Tivoli Audio iSongBook Portable Music System for iPod

Tivoli Audio iSongBook Portable Music System for iPod

Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Building on the success of their micro radios and bookshelf systems, Tivoli Audio has broken new ground in a crowded field of iPod accessories with the iSongBook. At just 2.81 pounds, and with an included right channel speaker, the iSongbook packs a serious portable punch. If you have an iPod with a docking port connector, this little unit deserves a serious look.

The iSongBook's iPod dock swings down when you're ready to make the connection.
Design
The iSongBook's design takes many design queues from the Tivoli iPal, another iPod audio accessory from Tivoli Audio. That means that the iSongBook looks great alongside your iPod, which is exactly where the iPod is designed to go. A cradle cleverly swings down from the left side of the unit revealing a standard iPod docking port that also provides a charge for the iPod when the iSongBook is plugged into AC power. Tivoli also includes seven adapter "cups" that provide a snug fit for various iterations of the 3G, 4G, iPod Color, Video iPod, mini and even Nano. While the hideaway dock is a smart move, it can prove a bit kludgy when you have the iSongBook on an uneven surface, as the dock is only secured by a single hinge. It's a minor quibble, though.

The iSongBook's front panel is typical Tivoli fare-- a nice mix of retro style and Jetsons coolness. As with all Tivoli Audio products, controls are reassuringly simple and sturdy. Tivoli's philosophy seems to be that there should be a button devoted to each function of a given device. It's a refreshing choice in an age of ever-increasing complexity in electronics. Meanwhile, the unit's LCD display is large and bright, and there's a button for turning the backlight on and off for increased battery savings. Switching the function selector lets you choose from AM, FM, or iPod modes. iPod mode can double as an "Aux" mode, as there is a 3.5 mm auxiliary input on the back of the iSongBook. A straightforward alarm clock system is easy to set and control and allows the user to fall asleep and wake to their fave iPod tunes.

Bring your own iPod. Tivoli takes care of the rest.
Many would argue that offering two speakers in a small, portable audio device is futile exercise, as not enough stereo separation is possible. Indeed, Tivoli's Model One delivers some of the best "small" sound in the industry -- from a single speaker. To really experience stereo sound, some distance between the right and left channels is needed, and that's why the iSongBook sports a cleverly-implemented, detachable right speaker. The speaker is a breeze to connect and disconnect, and the cable is easily retractable via an internal coil that keeps the mess to a minimum. An added benefit of the detachable speaker is that it can be left behind when you want to keep the weight and bulk down.

Another hallmark of Tivoli's portable audio devices is that they offer flexible power options. The iSongBook is no exception. In addition to AC power, the unit can run on, and recharge, six rechargeable "AA"-size cells. Additionally, these batteries can be replaced with non-rechargeable "AA" alkaline cells when you're away from AC power for longer periods. When the unit is plugged in, the iSongBook provides a charge to both the rechargeable cells and your iPod. Pretty nifty.

Cord management is cleverly designed into the right channel speaker. The AC power and line-in ports are covered to keep out dust and moisture.
Listening Pleasure
The iSongBook's manual makes it clear that "Bass frequencies place a heavy strain on speakers and amplifiers. The iSongBook was engineered to produce the maximum amount of low frequencies for its size and power." Honesty is certainly the best policy and indeed, the iSongBook isn't cut out for delivering room-thumping bass. But it does deliver stunning crispness that will leave you wondering how Tivoli has managed to pack so much into such a small package. While lows are certainly not thundering, the crispness of notes across the full spectrum, high to low, is pretty hard to beat in a device this size. Tivoli's superior, audiophile-class electronics really do make a difference. Having an additional right channel that can be separated from the left is a big bonus. The monaural sound is good, but it lacks the fullness you'll hear with the right channel attached.

