Home > Consumer Reviews > Tivoli Audio PALPRL Portable Audio Laboratory (PAL) AM / FM Radio, Pearl White

Where to begin? This incredible portable radio has the cache of being designed and engineered by the late, great and legendary Henry Kloss. First it defies logic that a 2 1/2 inch speaker in a plastic coated, weatherproof, enclosure can sound so good. It does because of the large magnet and the fact it is not a cheap plastic/paper one. Tuning in stations is a breeze as the rotary dial is smooth and easy to operate. PAL has the best FM tuner in the industry - it will get about 50% more stations than any radio you currently own (unless it's a Tivoli). The AM section is also very good with the antenna built in. The telescoping FM antenna hides away nicely when not in use. You can get many FM stations with the antenna stowed away! Jacks on the back allow you to add an MP3 player or CD player as stated above. The built-in rechargeable battery can run for about 16 hours at moderate levels. It takes less than three to recharge it (AC adapter is included). Also by using the stereo headphone jack you'll be in for a pleasant surprise. If the FM station is broadcasting in stereo you'll hear it that way. Yes, even though the radio has a mono speaker, it has a stereo amp and tuner. Use the headphone jack to plug the PAL into your Hi-Fi system and you'll be amazed at how much better the FM stereo sounds. Tivoli does it again. A great product.

I received my PAL about two weeks ago. I got it to replace a portable radio in my office at work. The radio I had in the office needed the antenna fully extended and HAD to be in the window to pick up any variety of FM stations. The PAL can sit on my desk with its antenna stowed in the back and can pick up stations that the other radio could only get outside. The PAL sounds awesome as well.

First, I agree with the prior reviewers that the sound quality is almost unbelievably good for a unit this size.

I now own 27 (yes, 27!) of these, and use them to distribute XM throughout my house as follows: Delphi XM receiver to Sangean FM transmitter (from ccrane-dot-com) to Tivoli PAL. Prior to hearing the PAL, I wouldn't have thought a small monaural unit would provide acceptable sound in a small room; the PAL does.

The FM tuner had excellent sensitivity (ability to pick up weak stations), yet many radios do. What sets the PAL apart is its exceptional selectivity (ability to receive a realtively weak station that is wedged between two nearby, and stronger, stations).

And, for what its worth, when I dropped one into a swimming pool, it floated.

This is the second PAL that I've purchased. I have been overwhelmed by the quality of these units, as well as the remarkable sound! I have used it both as a radio, and as a transmitter for an iPod. In addition, I have used an Apple Airport Express unit to broadcast streaming internet audio. It has performed wonderfully.

I have owned the first unit for over a year, with NO problems. I am very critical when it comes to sound quality, and this radio ROCKS!

You could say between my fiance and myself we've started a collection of the PAL radios, we own three so far, a black, blue and yellow and I'm trying to decide between the Red or Green for my next purchase. These radios are fantastic and reliable and are great for gifts!
The size of this radio was what appealed to me but only after I had it at home and realized all the places it fit. the radio has such a small footprint that it fit in the corner of my bathtub, and sits on my windowsill while I wash dishes. My fiance has one that he leaves plugged in the wall which always keeps his battery fully recharged at all times. The reception has always been reliable on both AM and FM and I can always count on my PAL for the Red Sox games while in the yard with the dog.
I've given close to ten of these radios away within the last two years and everyone loves them! You get your choice between eight different colors which appeals to even the youngest recipient who was nine and was ecstatic about owning her very own RED "grown up radio" she took it outside with her often and her favorite station she listened to was Radio Disney. For convenience this radio can be ordered directly from www.tivoliaudio.com and will ship directly to the gift recipient if you choose. I can't say enough about these radios only that if you don't own one you're missing out!
Kudos Tivoli Audio!