Tivoli Audio
Songbook Max Bluetooth Audio System
The Tivoli Audio SongBook MAX is a portable Bluetooth audio system with a vintage-inspired design, combining a DAB/DAB+/FM tuner, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 50W amplifier driving two 20W drivers plus a 10W subwoofer and tweeter. It offers a 10-hour battery, USB-C fast charging, IPX4 splash resistance, and an integrated preamp with 1/4-inch auxiliary input; note that the aux input requires a 6.35mm adapter (not standard 3.5mm). Reviewer feedback highlights its powerful, room-filling sound with substantial bass and premium build quality, though users should expect a heavy (5.2 kg) unit with mono output, making it better suited for semi-portable indoor/outdoor use like a garage or patio rather than frequent travel.
- Style
- vintage, modern, classic
- Category
- Electronics > Audio > Audio Players & Recorders > Boomboxes
Size
Specifications
The SongBook MAX is a portable Bluetooth audio system with vintage design, multiple drivers, DAB/FM radio, and 10-hour battery life.
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, DAB/DAB+/FM radio, integrated preamplifier, IPX4 splash resistance, USB-C fast charging, equalization sliders, multiple speakers (2x20W + 1x10W), frequency response 40Hz-20kHz.
- Material
- Plastic
- Style
- vintage, modern, classic
- Occasion
- party, travel, everyday
- Gender
- unisex
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 11x15x6 in
- Category
- Electronics > Audio > Audio Players & Recorders > Boomboxes
Additional Attributes
- Bluetooth 5.3
- DAB/DAB+/FM radio
- 1/4 inch auxiliary input
- Integrated preamplifier
- IPX4 splash resistant
- USB-C fast PD charging
- 10-hour battery life
- Carry handle
- Vintage inspired design
- Multiple drivers: 2x20W + 1x10W
- Equalization sliders (high, medium, low)
- Frequency range: 40Hz-20kHz
- Amplifier power: 50W
- SPL: 100 +/- 3 dB
- Includes microfibre cloth and USB-C cable
Product Insights
The Songbook Max is a deliberately mono Bluetooth audio system that doubles as a guitar amplifier, combining a 100 dB SPL mono speaker with 40 Hz bass from a 4-inch driver, a DAB/DAB+/FM tuner, and analog three-band EQ sliders—all without requiring a smartphone app. Its core promise is versatile, room-filling sound from a single cabinet that also serves as a practice amp for instruments via a 6.35mm input with switchable preamp, enabling Bluetooth jamming alongside instrument playback. The main tradeoff: mono eliminates stereo separation but delivers a coherent, single-image sound, while the 5.2 kg weight and IPX4 splash resistance make it suitable for indoor and outdoor use, though its heft limits true portability despite a carry handle.
Verified claims
- Design philosophy
- Deliberately mono, with tactile controls and analog EQ.
- Instrument amplifier
- Functions as a guitar amplifier via switchable 1/4-inch preamp.
- Build quality
- 5.2kg high-gloss plastic cabinet with IPX4 splash resistance.
- Instrument input
- 6.35mm input with switchable preamp works as a practice amp for guitar, bass, keyboard, or microphone; turntables require a line-level output or an external phono preamp.
- Bluetooth jamming
- Play along with Bluetooth tracks while using the instrument input.
- Tone shaping
- Three-band EQ sliders (±6 dB) apply globally, shaping instrument tone without an app.
- Amp performance
- Amp mode provides practice volume with 50W of headroom and a 40Hz–20kHz range, so a bass guitar's low E stays audible; reviews note the guitar/amp input can buzz on low notes.
- EQ sliders
- Hardware EQ sliders shape sound for every source, from radio to guitar.
- Radio
- Full DAB/DAB+/FM tuner with physical presets and analog tuning, continuing Tivoli's Henry Kloss cell-phone-tuner heritage; DAB/DAB+ only receives stations in markets where it is broadcast, so North American buyers will effectively get FM radio.
- Volume
- Mono speaker driven by a 50W amplifier delivers 100 dB SPL and fills a large room or outdoor gathering with clean headroom.
