Review: Tivoli Audio iSongBook speakers

Much like Apple, Tivoli Audio is one of those companies that has really got its design just right. Its retro-looking ranges of speaker systems stand out from the crowd, typified by the iSongBook Portable iPod Music System.

Rather than offering a simple dock to plug the popular MP3 player into, the iSongBook has many useful features. It combines a high-quality AM/FM radio, digital alarm clock and stereo speakers in a weather-resistant, iPod-matching white (or black) casing.

A backlit LCD displays the time as well as the current playback source – AM or FM frequency, auxiliary input, or iPod.

The central unit has a singular speaker at the front, but there's a second, separate speaker that can be docked or placed up to three metres away by extending the built-in cable.

On the left is the iPod dock, which flips down from the main body. The iSongBook comes with a kit of seven different docking adapters. The manual lists which adapter to use depending on which model iPod you’re using. Supported models are third and fourth generation iPods and iPod Minis and Nanos.

The iSongBook can be powered by an external power supply, six AA batteries or rechargeable or batteries (which will be recharged when the power supply is connected).

There's a switch on the back to set the type of battery used and the iSongBook will charge an docked iPod when power is connected.

As mentioned, the iSongBook has a built-in AM/FM radio tuner, which got excellent reception. There are five preset buttons on the front, so you can program five favourite FM stations, and five AM.

The included wireless remote control, which is a little fiddly, can be used to control iPod playback, radio tuning, and system volume. However, some older iPods will need be updated to make use of all the remote control functions.

The iSongBook’s audio quality is very good, but not perfect. The low frequency output (the heavy bass sounds), weren't as deep, punchy and powerful as we’d like but at average volume levels is produced a well-balanced output.

Tivoli recommends turning your iPod’s EQ settings off when using it in the iSongBook, which was something that we discovered was good advice.

However, this compact system is powerful enough to fill a room without much distortion. Its versatility, compact size (28cm wide, 16cm high, 5.5cm deep) and weight (1.27Kg) makes it a good iPod travel partner.

The Tivoli Audio is very expensive, which can't go unnoticed but it's got more features than most in its class and sounds good.

Also consider
Aego M-System
Verdict: No iPod dock but fantastic sound quality and great value from such a small system.
Rating: 4/5
Price: £100