Integration with an iPod is painless, just pop it in the dock and the tunes begin. Meanwhile, AM/FM reception is good, and the digital tuner is surprisingly accurate and fast. The tuner's seek mode is as good as anything you'll find in a full-size component tuner. Tivoli never scrimps on anything, so there's also an included infrared remote. It's slim, easy-to-use, and highly functional, allowing you to control playlists and make album selections on your iPod. The iSongBook's headphone jack is a nice touch, too, even though it is redundant with the iPod's headphone jack-- unless you're listening to the iSongBook's radio.

What's in the Box
iSongBook unit with detachable right speaker, external power supply, remote control, 7 iPod adapter cups, and warranty registration card.

Pros

Now-legendary Tivoli design and electronics

Simple operation

Excellent sound (if you can do without thumping bass)

Cons

Prepare to pay a premium price for quality this high

Product Description:
Got an iPod? Here's a way for getting more play both indoors and outdoors. Tivoli Audio iSongBook is a distinctly portable traveling entertainment device designed to turn an iPod into a full-bodied music system, unlike any other product around. Built around Tivoli's popular portable digital radio, the iSongBook introduces a number of firsts in a dedicated Â?Made for iPodÂ? product: The first with a concealed, flipdown docking station. The first with a detachable second speaker, with integrated audio cable management, for expansive, stereo sound. The first with a sleep timer and alarm, with the option to wake to the iPod. The first with a remote to control the iPod's Album and Playlist features. The first with a built-in charger for NiMH or NiCAD batteries for increased portability.

The white with silver faceplate design makes the iSongBook a perfect match for the iPod. It also features an Â?on demandÂ? blue backlit LCD display that shows the station tuning as well as the digital clock, whose functions include alarm and 20-minute sleep timer that can be set to wake to an iPod as well as radio. Auxiliary input and stereo headphone output are positioned in the rear, complete with rubber covers to protect them from the elements, dust and dirt when not in use. It comes with a detachable matching secondary speaker for stereo sound, a 6' audio cable for proper room positioning. The iSongBook operates on standard AA alkaline batteries or NiMH/NiCad rechargeable batteries with the unit's built-in charger; or by an AC adaptor or 12V power source. Stereo Input and Headphone Output Weather Resistant Design (when used as a portable) On-Demand Blue Blacklight Credit Card Size Remote Dimensions - 6.2Â? High x 11Â? Wide x 2.2Â? Deep

Tivoli Audio iSongBook Portable Music System for iPod

Average customer rating:

Not worth the price

This Tivoli Audio iSongbook is Awesome

Just to add a few thoughts...

Good, but is it protable?

A near perfect sound

Tivoli Audio iSongBook Portable Music System for iPod

Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Product Features:

Fits all past and future iPods, including the Nano, with the industry's first integrated Apple Universal Dock

High Fidelity Stereo Sound with Detachable Speaker for Six Feet of Separation

Recharges iPod and Recharges NiMH/NiCAD Batteries for Portable Use

Remote Control of iPod with Play List Management, Wake to iPod/AM/FM/Beep Tone

Exceptional AM/FM Tuner for Precise Reception in North America and World Wide use

ASIN: B000BFGB6G

Product Description

Got an iPod? Here's a way for getting more play both indoors and outdoors. Tivoli Audio iSongBook is a distinctly portable traveling entertainment device designed to turn an iPod into a full-bodied music system, unlike any other product around. Built around Tivoli's popular portable digital radio, the iSongBook introduces a number of firsts in a dedicated ?Made for iPod? product: The first with a concealed, flipdown docking station. The first with a detachable second speaker, with integrated audio cable management, for expansive, stereo sound. The first with a sleep timer and alarm, with the option to wake to the iPod. The first with a remote to control the iPod's Album and Playlist features. The first with a built-in charger for NiMH or NiCAD batteries for increased portability.