- Bass
- Physically felt bass with low-end down to 40 Hz from a 4-inch sub.
- Sound quality
- A 24-bit DAC and 56-bit DSP produce a rich, detailed presentation, though independent listeners find vocals can sit behind instruments unless the mid EQ is raised.
- EQ controls
- Analog three-band EQ with ±6 dB per band adjusts the speaker to different spaces, indoors or out, with no app and no preset outdoor mode required.
- Standalone features
- Combines a DAB/FM radio, instrument preamp, and physical EQ without a smartphone app.
- Audio performance
- Produces hall-filling mono sound from a 50W amplifier with 100 dB SPL, deep bass down to 40 Hz, and a 24-bit DAC/56-bit DSP signal path.
- Durability & charging
- Rated IPX4 for splash resistance—not waterproof—and recharges via USB-C Power Delivery, with design heritage from Henry Kloss.
- Portability
- At 5.2 kg the SongBook Max is not lightweight; its flip-down carry handle aids short moves, and the heft keeps the cabinet stable on a table instead of rattling under heavy bass.
- Weather resistance
- IPX4 splash resistance handles light rain and spills but not immersion or direct water jets; the plastic cabinet and metal controls tolerate damp patio use.
- Versatility
- Mono speaker with DAB/FM radio and instrument preamp replaces multiple devices outdoors.
- Sound performance
- Three-driver mono array with 50W amplifier and DSP delivers room-filling sound with 40 Hz bass and 100 dB SPL.
- Stereo tradeoff
- Tradeoff: mono eliminates stereo separation for a coherent single-image sound.
- Hi-res streaming
- Bluetooth 5.3 streams via SBC and AAC through a 24-bit DAC and 56-bit DSP; it does not support aptX, aptX HD, or LDAC.
- Outdoor use
- Can serve as a portable outdoor speaker for parties; the integrated handle aids moving it to the patio.
- Indoor adaptation
- EQ sliders let users dial down bass for indoor listening, as full volume can overwhelm small spaces.
- Battery life
- The 10-hour battery rating assumes moderate volume and default EQ; at high Bluetooth output levels, runtime can drop considerably.
- Charging time
- The manufacturer does not publish an official charging time; with a compatible 30W USB-C PD charger, a full charge typically takes about 2–3 hours.
- Summary
- IPX4 splash-resistant portable Bluetooth speaker with 50W / 100 dB SPL output, 10-hour battery, and physical 3-band EQ for outdoor patio listening; not waterproof and not lightweight at 5.2 kg.
Product record
- Title
- Songbook Max Bluetooth Audio System
- Brand
- Tivoli Audio
- Price
- 849 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 20 sourcesUses
Big portable sound around the house, patio, or garage
With its carry handle and 10-hour battery, the SongBook Max is made for playing music out loud wherever you are—at home, on the patio, or in the garage. Its IPX4 splash resistance means light rain or a spill around the pool or BBQ isn't a concern, and one Reddit commenter who used it while working in a closed garage said they couldn't turn it up to full volume and could feel the bass vibrations. Note that it's a heavy unit that's impractical to carry far, and some users suggest EQing the bass down when listening indoors.[4,6,8,10]
Listening to DAB and FM radio at home or outside
Tune into DAB/DAB+ and FM stations with the built-in tuner, which offers a tactile analog tuner knob, a scan button, five presets, and a choice between scanning all stations or only strong signals. With its carry handle and 10-hour battery life, the radio can move with you between indoor and outdoor spaces.[6,9,10]
Use it as a practice amp while streaming backing tracks
Flip the front-panel switch to Amp mode and plug a guitar, bass, or keyboard into the 6.35 mm aux input, which has a built-in pre-amp. A turntable can also be connected without a separate phono preamp. Reviewers note you can stream a Bluetooth track at the same time, letting you play or sing along to your favorite songs.[1,3,5,6]
Fine-tune the tone right from the speaker with analog EQ sliders
