Tivoli Enters Portable, Clock-Radio Markets
By Jeff Malester -- TWICE, 7/22/2002
NEW YORK— Two-year-old Tivoli Audio is expanding into new markets with the launch of its first clock radio and its first battery-operated portable radio.
The Boston-based company also reintroduced its redesigned RadioWorks system, which packages a Model Two stereo table radio with a small powered subwoofer and a diminutive tabletop CD player. RadioWorks was unveiled last summer, but shipments were delayed to redesign the CD player to reduce its size.
All three new products will be available through audio retailers or direct to consumers via toll-free number and www.tivoliaudio.com.
The Model Three clock radio is built in the tradition of the company's Model Two AM/FM stereo table radio, which combines a compact, sophisticated look with high-quality analog-tuner reception and tuning accuracy. Model Three, however, adds a quartz-controlled analog clock illuminated constantly in a soft glow. It also features snooze and sleep buttons and battery backup.
It was codesigned by CEO Tom DeVesto and recently deceased Audio Hall of Fame member Henry Kloss.
A second speaker is optional. Inputs and outputs allow for the addition of the company's Model Subwoofer and Model CD.
"We're looking to bring some class to the bedroom with an easy-to-operate clock and radio that can add a speaker for stereo sound or a subwoofer to enhance the bass tones," said sales director Jonathan Schwartz.
Other features include an auxiliary input that can also be used for TV sound. Users can also record from Model Three by connecting a cassette deck or other recording device to its fixed-level stereo output, or they can use Model Three as a high-performance AM/FM analog tuner by connecting a preamplifier or integrated amplifier to the "rec out" output.
Model Three comes in a cherry-wood cabinet with metallic taupe front panel at a suggested $199.99 retail. The matching companion speaker, with 15-foot cable, retails for a suggested $39.95. Shipping is scheduled for early fall.
The company's first portable is dubbed PAL, an acronym for Portable Audio Laboratory. The weather-resistant AM/FM radio comes with an AC power supply and a NiMH rechargeable battery pack that delivers about 16 hours of portable play time. It can be fully recharged in about 2.5 hours.
The compact radio measures 6.25 x 3.69 x 3.88 inches and is available in eight colors: pearl, black, gray, brown, red, yellow, blue and green. Suggested retail is $129. It ships in early July.
It features mono speaker, but when a headset is connected, users can enjoy stereo sound.
An auxiliary input enables users to listen to audio from another device, such as a portable CD or MP3 player, through the PAL's main speaker.
A combination of products from Tivoli makes up a new music system called RadioWorks. The group comprises the company's Model Two AM/FM stereo radio, separate stereo speaker, Model CD Player and Model Powered Subwoofer.
Each component features a metallic taupe faceplate with champagne tone knobs, and each is housed in a furniture-grade cherry-wood cabinet. All four components come with a built-in 12-volt jack for use in a recreation vehicle or boat.
The complete RadioWorks package is due in mid-August at a suggested $439, but each component may be purchased separately as well.
Sold separately, the Model Two's suggested retail is $159.95, including add-on speaker. The Model Powered Subwoofer has a suggested $79.95 retail. Both have been available since last fall. RadioWorks' CD Player comes with a credit-card-sized remote and slot-load mechanism for $199.95 suggested retail. It is Tivoli's first CD player.
