While they're inset about 1.25 inches, that's not enough for most plugs to get full clearance. It's not that there's anything missing, it's where the inputs and outputs are located: With the exception of the USB port and headphone jack on the back panel, all of the jacks are on the unit's bottom side. The control situation was bad enough, but what really confounded us was the NetWorks' connectivity options. It's frustrating because if you're near the Networks, it would be nice to spin a few dials to change the station-as you can on the Grace Wireless Internet Radio-instead of having to hunt for the remote or fumble around blindly on the backside of the radio. That's because navigating the Networks requires that you look at the LCD screen at the same time, which is impossible when you're facing the rear-mounted controls. While we assume that Tivoli wanted to keep the unit as minimalist as possible, we really would've preferred these controls to be on the front or top. It's not a lot-just a five-way directional pad for navigating menus, a source toggle button, and five preset keys that double as music transport controls (play/pause, forward, reverse)-but it's the only way to control the NetWorks without the remote. Otherwise, all of the NetWorks' controls are found on its backside. The unit's topside has a multipurpose dial button that controls volume, mute/snooze (single tap), and power (when held down for a couple of seconds). You'll likely be using it almost exclusively, thanks to the ill-conceived control scheme on the NetWorks. The NetWorks includes a 20-button credit-card-size remote. With plenty of competing models that handle the same basic functions available at less than a third of the price, the NetWorks is best suited for those who are willing to pay a steep premium for its superior sound quality, unique wooden finish, and relative ease of use. However, the unit is plagued with some curious design choices-specifically, rear-mounted controls and bottom-mounted jack packs-and an exorbitant price tag: $600 for the Internet-only model, or $50 extra for the NetWorks FM model (reviewed here) that also doubles as a standard FM radio. The NetWorks performs well, making it fairly easy for those who aren't tech savvy to dial up any online audio available the world over by genre or location. And now the Tivoli product line is entering the 21st century with the NetWorks, a Wi-Fi radio that can access most Internet radio stations, podcasts, and many PC-based audio files. From the Model One to the iPAL and the Music System, the company has specialized in simple radio-centric products that pair retro styling with an accomplished sound. You may not have heard of Tivoli Audio, but it's one of those companies that make a handful of high-end tabletop radios and other assorted audio products.
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