When you want to shape how your music sounds, the Songbook Max's front-panel EQ sliders let you adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies directly on the unit, with each slider ranging from -6 dB to +6 dB. Because the adjustment is analog, you can tweak the tone on the fly without opening a companion app or digging through digital menus. Marked points beside the sliders at plus or minus 2, 4, and 6 dB help guide your adjustments, and reviewers describe the sliders as tactile, smooth, and easy to use.[1,2,6,7,8,11]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Songbook Max Bluetooth Audio System: Choose this if you want a vintage-inspired portable sound system that doubles as a guitar, bass, mic, or turntable amp thanks to its 6.35 mm input and built-in switchable preamp, alongside Bluetooth 5.3 and a DAB/DAB+/FM tuner. It suits indoor and outdoor use with a carry handle, 10-hour battery life, IPX4 splash resistance for light rain, dedicated three-driver sound, and front-panel EQ sliders for hands-on tone adjustment. Note that it is heavy at 11.5 pounds (5.2 kg), so it is not practical to carry long distances, and one listener advises EQing the bass down when listening indoors.[2,3,4,6,7,8,10] | Songbook Bluetooth Audio System: Choose this if you want a portable, retro-styled speaker with tactile analog controls—volume and source knobs, flip switches, and Lo/Mid/Hi EQ sliders—and the rare ability to double as an amp or preamp for a guitar or turntable via its 1/4-inch input. Its 10-hour battery, Bluetooth 5.3 streaming, carry handle, and IPX4 splash resistance suit patios and short outings, though the splash resistance comes without dust protection, and reviews note the mono sound, the absence of play/pause or track-skip controls over Bluetooth, and a glossy plastic finish that shows fingerprints and scratches easily.[12,13,14] | Pal Bluetooth Radio Speaker: Choose this if you want a compact, weather-resistant portable speaker (IPX4 splash protection, 6 x 3.5 x 4.75 inches, about 1.75 pounds) for patios, bathrooms, or kitchens that still handles FM radio, Bluetooth streaming, and an auxiliary source. Three simple knobs control everything, with a large 5:1 tuning dial, USB-C fast charging, and a battery rated for a minimum of 14 hours. Note it is a mono speaker, and one long-term owner reported the rechargeable battery failed after about six years, though the unit still worked plugged in at home.[15,16,17,18,19,20] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front-facing rectangular portable audio unit with a top metal carrying handle, two large round speaker grilles, smaller central grille, control panel with small display and knobs, and a large central volume knob at lower front.
- Overall shapeRectangular box with slightly rounded front corners and a flat top; unit sits on a stair tread and faces forward.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.42 · w 0.86 · h 0.46 (high) - Carrying handleThin tubular metal arch handle mounted across the top center of the unit, metallic finish.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.25 · w 0.40 · h 0.10 (high) - Top control stripHorizontal control strip near top front containing a small rectangular display at center, two round control knobs to the right, and three small slider-style controls to the left.
1 region
x 0.13 · y 0.31 · w 0.74 · h 0.10 (high) - Front speaker grillesTwo large circular speaker grilles symmetrically placed lower-left and lower-right on the front panel, with a smaller circular grille centered above the volume knob.
3 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.43 · w 0.36 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.43 · w 0.36 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.41 · y 0.36 · w 0.17 · h 0.12 (high) - Large front knobProminent circular volume knob centered below the smaller grille, metallic rim with a lighter center.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.64 · w 0.21 · h 0.18 (high) - Front lower jacksThree small circular ports and a small switch or indicator located at the lower-right front edge of the unit; details too small to read.
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.76 · w 0.14 · h 0.08 (medium) - Top center branding text“Legible small text printed on the front above the display reading Tivoli Audio.”
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.29 · w 0.28 · h 0.03 (high) - Display text“Blue-lit display showing the word Bluetooth.”
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.32 · w 0.20 · h 0.04 (high) - Model text“Small printed text at the lower-left front reading SongBook MAX.”
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.83 · w 0.20 · h 0.04 (medium)
Other
Lifestyle scene on wooden stairs with two people sitting around the product holding textured glass tumblers; visible clothing, footwear, and shadows provide context.
