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Tivoli Audio PAL Radio

We've all owned things that bring on a smile just from looking at, or holding, or listening to them. The Tivoli Audio PAL(Portable Audio Laboratory) radio is, for many of our customers, one of those things.
Average Customer Rating:
4.906 out of 5
4.9
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (32 reviews)
5 stars
29
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
32 out of 32(100%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for PAL Radio
Review 1 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
BillTX
Location: Texas
Age: Over 65
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Jazz
BillTX
Pal
Date:February 25, 2010
Great product! I liked the first one so much after six years I got another one.
5 of 6 found this review helpful.
Review 2 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
BudgetAudiophile
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Age: 35-44
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Jazz
BudgetAudiophile
Great Portable Radio/Speaker
Date:October 15, 2009
I bought a Yellow PAL radio 6 yrs ago and still use it everyday! The sound quality is simply mind boggling! To this day when someone sees it for the first time and hears the sound that comes blasting from the tiny speaker, they are awestruck! Trust me it is that good. I use it as a portable AM/FM radio and as an iPod speaker. It is simply perfect for both applications. If you are looking for a portable with amazing sound, look no further. Just hit add to cart! No buyers remorse. Trust me.
10 of 10 found this review helpful.
Review 3 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
SamD
Location: Burbank, CA, USA
Age: 45-54
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Jazz
SamD
What's not to like?
Date:October 13, 2009
I have one of these in our kitchen, right next to the coffee maker, and it comes on every morning to bring me NPR while the java brews.
Audio quality is great given the size of the speaker, and I pick up a little extra bass by placing it in a corner of the room. We live near mountains, and other radios in this spot have had poor, noisy reception, but the PAL tuner works exceptionally well.
I love the simplicity of the design, the small footprint, and the warm analog sound. No listener fatigue!
Ours stays charged, so it's always ready for an emergency or a trip to the backyard. It has been 100% reliable, and I liked it so much I bought another for my daughter.
6 of 7 found this review helpful.
Review 4 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
HappyListener
Location: Portland OR
HappyListener
Excellent radio
Date:February 23, 2010
After years of cheap portable radios, I bought a PAL and I love it. It's well made and has incredible reception. The sound is just a little boomy and I wish it had tone control, but everything else about it is nearly perfect. The volume and band selector knobs could be a touch larger, but that's a minor detail.
Review 5 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
mindy
Location: New Jersey
Age: 45-54
Gender: Female
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Pop
mindy
Ipal
Date:January 25, 2010
My husband saw someone with this radio on our vacation. He had been researching portable radios that you could hook up the Ipod. This one is awesome. Perfect for traveling and for home use.
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 6 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
smiley
Location: New York City
Age: 45-54
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: News/Talk Radio
smiley
Awesome Radio
Date:January 20, 2010
A beautifully designed radio that's wonderfully portable and sounds great. I wouldn't have minded some preset settings and an alarm though. Still more than worth the price and I have no regrets about this purchase.
0 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 7 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
ElDub
Age: 55-65
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: News/Talk Radio
ElDub
Exceeds my expectations
Date:January 19, 2010
When I set out to purchase an AM/FM-only radio, everyone tried to talk me out of it because of all the new technology around but the Tivoli PAL is exactly what I needed and wanted. I couldn't be happier with it.
The small footprint takes up minimal room anywhere I use. The rubberized coating keeps it from sliping out of my hand when carrying it. But the best thing about it is the audio clarity of both the AM and FM reception and the sound it produces. This product genuinely exceeded my expectations.
Review 8 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
MusicLover
Location: Connecticut
Age: 45-54
Gender: Female
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Rock
MusicLover
Pal is the best portable radio plus
Date:January 17, 2010
The PAL has the best sound ever for such a small portable vessel. It has everything required to attach your Ipod or DVD player and it sounds like you have an expensive sound system where ever you are. Highly recommended.
