Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Tivoli SongBook Max Speaker (new.ordinary Edition): Because Your Eames Chair Needed a Soundtrack

Tivoli Audio’s limited-edition SongBook Max, made in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Sounwave, brings leather, chrome, and serious attitude to a retro-style Bluetooth speaker built for modern homes.

Tivoli Audio New Ordinary SongBook Max Speaker Lifestyle

Tivoli Audio built its name selling retro-styled tabletop radios to people who thought buying an Eames chair would also magically give them taste. But they’ve been quietly cranking out some legit portable Bluetooth speakers, too — most notably the SongBook and SongBook Max, both dropped in fall 2023.

These aren’t your sad plastic beach speakers either. The SongBook twins are big, boombox-shaped beasts covered in enough knobs, sliders, and switches to make even the most ironic loft dweller think twice. They drip vintage style without begging for approval.

But let’s be honest — they’re a little too pretty (and expensive) to toss in the backseat with your half-eaten burrito. These are speakers you flex inside the house, not something you sacrifice to the sand gods next to your cooler.

For the poor souls still hunting for a Bluetooth speaker that looks good enough to impress their mid-century-worshipping friends, Tivoli Audio — the Boston brand that knows how to slap vintage style on real hardware — just dropped a special-edition version of its SongBook Max.

Tivoli Audio New Ordinary SongBook Max Speaker Carry

And yeah, it actually looks cooler than the originals. More leather, more chrome, less trying-too-hard energy. This isn’t for the crowd that thinks a teak sideboard makes them an audio expert — it’s for people who want something built to last longer than their curated Instagram feed.

SongBook Max with Street Cred?

The new SongBook Max (new.ordinary Edition) is what happens when Tivoli Audio teams up with new.ordinary — the production house run by Grammy-winning producer Sounwave (you know, the guy behind Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, SZA, and Beyoncé actually sounding good).

Sounwave with Tivoli new.ordinary Songbook Max Speaker
Sounwave with Tivoli new.ordinary Songbook Max Speaker

While the original SongBook Max came in respectable green or safe cream/brown, this special-edition version leans harder into the cream vibe — but with real upgrades: a leather wrap, chrome hardware, and a finish so deep it makes most “mid-century modern” knockoffs look like cheap plastic toys from Design Within Reach.

It’s the kind of speaker you’d actually want to live with, not just photograph next to an Eames lounge chair you financed at 29% interest.

Aside from the shiny new look, the guts of this special-edition SongBook Max are exactly the same as the original — so if you’re expecting a revolution in sound, you’re going to be disappointed.

It’s got three drivers: a 10-watt tweeter, a 20-watt midrange, and a 20-watt woofer — all of which promise a solid 10 hours of battery life, just enough time for you to move it from room to room as you pretend to “entertain.”

Tivoli Audio New Ordinary SongBook Max Speaker Carry Front

Now, let’s talk about what’s actually useful: it’s not just a pretty face. You’ve got a built-in FM radio, which is fine if you’re still clinging to the idea that anything good can come from airwaves. But the real kicker is the built-in preamp and the 6.35 mm aux input on the front — yeah, so you can actually plug in an instrument. You could jam out on an electric guitar or keyboard, or hook it up to a turntable (if you’re still one of those people who hasn’t sold their soul to digital yet).

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Specifications

  • Bluetooth: 5.3
  • Inputs: ¼” (6.35 mm) Aux-in, FM Radio, USB-C PD (5V/9V/15V)
  • Built-in Preamp: Line In Impedance: 16.4kΩ / Amp In: 110kΩ
  • EQ: Low/Mid/High sliders ±6 dB
  • Power Output: 50W total (2×20W + 1×10W)
  • Drivers: 4” Subwoofer, 4” Midrange, 0.75” Tweeter
  • Frequency Response: 40Hz–20kHz
  • Max SPL: ~100dB @ 1m
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Other Features: Built-in handle, IPX4 splash-resistant, radio presets

Price & Availability

The special-edition SongBook Max will run you $650 — a $50 upcharge over the standard model, because leather wraps and chrome accents don’t come cheap. Only 60 units are being made, so if you want one, you’ll have to move faster than a mid-century collector at an estate sale.

