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38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Required reading" to include the sub, here's why:, June 4, 2006
First of all, I see there's a bit of controversy out here about hiss, and whether the sub is worth the money. I hope to clarify this in simple terms. To begin with, I have an audiophile quality system. Conrad Johnson, Tandberg, NAD, Celestion components, yet having moved into a new home, I didn't want to see all those components and speakers in my living room with new wood floors. I had hoped that this system with the sub would fit the bill, but was rather skeptical, after reading reviews here. So here's my vote. Get the Model 2, and get the sub. It's all worth it, but you'll never "hear" it, until it's set up properly. First off, I'm a ham; and anyone can tell you, that you're only as good as your antenna. I used a roof mount full size FM antenna as my baseline reference, but didn't want it on my roof. I replaced it quite nicely with the Radio Shack 15-1859 for $24.99. However, like the speakers, placement is everything. I put on headphones and tuned it to a difficult station, then moved the antenna until it was clear, so I could move free of the unit without having to be in front of the speakers to listen. Wa-la.. After a few minutes of testing, I attained absolutely noisless signal and along with it; perfect spacial seperation. Next, I found that the speaker placement is very critical to set the proper soundstage, and get "as it was intended to be heard" seperation. I did buy the sub, but for now, leave it turned off. Also, don't rely on leaving the balance centered. I had to tweak it, so don't be afraid to. Try putting on some Andres Segovia and keep adjusting the balance until you hear the "open ambiance" of the auditorium he played in. Listen to attain a spacial result. Then you're set. NOW turn on your sub. Also, to those who say the sub isn't needed. Fooey. It's well worth the money, and provides the third leg of the triangle to truly present what this system can do. Once all that is set, knock yourself out. It's a no brainer, and yes, again; the sub is "required" and well worth it. For references as to what this system can do, try Patrick O'Hearn/Metaphor, Andreas Vollenweider/Book of Roses, and Tower of Power/Soul Vaccination (LIVE). They will let you hear what this baby can do. Kinda like driving a Porsche on a straight road at 40 mph, and saying "it's not that hot". Context is everything. Hope this helped. Again, what I found to be necessary were, signal quality, speaker placement/balance adjustment, without sub; then sub added. For me, this system is a keeper, and will keep my former audio system packed away for now. To me, unobtrusiveness; from "invisible" components, and "is that coming out of that?" performance, is coming out on top, and winning big. Go for it. It's a rare find, and a great value.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You won't be sorry., November 15, 2003
By A Customer
The Tivoli Model Two radio sounds great all by itself, but the Model Subwoofer gives it just a touch more oomph at the bottom end that makes it even better. I had serious doubts about the performance of a "subwoofer" with just a single 5.25" speaker, but this little thing really works. Lows have more volume and impact, but the subwoofer doesn't call attention to itself, or misbehave by sounding tubby.The effect is subtle, and won't necessarily show up on all material, but in my installation, music from Robert Cray to Mannheim Steamroller to David Sanborn benefitted from the sub's contribution. The small cabinet is easily hidden if need be, but looks good enough to be placed out in the open, too. The volume control is useful for tailoring the sound to its location. You can get along quite well without the Model Subwoofer, but once you listen to it, you'll be glad you spent the eighty bucks.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More than subtle- it far exceeded my expectations!, September 12, 2004
Having recently purchased the tivoli model two and model cd, I really wanted to complete my new system with the subwoofer but was a little hesitant after reading such reviews below. Since I've become somewhat obsessed with the Tivoli units I really wanted to believe the subwoofer was all it's makers claimed it to be. Well, all it really took was a simple demo in the store for me to instantly think to myself, "what the heck where those down-sayers thinking?". Its sound was instantly low and booming, but not in an overwhelming through-my-bones kinda thudding. It was rich and smooth (as is the audio from the model 2) but it truly adds a great depth to the music. I'm almost hesitant to use the word subtle- because it is VERY obvious the differences with the subwoofer on and off. Do a simple test before you buy to convinve yourself that it does more than simply compliment the model two- it really adds a huge differnce to the sounds! I'm so glad it wasn't a simple add-on and the mere $150 (Canadian) I spent is nothing compared to the results I'm getting!
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