Tivoli is an audio firm with a robust sense of id. Because it was based in 2000, you’re almost certainly to have skilled the corporate’s wide selection of radios, music techniques and moveable audio system in high-end lodges – together with Ritz Carlton, W Motels, and Soho Grand – the place they’ve develop into the model of alternative for in-room leisure.
This month, the American firm broadcasts three new merchandise, the SongBook and SongBook MAX, together with the improved Mannequin Two Digital speaker.
We spoke to the corporate’s designer and CEO, Paul DePasquale, concerning the new releases. ‘I’m all the time in search of methods to take the corporate to a brand new place,’ says DePasquale. ‘A whole lot of Bluetooth audio system available on the market share the identical DNA. What are new prospects in search of?’
New SongBooks from Tivoli Audio: ‘enjoyable and easy’
The reply to this query is hopefully the brand new SongBook and SongBook MAX, moveable wi-fi audio system (and within the case of the MAX, a DAB participant) with added performance and daring, standout styling. ‘They’re easy, enjoyable and easy,’ the designer explains, ‘each when it comes to fashion and the way you employ them.’
A part of the journey to this boombox-style kind issue, which additionally has hints of Nineteen Seventies hi-fi and rugged army gear, is Tivoli’s perception that subtlety is crucial, and loudness and bass aren’t the one method to outline a speaker’s high quality. ‘As soon as they take heed to a SongBook they could realise that they’ve been listening to music flawed – with an excessive amount of bass,’ he says.
An extended lifespan can also be focused. ‘If our prospects can really feel and see the standard, then the value doesn’t matter as a lot,’ DePasquale explains. The folding deal with and telescopic aerial are each nods to an earlier period, as is the SongBook’s rugged styling and functionality for restore and renewal. ‘We’ve all the time supplied lengthy warranties, however we additionally do repairs and even replacements,’ DePasquale explains. ‘We now have loyal prospects because of this.’
As for aesthetics, the 2 SongBooks make a welcome change. ‘I actually dove into classic home equipment, like TVs and previous automobile stereos,’ says DePasquale. ‘It’s additionally fairly uncommon for a Bluetooth speaker to have an auxiliary socket, nevertheless it means you possibly can plug in a turntable or perhaps a guitar.’ Two colourways, inexperienced and cream, are one other nod in direction of an earlier, extra, sturdy period of client items.
The SongBook incorporates two audio system, in addition to the flexibility to absorb an instrument line – usually a guitar or bass – with satisfyingly tactile toggle switches and a three-band equaliser. SongBook MAX incorporates all this plus an additional driver and the incorporation of DAB radio.
Becoming a member of the SongBook vary is the brand new Mannequin Two Digital streaming speaker, a plug-and-play machine designed to be stood on finish or on its aspect. The speaker’s fashion, with a slotted entrance grille, developed from Covid necessities; resort homeowners want a non-fabric floor that’s simple to scrub.
DePasquale’s pursuits and enthusiasm helps give Tivoli a necessary edge in a world of audio homogeneity. Would he ever take into account taking the corporate even additional into the world of music manufacturing? ‘I’ve all the time had a ardour for that and questioned what Tivoli might do in that sphere.’ For now, the SongBook’s capacity to double up as an amp is a touch of issues to come back.
Tivoli SongBook, €449, SongBook MAX, €699, Mannequin Two, $449, TivoliAudio.com