Preorders are open now, with shipping expected to take 4 to 6 weeks (because apparently “limited edition” also means “limited urgency”).

Where to buy: $649.99 at Tivoli Audio

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Anton Miller

    April 30, 2025 at 6:22 pm

    Interested in listening to this. Are there physical stores that might carry?

    DWR is for fools who enjoy overpaying for furniture.

    • Ian White

      April 30, 2025 at 7:25 pm

      Anton,

      I like DWR. I purchased my Sapien bookshelves there on sale 7 years ago. Amazing product that actually does something. The best bookshelf for those with thick books with limited space.

      Unfortunately, this is a Limited Edition product only available online. Tivoli Audio is sold at high-end audio stores and places like the MoMA in NYC. Not sure about the west coast.

      IW

  2. Anton Warbucks III

    May 1, 2025 at 3:46 pm

    The standard one will have to do. Ordering!

    • Ian White

      May 1, 2025 at 6:08 pm

      The only reason why I know about this product is because my Mom bought one a few years back. I don’t think the $50 uptick in price is a bad deal.

      IW

  3. ORT

    May 2, 2025 at 4:45 pm

    As the only genuine embodiment of “Q”, Desmond Llewelyn would say, “The Americans are calling it an urbane ghetto blaster!”

    It is quite loverly…

    ORT

    • Ian White

      May 2, 2025 at 5:44 pm

      ORT,

      Indeed it is. I may have to update my ghetto blaster collection for the kitchen. It will match the new color scheme.

      Ian

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Monitor Audio Bronze 7G Loudspeakers White

Floorstanding Speakers

Five Monitor Audio Bronze Series 7G loudspeakers bring upgraded drivers, sleek design, and Dolby Atmos support at wallet-friendly prices.

Ikarao Smart Karaoke Speakers Group Ikarao Smart Karaoke Speakers Group

New Products

Ikarao's Shell S1, Break X1, and Break X2 combine wireless and wired music streaming with touchscreens, light effects, and karaoke features for the ultimate...

Musical Fidelity B1xi Integrated Amplifier Front Left Angle Musical Fidelity B1xi Integrated Amplifier Front Left Angle

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

Musical Fidelity’s new B1xi integrated amp ditches streaming for pure Class A/B power, a quality phono stage, and hi-res digital inputs for $879.

AudioQuest Brave Heart Speaker Cable AudioQuest Brave Heart Speaker Cable

Audio Cables

ZERO-Tech speaker cables capable of advanced noise reduction and precise timing for high-end audio systems deserving of geekery loud on specs, quiet on sense.

Ortofon MC X10, X20, X30, X40 Phono Cartridges Ortofon MC X10, X20, X30, X40 Phono Cartridges

New Products

Ortofon’s new MC X Series cartridges bring high-end quad-coil tech and precision tracking to challenge Hana, Dynavector, and Goldring at every price point.

OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak

Bookshelf Speakers

OePhi Lounge Series Loudspeakers aim to prove high levels of musical performance don't have to cost a fortune.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day is July 8-11, 2025

Daily Deals

Amazon Prime Day is a four-day shopping event from July 8-11, 2025 offering the biggest discounts of the year on consumer electronics.

You May Also Like

Daily Deals

Waiting for a great deal on a high performance 4K OLED TV? Your wait is over.

Digital Music Systems

WiiM takes the popular form factor of its Ultra streamer and adds a 100 watt per channel power amp. Just add speakers.

Ask an Expert

WiiM's family of network streamers offers something for everyone. Here's how to pick which WiiM is best for you.

News

Feeling lucky? Enter for a chance to win a SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer with Isolation Feet and Cable. Must be 18+ and U.S. or...

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Unveiled at CES, the groundbreaking Hisense 116UX is the first production TV to feature RGB MiniLED backlighting. Here's how it looks.

Ask an Expert

Struggling with poor vinyl playback? Your phono cartridge setup—or those filthy records—might be the reason. Here’s how to fix it.

Articles

Discover if vintage turntables still beat modern models under $2,000. Pros, cons, sound quality, and where to buy for the best vinyl experience.

Articles

Portable CD players are back, but with better sound, Bluetooth, and DACs. FiiO and Shanling are leading the charge in 2025's retro revival.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers