There was a time when every portable speaker was a status symbol. At the pinnacle of the small-speaker spectrum is Tivoli Audio’s PAL radio, a subdued chunk of gear that’s the ranch dressing of portable audio: everything you put on it sounds amazing. Originally released in 2002, the Portable Audio Laboratory was the last device designed by legendary acoustic engineer Henry Kloss. The four elements of radio enjoyment are represented by as many openings in the front of the case: while the AM / FM / OFF switch and volume knob are nothing fancy, the 2 1/4-inch monaural speaker and tuning knob are riddled with subtle thrills.