudes.

So, I set about looking for a replacement and ultimately decided to go with the Tivoli. As stated by other reviewers, it is a gorgeous and magnificiently made unit. Simply going by looks, I'm happy I purchased it. The footprint is much smaller compared to the 3 piece Nakamichi I had, as well as most of the other tabletop stereos out there.

The problem begins with sound quality. To a point, it is a bit 'flat' in my experience. In other words, it can sound a little muffled and leaves me wanting on certain tracks. This is not to say that it isn't the best sounding alarm clock I've ever owned, but it really won't serve as anything more than morning music for me in the bedroom. I had hoped for a much warmer and richer listening experience. Alas it is small and I will admit that the piece is so beautiful that at least I love looking at it. Moreover, for radio, it is more than acceptable. Indeed, it's tailor made for classical music since it does seem to capture midrange very well.

As for the interface, ease of use is de rigeur for Tivoli and I have not complaints. Buttons click well, the center knob is a delete and offers great feedback. Oddly, when switching to the internal CD source, I will admit that there is a slight clip as though unplugging a source while powered, but perhaps it's by design.

All in all, I like the unit well. 3 stars for average seems fair since I was really expecting a 5 for sounds, and as we all know, high expectations make for difficult reviews.

UPDATE: As others have already experienced, I've too experienced the "CD player is frozen and does not operate unless the power is unplugged" problem. If you're considering this unit, it's a better clock radio but it's certainly not a stereo replacement. I'll reiterate, though, it is a beautiful unit and does sound good for what it is.

And it is certainly more than that, as it's cd player also sounds very very fine. I just received this today and it exceeds my expectations by a long shot.
Great sound, remote & reception-- and it's quite beautiful to boot!

I am spoiled by my "main rig": a 2 channel system that includes a VPI Aries turntable, Marantz model 7 pre-amp, a Naim cd5 cd player, KEF 105.2 speakers, and Grado PS1 and AKG K1000 headphones. This one piece unit is more in league with that fine equipment than with the alternatives; so much so that I did not want to turn it off tonight. My local NPR station was playing some Sinatra just now, and it is the best I've EVER heard him sound from a radio. Before that an alternative station played some REM off "chronic town" followed by "London Calling" and it rocked a large dining room and kitchen very nicely. I love my new radio!
I auditioned everything but the new cambridge soundworks hd unit (which was not shipping yet), and I'm glad I trusted my instincts and the few reviews because this is just fantastic.
Also tried the headphone out and was pleasently surprised at the results
through sony cd3000's and shure e500's. very listenable though I'll bet the line out to a headphone amp will be a large improvement.

Clear fresh sound, pleasing to eyes to look at.The item I have is not walnut. It was swithed to cherry/metallic taupe.

It has not worked well since purchased, and now must be sent back; CDs get stuck, and when power is either off or on it makes the constant noise of ejecting a CD.