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The Short Form
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| $599 / genevalab.com / 877-436-3829 |
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Plus
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| •Stylish looks and superb build quality •Great sound from on- and off-center seats |
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Minus
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| •Expensive compared to other iPod audio systems |
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Key Features
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| •Integrated iPod dock •Built-in CD slot and FM tuner •Stereo input for external sources |
The single-box Model L uses a signal-processing technology called Embracing Sound to deliver a wide stereo image from its two close-spaced two-way speakers. And it works: The soundstage from the stereo recordings I listened to extended well beyond the boundaries of the box. Not only that, the system's off-axis performance was strikingly good. For example, listening to the Coldcut remix of Steve Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians," the track's wave-like instrumental swells sounded just as dynamic when experienced from an off-center chair as when heard from directly in front of the Model L.
I popped Calexico into the CD slot to hear the track "Quattro." The system's midrange clarity was excellent, with the song's reedy vocals and intertwined guitar and trumpet leads all coming through distinctly. Bass was also surprisingly full and deep for a medium-size box, and it remained clean even after I cranked things up loud. With the treble control set to the system's default center setting, however, highs sounded slightly edgy. That was my only real sonic complaint, though, and it was easily addressed by backing the treble control down a notch.
BOTTOM LINE The iPod generation has plenty of single-box audio systems to choose from - some good and some bad. The Geneva Lab Sound System Model L iPod speaker system resides near the top of the good camp, and its design, features, and build quality push it well past the competition. At $699 with the optional stand, its price is in another league altogether, too, but if you've got the cash and want a slick-looking iPod audio system that sounds good from any seat in the room, here's your ticket.
Consumers thinking about purchasing a Geneva Labs speaker should be aware of the hype and public relations promotions on the company’s behalf. It is just that – hype.
Caveats –
[] The wood case that houses the speakers tends to overheat after about a half-hour’s use. When I eject my CD from the player, it feels very hot to the touch.
[] A cheap, plastic remote control is the only way to operate the speaker. Some models have a built in control device. Other models do not. Geneva Labs provides a remote control device that is flimsy, light-weight and because of its cheap manufacturing prone to breakage. Moreover, if you misplace the remote control, you will have no other way to operate your speaker.
[] Sound quality is good, but not as great as has been hyped. And the sound quality is not much better than ipod docks or speakers on the market today selling for half the price of the Geneva Labs speaker.
[] When using the models with CD player capabilities, be aware that the CD does not stop after the album has finished. It automatically restarts at the beginning. .
Buyer beware. This speaker and the remote control system will probably not last more than 18 months. In the final analysis, the Geneva Labs speakers are over hyped and over-priced. With comparable ipod stations on the market selling for roughly half the price of Geneva Labs speakers you will do better to think twice before laying down your hard earned cash for anything built by Geneva Labs.