- Stair settingProduct placed on a wooden stair tread with visible white risers above and below.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.39 · w 0.86 · h 0.22 (high) - People and propsTwo people partially visible seated on the stairs; each holds a textured glass tumbler containing an amber liquid. One person wears pale blue pointed boots, the other wears black slip-on shoes.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.06 · w 0.44 · h 0.48 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.05 · w 0.47 · h 0.58 (high) - Hand with glass closeupRight-side hand with pink nail polish holding a textured tumbler near the upper right of the frame.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.03 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high) - Lighting and shadowWarm directional lighting from above-left casts soft shadows on the stairs and product, producing highlights on metallic handle and knob.
- Image crop and focusImage is vertically oriented, product centered near lower middle; top parts of the seated people are cropped out of frame.
Colors
warm off-white· front panel#E9E3DCwarm gold metallic· top/trim and handlelight cool gray· speaker grilles#DEDAD3warm bronze metallic· large front knob#B3ACA5bright blue· display text- Overall shapeRectangular box with slightly rounded front corners and a flat top; unit sits on a stair tread and faces forward.
- 02
Product
Front-facing rectangular portable audio unit with a top foldable metal handle, two large circular speaker grilles, a smaller central grille, a large front-mounted rotary dial, a small central status LED, a narrow rectangular display that reads 'Bluetooth', three slider controls at top left, and two round knobs at top right.
- Overall front shapeRectangular box with slightly rounded corners and a slim raised border around the front face, shown facing forward.
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.12 · w 0.82 · h 0.72 (high) - Top carry handleSingle thin metal loop handle mounted on top center, visible in raised position, with a metallic finish.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.04 · w 0.36 · h 0.12 (high) - Left speaker grilleLarge circular perforated metal grille at lower left of front face.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.34 · w 0.32 · h 0.32 (high) - Right speaker grilleLarge circular perforated metal grille at lower right of front face, symmetrical to left grille.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.34 · w 0.32 · h 0.32 (high) - Center small grille (tweeter)Smaller circular perforated grille centered above the main dial between the two large speaker grilles.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.20 · w 0.16 · h 0.14 (high) - Large front rotary dialProminent circular metallic rotary dial located below the small central grille, with a surrounding ring marked with small dots.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.52 · w 0.20 · h 0.24 (high) - Central status LEDSmall round blue indicator LED located above the rotary dial along the vertical centerline.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.44 · w 0.03 · h 0.03 (high) - Top-center displayNarrow rectangular black display panel with blue text visible reading 'Bluetooth'.
1 region
x 0.41 · y 0.14 · w 0.19 · h 0.06 (high) - Three EQ slidersCluster of three vertical slider controls at top left on a metallic strip; each slider has a small rectangular white knob.
1 region
x 0.11 · y 0.13 · w 0.20 · h 0.08 (high) - Top-right round knobsTwo round metallic knobs on the top right metallic strip aligned horizontally.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.13 · w 0.18 · h 0.08 (high) - Bottom-right jacks and switchesA cluster of small circular input jacks and toggle-style switches at lower right of the front panel.
1 region
x 0.75 · y 0.66 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Front border trimThin darker trim line follows the perimeter of the front face contrasting with the lighter front panel.
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.12 · w 0.82 · h 0.72 (high)
Other
Product photographed on a white background with a faint reflection below; even studio lighting with soft shadows and no additional props.
- Shot compositionProduct centered in frame with a small reflected duplicate visible directly below on the white surface.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.72 · w 0.80 · h 0.22 (high) - Lighting and reflectionSoft, even studio lighting produces minimal harsh shadows and a pale reflection of the product on the surface below.
Colors
cream· front panel#DBD5D2champagne metallic· metallic trim strip and knob surrounds#CCB39Dlight grey· speaker grilles and small central grille#DBD6D2antique bronze· carry handle and thin outer trim#9B938C- Overall front shapeRectangular box with slightly rounded corners and a slim raised border around the front face, shown facing forward.
- 03
Product
Rectangular portable audio system with a cream front panel, two large round speaker grilles, a smaller center grille, a large central rotary knob with a metallic bezel, a top control strip with a small rectangular display and two round knobs, and a folding metal carry handle. Right and top edges show a glossy dark brown enclosure.