Review 9 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Tracy
Location: Carmel, California
Age: 45-54
Gender: Female
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Classical
Tracy
Hours of Research
Date:October 30, 2009
I spent hours and hours researching my options for an easily portable ipod player and radio. I chiefly wanted something that did not offend me aesthetically, that sounded good, was not loaded with a bunch of bogus features I would never use and most of all that would have a rich clear sound. I bought the iPAL and have absolutely no regrets. I have since bought two additional units for family members who admired mine. What really stands out for me is the pleasing simplicity of design, the tiny (but solid) footprint, the supreme portability (no plugging and unplugging for a full 10-12 hours once the internal battery is charged) and the gorgeous sound. I use mine primarily for classical music and spoken word listening and it is fantastic. I would not recommend it if you are looking for something to listen to your P-Funk or NWA on. This is not a boom box. It will fill a room with gorgeous acoustic music or spoken word. I listen to audiobooks and the unit needs to move room to room with me as I am always busy with housework. This little unit sits on the counter while I do the dishes, then I grab it and take it to the laundry room, then grab it again and take it to my bedroom while I change the sheets etc..there is no plugging and unplugging, no hassling to find a spot to set it down. I LOVE THIS UNIT and would not trade it for anything. Buy it, you wont be disappointed.
1 of 2 found this review helpful.
Review 10 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
musicmaven
Location: North Carolina
Age: 45-54
Gender: Female
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: News/Talk Radio
musicmaven
super little radio
Date:October 27, 2009
I use this one in my office now that I have the SongBook, & use the radio primarily. It has a GREAT battery life, The sound is good, though a little base heavy. I would buy this unit again.
Review 11 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
hammersox
hammersox
Class of the Tivoli Line
Date:October 25, 2009
I have a number of Tivoli products, and the PAL remains the most impressive of the line. I have two - one for travel and general purpose, and the other primarily as a computer speaker. Excellent sound, reasonable volume for a small unit, versatility and durability. You simply can't go wrong with this unit for a variety of purposes...
Review 12 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
justme
Location: wisconsin
Age: 45-54
Gender: Female
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: News/Talk Radio
justme
durable!!!
Date:October 24, 2009
we have two of the original units. have had them for years and they have endured pounding abuse, rain and they still run like charms. the first unit we bought is covered with paint and gunk. it looks so bad it is safe ouattended outdoors bc no one would guess it is fabulous!
Review 13 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
onelilt
Location: Chicago
Age: 35-44
Gender: Female
onelilt
Great Little Buddy.
Date:October 23, 2009
I bought this for my husband who is a painter. He takes this little radio with him every where he goes. The sound quality is great and so easy to pack along. He hooks up the ipod and gets lost in work for hours. One of the best gifts I have purchased. Looking forward to purchasing more Tivoli products for my kids. :)
Review 14 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Phelyx
Location: Denver, CO
Age: 35-44
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: News/Talk Radio
Phelyx
PAL amazes
Date:October 23, 2009
Frankly, ownership of the Tivoli Audio PAL, for the last five years, has reintroduced the charms of radio to me. Daily ritual includes switching the PAL on, THEN brewing coffee. The sound quality amazes me and any visitor who seeks out the source. This little guy can really fill a room.
I am also fond of the portability, however, I will confess that mine was recently stolen from my dressing room (that certainly speaks to the desirability of this thing). This is what brings me back to the Tivoli Audio site today. I miss my PAL radio.
Sure, some may argue that spending more than $200 for a radio seems unwise, but trust me, you get what you pay for with this machine. You will truly be impressed.
Review 15 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Portability: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
A2reviewer
A2reviewer
nice radio, nice feel
Date:October 23, 2009
An all-around workhorse radio in our house. We like the sound quality, the portability (long battery life and recharge-ability), the feel and the size/heft. Reception is very good. One area of improvement needed: the outer coating can slowly peel off, leaving the radio still perfectly functioning but less than perfectly pretty. Also: the price is significantly higher than before.
Review 16 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Hakapes
Age: 25-34
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Jazz
Hakapes
Great sound makes it use even more
Date:October 23, 2009
I bought my Tivoli PAL in 2004 and so have been using it for almost 6 years.
Audio quality is just great, and this is why I have bought it mainly. Sound is so rich, powerful and clear, I even prefer it to many small hi-fi systems. I have a Dell screen with the Dell Sound Bar AS501, which has wonderful stereo sound. However, when I listen to the PAL, I just do not want to back to those. I was afraid about having Mono only, but in fact the sound is so good, I never missed it. However, there is no option to link to PALs into a stereo system (unlike the model One for example, which can have a second speaker for stereo sound).