The white with silver faceplate design makes the iSongBook a perfect match for the iPod. It also features an ?on demand? blue backlit LCD display that shows the station tuning as well as the digital clock, whose functions include alarm and 20-minute sleep timer that can be set to wake to an iPod as well as radio. Auxiliary input and stereo headphone output are positioned in the rear, complete with rubber covers to protect them from the elements, dust and dirt when not in use. It comes with a detachable matching secondary speaker for stereo sound, a 6' audio cable for proper room positioning. The iSongBook operates on standard AA alkaline batteries or NiMH/NiCad rechargeable batteries with the unit's built-in charger; or by an AC adaptor or 12V power source. Stereo Input and Headphone Output Weather Resistant Design (when used as a portable) On-Demand Blue Blacklight Credit Card Size Remote Dimensions - 6.2? High x 11? Wide x 2.2? Deep

Amazon.com Review

Building on the success of their micro radios and bookshelf systems, Tivoli Audio has broken new ground in a crowded field of iPod accessories with the iSongBook. At just 2.81 pounds, and with an included right channel speaker, the iSongbook packs a serious portable punch. If you have an iPod with a docking port connector, this little unit deserves a serious look.

What's in the Box
iSongBook unit with detachable right speaker, external power supply, remote control, 7 iPod adapter cups, and warranty registration card.

Pros

Now-legendary Tivoli design and electronics
Simple operation
Excellent sound (if you can do without thumping bass)

Cons

Prepare to pay a premium price for quality this high

Customer Reviews:

Not worth the price.......2007-05-27

Sound quality not on par with price. Lacks bass. Certainly not the same sound that made the original Tivoli radio famous.

This Tivoli Audio iSongbook is Awesome.......2007-03-31

The Tivoli Audio iSongbook Portable Music system is awesome. I have now purchased 2 one for my husband and one for my son after reading reviews here on Amazon. My husband says the sound is excellent for being so compact and very easy to use. Would buy other products from this company.

Just to add a few thoughts..........2007-03-17

First, let me say that I am a huge Tivoli Audio fan, so I may be a bit biased. I already own a Model 1, Model 1, and PAL.

I bought the iSongBook manly for travel and general portability. I use my PAL mainly in the bathroom, so I can listen to the radio in the morning as I get ready for work. It sounds great, but it is only mono, and there is no dedicated dock for an iPod, so I have to carry a cable to hook it up.

There are plenty of good reviews here, so I just want to add a couple of things that others left out:

1) The iSongBook is basically a SongBook with an extra speaker, iPod dock, and remote (which you probably already know). However, when trying to tune in a distant FM station, you can unplug the add-on speaker to put the main unit in MONO mode and cut out a lot of static. This is great for when you are out in the middle of nowhere, or just far from your favorite station. Also, if size is a big concern, you can just take the main unit with you, and leave the other speaker at home.

2) Like the PAL, the iSongBook is water resistant. You don't want to drop it in a swimming pool, but it can take a little rain or a bit of a splash. Dust and sand won't bother the unit, either. It is a great companion on camping trips or lying on the beach.

3) A set of NiMH batteries lasts a LONG time! I don't know how Tivoli pulled this off, but even at a decent volume level, I have a hard time going through a set of batteries in a day (10-15 hours). As I type this, there is a classival music station playing on my iSongBook, which has been on for about nine hours on the batteries. The display still shows two of three bars on the battery meter.

4) As mentioned, this may not be the ideal alarm clock, since there is only one wake time, no snooze button, and no constant backlight. However, it is wonderful to have while on the road. It beats the pants off any bolted-down hotel room alarm clock.

5) When you need to power the unit, you can use the included 110V "wall wort", but since the unit actually takes in 12VDC, you can also use a simple cigarette lighter adapter for charging it in the car, RV, boat, etc.

Good, but is it protable?.......2006-05-05

Overall I am very happy with the product. However, I am not sure it is really portable. The transformator is only for 120V. As soon as you to countries like Europe you cannot use it and you are not covered by the warranty.

