Measuring 114mm high, 213mm wide, and 133mm deep, the Model Three's real cherrywood cabinet is a big step up from the usual flimsy, plastic-bodied radios. Like Tivoli's Model One and PAL, the Model Three uses a proprietary AM/FM tuner (with a smooth-turning tuning dial) that harnesses technology originally developed for mobile telephones to produce superior reception. However, unlike like its siblings, this radio's upward-firing three-inch speaker is set into the top of the radio instead of the front. The Model Three runs off an included external AC power pack, but you can also use 12-volt DC (car or boat) power to make it go.
The clock is analog -- its fine quartz mechanical movement is said to provide accurate timekeeping, while the clock face's pale blue backlight is easier on the eyes than the cold glare of a typical digital readout. One drawback: we found the radio's frequency markings only marginally legible under low light conditions.
Setting the alarm (you can wake to standard beeps or your favourite station) is simple as can be: just rotate the indicator on the clock's bezel to the wake-up time and press a button to activate the alarm. But it has its quirks: the alarm is a 12-hour system, so it'll activate twice a day unless you cycle it fully off (in the morning) and back on again (just before bed). And the snooze button works only a handful of times, so especially drowsy users might find themselves late for work until they acclimate.
As for performance, AM and FM radio sound quality is nicely balanced in the bass and treble, easily besting the tinny sound of plastic department store radios. Reception is also above par, and after we experimented with the included FM wire antenna (you can also hook up higher-quality antennas), the Model Three pulled in our favourite low-power university stations. Bass-wise this model is identical to the clock-less Model One (AU$299), but the Model Three's top-mounted speaker reflects sound off the wall, which makes for a softer, less direct sound, which we prefer.
Connectivity choices are downright generous for a tabletop radio. You get a headphone jack and two inputs, and when we plugged in our iPod, the Model Three produced its best sound quality. Spring for another AU$299, and you can get Tivoli's matching Extension Speaker with Clock that gives you stereo sound, as well as a second clock/alarm. If you just want stereo and don't need the second clock/alarm, Tivoli offers the Companion Speaker (AU$149). There's also a matching compact subwoofer, the diminutive Model Subwoofer, to extend the bass response. It's AU$199.
The Tivoli Audio Model Three's stellar sound and build quality, along with its generous connectivity options, add up to one hell of a clock radio that's easy to recommend.