Ease of use is excellent. The size is just right; buttons are strong and easy to reach. I also love the solid weight of the unit, as it stand on its own without the risk of falling - a usual problem of small speakers. The big knob to tune to radio stations is my favorite of all audio systems I have used before.
Features are average. There is an aux input and headphone output, which makes it quite versatile. I use it as the main speaker for watching movies from my computer, and there is enough power even for a 5-10 people audience. I also use it as a portable amplifier for headphones. Unfortunately, the on-off button can only switch between off/am/fm, and there is no AUX. Therefore, if I want to switch from the PC or mp3 player to the radio, I always have to unplug the cord, which I find quite uncomfortable.
As for AM/FM radio, I do not listen to them anymore, and I mainly use PAL as a great sounding portable speaker with batteries.
I love the design; it has the right balance of looks and usability. I also love the full analog controls, which I find much easier to use then the small digital buttons and time-consuming menus.
Portability is just great for me, it has the right size to have enough weight and volume to place it anywhere, and still very portable. The black mat finish started to peel off after 2 years, which makes it look even more portable. The battery had incredible power during the first 2 years; however, since then it does not hold power. There are plenty of replacement offers in e-bay though (it is exchangeable). It would be nice to be able to replace the batteries without screwdrivers, so I could bring more batteries with me for a longer trip. The AC adapter (12V 500mA, 6VA) is just the usual small Made in Chine brick - for true portability I would expect a nice small portable power adapter.
I have found that the battery makes it very versatile not just outdoors, but inside - I just go around my flat and listen to it wherever I want to, and I have complete freedom to place it anywhere I want it. It is also one of the best laptop companions; I always take it with me.
Overall, sound quality is the most important for me, and this is just the best I have ever listened to, I would buy my next Tivoli with confidence. An AUX button and on-the go replaceable battery would make the features list 100%.
Review 17 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Design: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Portability: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Boss
Location: Central Coast CA
Age: 45-54
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Blues
Boss
Pal Radio - Blue
Date:October 22, 2009
I've had this for about a year or so. In general, it's been an excellent choice for a portable. It's rugged, sounds very good (though it's a little bass heavy at times), and has very good reception. I would prefer separate knobs for AM & FM, and the battery is slowly getting weaker, but I enjoy being able to plug my mp3 player into it.
Review 18 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Andrew
Location: Farmington, MO
Age: 45-54
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Jazz
Andrew
What a great looking radio
Date:October 22, 2009
Wow! That's a beautiful radio. So elegant and simple, but it sounds great.
Review 19 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
MikeP
MikeP
PAL Radio - Black
Date:October 20, 2009
I've owned my PAL for several years and have used it both at home and as a travel radio. I also purchased the optional carry bag, which I believe is no longer available.
This radio definitely has style. Tuning is accurate due to the turning ratio on the dial. Battery life so far has been excellent. Sound quality is very full and balanced. This isn't a big air-moving speaker and won't produce sound you can feel, nor is it a small-sounding cheap tinny speaker.
Features are very basic by design. AM/FM with AUX input and headphone out. Rechargeable battery with charging adapter. By itself, portability is good but I find the carry bag greatly improves ability to bring along especially in outdoor situations.
I was initially a bit leery about spending so much on what ultimately is just an AM/FM radio, but the AUX in adds just enough versatility to make it worthwhile. This was my first Tivoli purchase and it remains my favorite.
Review 20 for PAL Radio
Overall Rating 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Audio Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Ease of Use: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Design: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Portability: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Samuel
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 35-44
Gender: Male
Reviewer's Preferred Style of Music: Classical
Samuel
Model One to Go
Date:October 15, 2009
If you wanted a portable version of the Model One, this is literally it. It has all the features of it in a slightly smaller, rubber coated package. It looks cool and can be used as your main radio. There are 2 weaknesses though. The lack of an "Aux in" switch so you can leave your MP3 player or laptop plugged in and non-standard rechargeable batteries. It would have been nice to have AA NiMH batteries so you can easily replace them. Other than that, it's still a great radio.
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