A near perfect sound.......2006-04-04

I've owned the iSongbook for two days and am thrilled with the sound. The FM radio comes in with perfect clarity for most stations (even with the antenna down and locked in place). The AM is also a big improvement. I bought the iSongbook for the combination of (1) Improved sound for a small bedroom stereo replacement; (2) a clock/radio need; (3) portability and convenience; and (4) iPod connectivity. The radio meets the test on all accounts. (1) Sound: For a table top unit, the speakers give a great balance with a very musical bass sound (better for jazz, classical and pop and not as much for the Who, etc.). For jazz recordings, the bass will walk and drums and cymbals fill the rhythm with very satisfying clarity. Try Sonny Rollins' Saxophone Collossus and you won't believe what you're hearing. Generally, a great recording will be captured by this unit regardless of the genre. Remember how much you loved clear sounding mono recordings? An old Dizzy Gillespie disc (Dizzy's Diamonds) sounded crisp but the big band crescendos could be a little shrill which may be a function of the particular remaster of these recordings generally. Voices come through beautifully!! Try anything from Paul McCartney on the original "Yesterday" "Fixing a Hole" or "She's Leaving Home" to any Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday or Louis Armstrong. Tony Bennett's more recent "The Art of Romance" played at a volume setting of 18 to 21 out of 30, sounds like an audiophile playback-no exaggeration. Piano music sounds very tonal and will deliver more resonance than you may be used to on many listening devices let alone a small portable. Put the speakers closer together and the bass tightens yet still produces a nice soundstage. (2) The clock radio is adequate. There is no snooze function when the alarm source goes off, but, if you wake to the alarm instead of radio or the iPod, it does go off and on for 60 second intervals repeating for one hour. Others have complained there is only a 20 minute sleep timer, instead of a choice of increments up to an hour or two, but you can workaround that, at least with the iPod sleeptimer up to the 2 hours Apple provides. However, if you use the longer sleep timer this way, you won't be able to wake to the radio and the unit will remain on all night without any sound. Without an audio source, the power consumption should be small. Some don't like the fact the clock can't be read without pressing the light button on the unit. This is a tradeoff for those who complain that most clock radios have strong lights that cannot be dimmed. I could keep the unit by the bedside and the light button would be fine, but I prefer to keep the unit across from the bed for a better room filling sound. The alarm function works with any of the selected AM, FM or iPod sources off the unit, or it can be activated off the iPod's alarm if the unit is left on overnight. The iPod alarm is especially useful if the iPod sleeptimer is used to obtain a longer than 20 minute cycle. You cannot use the sleeptimer with one function and wake to another source. These inconveniences are easy to look past because the unit still provides enough or more selectivity for sleep/wake functions compared to many simple clock/radio units; (3) For portability, this unit is the most gorgeous design I've seen yet. The main unit detaches from the extra speaker if desired and may be ported separately like Tivoli's Songbook radio (except it also has the iPod dock built in). It fits in almost any briefcase and is something I just may take back and forth to the office, particularly for those longer workdays. The built-in battery recharger is fantastic and allows using this unit on the go without a cord. You can only switch between audio sources by a knob on the unit. This isn't a problem if you keep the unit near your bedside or your desk, but an inconvenience if you want to rely more on the remote (which can change volume, songs, albums and playlists, but not the radio/iPod/Aux function). Tivoli also sells dedicated carry bags for the Songbook and iSongbook. Depending on how you want to port the unit (with or without the extra speaker) you can choose either carry bag; (4) iPod connectivity through a clever pull down dock on the side is a handsome minimalist design. A separate cable for 1/8" to 1/8" connectivity isn't needed as it is for the Songbook single speaker radio. Charging the iPod is very fast when the A/C adapter is plugged in. A 1/8 inch connectivity is also provided (without the cable) for an Aux device (CDs, etc.) and it can be used to connect to my iMac which I might do for those occasions when I stream a good out of town radio station (like WKCR 89.9 FM in NYC) through iTunes. The remote control is one of the better ones I've seen for a small unit. It allows scrolling of playlists and albums through separate Prev/Next buttons for each. However, my remote was only working to scroll through playlists. The "Albums" function may be defective. Otherwise, I say the unit is the best combination of sound, functionality, design and convenience I've seen yet. I HIGHLY recommend it. Buy the iSongbook instead of the Songbook if you can afford it. It gives you a Songbook with the iPod dock built in plus the extra speaker and remote. You will notice the difference and love all the flexibility and convenience. And that radio sound just can't (and won't) be beat. Five Stars!!!

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