Our take on the Tivoli Audio PAL

by Ralph Graves

Simple design, great on-the-go sound
There's an art to simplicity. The Tivoli PAL isn't a complicated machine — it's just one of the best portable radios around. The PAL features a single full-range speaker that delivers big, warm mono sound. There's also an auxiliary input for your iPod®l or smartphone for even more listening options.

High-performance radio
A highly sensitive built-in AM/FM tuner lets you listen to your favorite stations. And that large retro-style analog tuning dial isn't there just for looks. Many digital tuners have a hard time bringing in stations that aren't exactly on the frequency. This is especially true of distant stations, because the signal can drift slightly as it moves through the atmosphere. The PAL's 5-to-1 ratio dial lets you "fine tune" the reception. An LED light changes intensity as you tune, ensuring you get the strongest possible signal.

Made to move
The PAL is designed for travel. Its rubberized exterior is water-resistant, so you can even use it poolside. The PAL's rechargeable battery pack can deliver up to 16 hours of non-stop music. And the FM antenna telescopes neatly into the back of the cabinet, turning the PAL into a compact box you can slip into your backpack or bag.

See more info on this item

Highlights:

mono AM/FM radio
built-in AM and FM antennas
high-performance 2-1/2" driver
5-to-1 ratio analog tuning dial for accurate tuning
minijack audio input for connecting an external source like an iPod
water-resistant cabinet
minijack headphone output
rechargeable NiMH battery pack provides up to 16 hours operation
AC power adapter
3-11/16"W x 6-3/16"H x 5-15/16"D
weight: 2 lbs.
warranty: 1 year
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Portable AM/FM radio (with telescoping antenna)
AC power supply (with attached 6' DC cord)
Owner's Manual
Product Registration Card
Charging/Cleaning note

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Overview: The Tivoli Audio PAL is a portable, weather resistant AM/FM radio. The PAL radio has a friendly exterior, with its small stance, simple controls, and weather-resistant/rubberized cabinet. The Tivoli Audio PAL offers great AM/FM sound for around the house, in the outdoors, or at office. The PAL also features an auxiliary input and headphone output. The PAL portable radio operates off of battery and AC power.

Radio Functions
Audio Features
Power Requirements

Radio Functions

AM/FM Tuner: The Tivoli Audio PAL is equipped with a Henry Kloss analog AM/FM tuner for precise radio station tuning.

Automatic Frequency Control (AFC): The FM tuner's Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) locks on to the center of the station for the lowest distortion and best reception. The result is better reception with increased clarity on closely-spaced local and far-away stations.

5:1 Analog Tuning Dial: To take full advantage of the AM/FM tuner's high sensitivity and selectivity, the PAL uses a precise analog tuning system with a geared-down 5:1 ratio analog tuning dial for accurate, easy selection of the maximum number of stations. The 5:1 tuning gear ratio provides easy, accurate tuning.

Telescoping FM Antenna: When listening to FM, adjust the radio's telescoping FM antenna and position it for the best reception. The telescoping antenna extends from 4.875" to 21.75".

Note: The telescoping FM antenna has no affect on AM reception.

Built-in AM Antenna: When listening to AM, rotate the PAL itself to align the internal AM antenna for improved reception.

Source Knob: The PAL portable radio is equipped with a 3-position source knob - AM, FM, and Off.

Audio Features

Full-Range Driver: The Tivoli Audio PAL features a single 2.5" treated, magnetically shielded, full-range driver for great AM/FM sound.

Volume Knob: The Tivoli Audio PAL features a rotary volume control knob which operates the volume level for the unit's mono speaker and headphone output.

Water-Resistant Cabinet: The Tivoli Audio PAL's exterior rubber coating is designed to be water resistant and provide a non-slip grip, so you can listen to it outside with no worries.

Note: The PAL is weather resistant, but it is not weather proof. It should not be immersed in water or held under running water. It also should not be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Audio Connections: The PAL AM/FM radio is equipped with a rear-panel auxiliary input and headphone output.

Auxiliary Input: The Tivoli Audio PAL features a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting an external device (such as your CD player or MP3 player), so you can listen to audio from the connected device through the PAL's mono speaker.
Headphone Output: The PAL radio is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone output for connecting a set of stereo headphones for private listening. Connecting headphones will mute the PAL's mono speaker.

Note: You may also record from the PAL's headphone output to a tape-deck or CD recorder; or use it as a high-quality stereo tuner by connecting it to your home entertainment system.

Power Requirements

Rechargeable Battery-Pack: The Tivoli Audio PAL is equipped with a built-in rechargeable NiMH battery-pack (7.2V, 1400-1800mA) which delivers up to 16 hours of playback time. The PAL uses a sealed battery-pack of 6 high-capacity Nick Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells. NiMH batteries have no memory effect and provide a longer operating time.

Note: The built-in rechargeable battery should be charged before initial use.

AC Power Adapter: In addition, to the PAL radio's built-in NiMH battery-pack, the unit can operate off of standard household AC current using the supplied AC power adapter (Input: 120V/60Hz, Output: 12V/500mA). The AC power adapter also charges the radio's battery.

Charging Modes: The Tivoli Audio PAL features two charging modes based on whether the unit is turned 'On' or 'Off'.

Fast Charge: With the PAL turned 'Off', but plugged in (from full discharge), the battery-pack will be completely charged within approximately 3.5 hours.
Trickle Charge: With the PAL 'On' and plugged in (form full discharge), the battery-pack will be completely charged in approximately 24 hours.

Note: It may take up to 4 charge/discharge cycles before the battery-pack is operating at full capacity.

Front-Panel LED: The front-panel green LED serves both as a power indicator, as well as battery power and charge status indicator.

Low Battery Status: The unit's front-panel LED will blink rapidly to indicate the batteries are in need of being recharged. The remaining playback time from the moment the blinking begins until the PAL shuts-off is estimated between 20 minutes and several hours.

Battery Replacement: Replacement battery packs may be purchased directly from Tivoli Audio.