The Model One Digital Gen 3 is Tivoli Audio’s latest evolution of its iconic tabletop radio. It preserves the charm of mid-century-inspired wood cabinets while offering contemporary connectivity for today’s streaming-focused households. With upgraded amplification, Wi-Fi streaming, Bluetooth 5.2 and carefully tuned sound, it strikes a balance between timeless design and modern function.
A Legacy of Elegant Simplicity
Tivoli Audio made its name by creating radios that looked like pieces of furniture rather than gadgets. The original Model One in the early 2000s was a simple AM/FM unit that became an instant design icon. Compact, hand-crafted and warm-sounding, it found a place in kitchens, studies and bedrooms around the world.
As listening habits shifted towards digital, Tivoli responded with the first Model One Digital. That version introduced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing internet radio and wireless music. The second generation refined these ideas further, supporting AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, making the speaker compatible with both Apple and Google ecosystems.
The third generation now represents the fullest expression of Tivoli’s design philosophy: minimalist form, premium materials, and a seamless combination of broadcast radio with streaming.
Design and Build
Tivoli’s reputation for craftsmanship continues in the Model One Digital Gen 3.
- Cabinet and finishes: Constructed from real wood veneer, available in walnut with gold accents, a crisp white with silver detailing, or a sleek all-black finish. This gives the unit a warm, furniture-like quality rather than the feel of a plastic speaker.
- Front grille: A shift from earlier fabric grilles to a perforated aluminium grille, which makes the Gen 3 feel more architectural and modern.
- Controls: Operation is centred around a single multifunctional aluminium dial surrounding the display, supported by an included remote control. The choice avoids clutter while giving the user tactile feedback.
- Form factor: Compact and understated, the Gen 3 is small enough to fit on a bedside table or bookshelf yet carries a reassuring solidity that speaks to its quality.
The design language ensures the radio is as much a piece of décor as it is an audio device, fitting comfortably into both contemporary and traditional spaces.
Upgraded Sound Performance
Amplification and Driver
The Model One Digital Gen 3 is powered by a Class AB amplifier rated at 20 watts. Some marketing material refers to a 45-watt specification, though official listings and most reviews confirm the 20-watt figure. This amplifier drives a newly engineered full-range driver designed to deliver clear, natural sound from a compact enclosure.
DSP and Conversion
A 56-bit digital signal processor fine-tunes the output, while a 24-bit digital-to-analogue converter supports playback up to 48 kHz / 24-bit. This ensures detailed sound reproduction when streaming high-resolution audio from compatible platforms.
Frequency Balance
Tivoli states that the driver offers a frequency response extending to around 20 kHz. As with any compact single-driver speaker, sub-bass depth is naturally limited, but the rear-ported cabinet design enhances the perceived low end, adding warmth without muddiness. The midrange — vocals, guitars, pianos — remains clear and engaging, with smooth treble detail.
Listening Impressions
According to reviewers, the Gen 3 produces a more dynamic, room-filling sound than earlier iterations. While it will not replace a full hi-fi system with separate speakers, it comfortably fills medium-sized spaces with balanced audio.
Streaming and Connectivity
The biggest leap forward in the Gen 3 lies in its connectivity. Tivoli has positioned the radio not just as a broadcast receiver but as a versatile wireless speaker.
- AirPlay 2 and Google Cast: Full support for both ecosystems means iOS and Android households are equally well served. The unit can be grouped with other AirPlay or Cast devices for multi-room playback.
- Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect: Direct service integration allows music to be controlled via the native Spotify or Tidal apps while the stream plays directly through the radio.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Offers quicker pairing, stronger connections and improved efficiency over previous generations.
- Auxiliary input: A 3.5 mm input is provided for turntables, legacy devices or situations where wireless is not practical.
- FM and DAB+ radio: For traditional listening, FM remains built in. In markets where digital radio is broadcast, DAB+ is supported as well.
This broad feature set ensures the Model One Digital Gen 3 can act as both a modern streaming hub and a classic radio.
Everyday Usability
The Model One Digital Gen 3 is built to be straightforward rather than complicated. The large central dial makes source switching and volume control intuitive. The small colour display provides track, station or clock information clearly without dominating the design.
Firmware updates are delivered automatically over Wi-Fi, meaning the radio continues to receive improvements and compatibility fixes without user effort.
A built-in alarm function adds everyday practicality, particularly for bedroom use, turning the radio into a stylish clock-radio replacement.
User Experience
Living with the Model One Digital Gen 3 emphasises Tivoli’s philosophy of “less is more.” Rather than overwhelming the user with menus, it keeps things tactile and simple.
- Set-up: Initial set-up over Wi-Fi is quick, with the speaker easily detected by Apple AirPlay or Google Home. The companion app is minimal, largely handling updates rather than requiring day-to-day use.
- Controls: The large rotary dial feels solid and precise, echoing classic radio tuners. For convenience, the remote control allows operation from across the room, useful when the radio is placed on a shelf or sideboard.
- Everyday listening: Switching between Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, FM and DAB is seamless, with minimal lag. Bluetooth 5.2 maintains a strong connection, even when the phone is in another room.
- Sound profile in use: At lower volumes, the warmth of the tuning makes it pleasant for background listening. At higher levels, the 20-watt amplifier keeps the sound clean without distortion, though deep bass remains limited due to its size.
- Multi-room: AirPlay 2 and Google Cast integration work reliably. Grouping with other devices is straightforward, making the Gen 3 a natural addition to existing ecosystems.
- Daily functions: The alarm feature and always-on clock make it a natural fit for bedrooms, while the combination of radio and streaming services suit both casual and focused listening sessions.
Overall, the user experience is deliberately pared back: reliable, intuitive and stylish, with no need for constant app control or technical knowledge.
Strengths
- Natural, room-filling sound for its size
- Premium cabinet craftsmanship with real wood veneer
- Comprehensive streaming options (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify, Tidal, Bluetooth)
- Straightforward controls and remote
- Multi-room compatibility via Apple and Google platforms
- FM and DAB+ support for traditional radio fans
Considerations
- Requires mains power — no built-in battery
- Bass depth limited compared to larger systems
- Not compatible with Tivoli’s first-generation ART speakers (works with Gen 2 and AirPlay/Google Cast systems)
- Focus on simplicity may disappoint those wanting detailed EQ control or app-heavy features
Final Verdict
The Model One Digital Gen 3 is Tivoli Audio’s most refined tabletop radio to date. It balances nostalgia and modernity with unusual grace, combining wood-finished craftsmanship and tactile controls with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Bluetooth 5.2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, FM and DAB+.
It is not designed to be a party speaker or a portable system; instead, it is built to offer quality sound and timeless style in kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces. Its strengths lie in straightforward operation, versatile streaming and warm, balanced audio.
By avoiding unnecessary complexity, Tivoli has created a product that feels more like a piece of furniture than a gadget, yet functions as a reliable everyday audio companion.
For listeners who appreciate both design and performance, the Model One Digital Gen 3 is a stylish modern classic that will likely endure for years to come.
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