- Overall shapeRectangular box with gently rounded front corners and a visible top-mounted folding handle positioned near the rear edge.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.12 · w 0.88 · h 0.78 (high) - Carry handleSlim U-shaped metal carry handle with a warm metallic finish that rises above the top of the unit and attaches near the rear corners.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.04 · w 0.34 · h 0.18 (high) - Front panel finishFlat cream/off-white front panel inset within a thin metallic bezel along the top control strip.
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.16 · w 0.78 · h 0.66 (high) - Left speaker grilleLarge circular mesh speaker grille on the lower left portion of the front panel.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.42 · w 0.28 · h 0.28 (high) - Right speaker grilleLarge circular mesh speaker grille on the lower right portion of the front panel, matching the left grille.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.42 · w 0.28 · h 0.28 (high) - Center tweeter grilleSmaller circular mesh grille positioned above the central area between the two large speaker grilles.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.26 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Large central rotary knobProminent round volume or control knob with a metallic champagne bezel and a lighter cream rotary surface, located near the lower center of the front panel.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.62 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high) - Blue status LEDSmall round blue indicator LED located above the central rotary knob on the front panel.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.56 · w 0.02 · h 0.02 (high) - Top control strip layoutHorizontal top control strip inset with a narrow rectangular display at center-left, two round control knobs to the right, and a set of three small vertical sliders at the left end of the strip.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.12 (high) - Rectangular display text“Bluetooth”
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.17 · w 0.18 · h 0.06 (high) - Brand name on bezel“Tivoli Audio”
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.12 · w 0.24 · h 0.04 (high) - Right knob labels“SOURCE”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.19 · w 0.06 · h 0.04 (medium) - Rightmost knob label“VOLUME”
1 region
x 0.69 · y 0.19 · w 0.06 · h 0.04 (medium) - Lower-left product text“SongBook MAX”
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.74 · w 0.20 · h 0.06 (medium) - Aux and toggle areaRow of small metal input jacks and two small toggle switches located on the lower right front panel near the base.
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.74 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Left slider clusterThree small vertical sliders with short printed labels immediately below the top-left area of the control strip; individual label characters are small.Partial
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.15 · w 0.12 · h 0.07 (medium) - Right side enclosureGlossy dark brown rectangular side panel wrapping around the right edge, showing a reflective surface and vertical highlight.
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.20 · w 0.24 · h 0.60 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a white background with a soft reflection beneath the unit and even diffuse lighting. Image shows three-quarter front-right perspective of the product.
- Shot compositionThree-quarter front-right view with the product centered and slightly turned to show the right side panel and front face.
- Background and reflectionClean white background with a subtle mirrored reflection of the product visible directly under it.
- LightingSoft, diffuse studio lighting producing even illumination and gentle highlights on the glossy side panel.
Colors
cream· front panel#DBD6D2off-white mesh· speaker grilles#DBD6D2gloss dark brown· side enclosure#392622champagne metallic· metal trim and knobs#D4C2B4light metallic beige· handlebright blue· display text- Overall shapeRectangular box with gently rounded front corners and a visible top-mounted folding handle positioned near the rear edge.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Tivoli Audio
SongBook MAX
Variants
2 SKUsDocuments & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/turntablesReddit users praise the Tivoli Songbook Max for its powerful sound, deep bass, and premium build quality, though note its heavy weight and mono output.
The owner reports being very surprised by its loud volume and strong bass, and describes the build quality as excellent, with no negative points except weight.
Themes
Use Cases
- Listening to music in a garage or workshop
Watch Out For
Source Threads
Owner's detailed endorsement of Tivoli Songbook Max
I can endorse it. I've had it on in the garage while working, and with the doors closed, in that sized space, I couldn't turn it up to full volume - would have been too loud. And on top of that I could feel the bass vibrations in my body. Was really surprised at what it was able to put out. It's a heavy unit. You wouldn't want to hike it anywhere too far. And it's well-made. The fit and finish are really nice. Some retro products look good in photos but feel cheap and flimsy in the flesh, but the Tivoli is as nice in real life as in photos. And it comes in two great colour schemes. I've even been thinking about getting the khaki/olive one if there's a sale that knocks another few dollars off the price.
u/IvymantledView thread →