Classic Table Radios

Few features, but top-quality sound

If you're looking for a more classic table radio and don't need to play CDs or dock an iPod, reviews say the Tivoli Audio Model Two (*Est. $300) is a terrific albeit expensive option. Unlike most table radios, the Model Two provides true stereo separation via an external stereo speaker placed up to 15 feet away from the radio itself.

The Model Two is physically smaller than either the Bose Wave Music System (*Est. $500) or the Cambridge SoundWorks i765 (*Est. $380) profiled elsewhere in this report, yet a review at Geek.com says it has "the best sound you'll find short of a full-blown stereo." If your budget is tighter and stereo isn't a must, the Tivoli Audio Model One (*Est. $150) is a mono table radio that lacks the external speaker but otherwise performs similarly. Both radios use sophisticated tuner technology designed to cut down on noise and capture signals from weaker-signaled stations, although some users say the tuner drifts from time to time. Another frequent complaint is that the tuner dial markings are hard to see, especially in low light.

If you want or need the ability to play back CDs or prefer deeper bass, the Model Two can be matched with the Tivoli Audio Model CD (*Est. $300) and/or Model Subwoofer (*Est. $160) . Both accessories are housed in wood cabinets that carry through the classic look of the Model Two. Professional reviews of the Model Two are very positive, though now somewhat dated. More current user reviews are just as favorable, if not more so.

The Tivoli Audio Model Three (*Est. $300) adds an analog clock to the basic Model One and relocates the speaker to the top of the cabinet. The clock has a snooze button and a 20-minute sleep timer, and you can wake up to an alarm or music. While reviews say the Model Three sounds just as good as the other Tivoli radios, we found many complaints about its clock-radio functionality.

First, the snooze button is awkward: If you don't hit it within two minutes it simply turns the radio off, so you have to decide quickly whether you want the alarm to wake you again. Second, the clock needs a single AA battery; oddly, it doesn't run off the AC power that fuels the radio. Third, although the analog clock looks nicer than a digital clock, it isn't as accurate and needs occasional resetting with a clumsy control wheel. Many people say they got used to the Model Three's somewhat quirky clock, but others say it's a small blemish on an otherwise excellent radio.

The Sangean WR-2 Digital AM/FM Radio (*Est. $120) draws praise as a classic table radio and an outstanding value; editors at Softpedia.com like its superb sound and cool, retro look. It sports a wood cabinet (available in black, white or walnut) and design features similar to the Tivoli Audio Model Two (*Est. $300) , but it has a large LCD screen on the front. Its AM/FM radio has a digital tuner with 10 presets; on certain stations, a feature called Radio Data System displays station call letters and information about the song and artist being played. The WR-2 also has a bass and treble control, something not typically included on radios in this price range. A few flaws are noted in reviews, with some users saying the alarm-set function is convoluted and AM reception is sometimes poor.

Sangean makes an even more affordable bare-bones radio, the WR-11 (*Est. $80) , that editors at Bestcovery.com say "does one thing very well -- pick up AM/FM channels without distortion or static and play them with a rich sound quality." The WR-11 has analog tuning, not the digital tuning found on the WR-2, and doesn't come with the Radio Data System feature.