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Geneva Lab Model XL iPod/CD System At A Glance & Ratings

At A Glance: Geneva Lab Model XL iPod/CD System

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Features
Connections: iPod dock (1), CD slot (1), mini- jack (1), stereo analog (1), FM (1);
Enclosure Type: Ported Tweeter
(size in inches, type): 1, silk dome (2)
Woofer
(size in inches, type): 5.25, polypropylene cone (2)
Subwoofer
(size in inches, type): 8, polypropylene cone (2)
Power Rating (watts): 100 x 6, Class D, DSP controlled
Compatible Playback
Formats: iPod (AAC, MP3, etc.), CD, CD-R/-RW
Available Finishes: Gloss Red, Gloss Black, Gloss White
Dimensions
(H x W x D, inches): 24.1 x 21.7 x 15.7
Weight (pounds): 84
Price: $1,075; optional stand, $99

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Ratings: Geneva Lab Model XL iPod/CD System

Build Quality: 95
High-gloss MDF enclosure
• The lid protects the iPod dock
• Has a heavy, big-button remote

Value: 90
• Price includes a pair of subs
• Plays CD and FM radio, as well as iPod
• It creates its own category

Features: 94
• Two subwoofers, two woofers, and two tweeters
• Has six channels of Class D amplification

Performance: 92
• Sweet, forgiving, and seductive
• Good bass comes as no surprise
• Adept even with bad recordings

Ergonomics: 80
• No iPod navigation beyond track skipping
• Needs better dock-backing structure to support player

Overall Rating: 91
With the Model XL, Switzerland-based Geneva Lab scales up the burgeoning iPod-compatible-system genre into a product with its own look, sound, form factor, and vision. The sound is unabashedly sweet, seductive, and fatigue free. And it's as easy to use as—well, an iPod. Except it's quite a bit bigger.

General Information
Model XL iPod/CD System, $1,075
Optional Stand, $99
Geneva Lab
(877) GENEVA-9
www.genevalab.com
Dealer Locator Code GEN

COMMENTS
ppenscribe's picture
Submitted by ppenscribe on October 16, 2011 - 9:36am

I have owned a Geneva Labs ipod speaker for close to one year now. I have a medium sized ipod player with a compact disc (CD) player. This model sold for $699.
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.
Here is an honest review from a real person.
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. I left for work one morning and after 12 hours when I returned home, I discovered that the CD continued to play. Sure, I should have shut down my speaker before leaving for work; however, other CD and ipod players I currently own and have owned automatically shut down after all tracks on the album have played.
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.

Trevor83's picture
Submitted by Trevor83 on November 11, 2011 - 1:08pm

I have the Geneva model XL in all pure white for a year right now. Absolutely adore it, it's totally awesome. The sound quality is fantastic and the build quality is stunning. It is not all rosy: the remote is too much plastic but works okay. My Logitech harmony universal remote also recognized the Geneva, I use this one on a daily base.

It's big, it's hefty, I just love my Jukebox.

British Hifi magazine Whathifi.com awarded the smaller Geneva Model M recently as Product of the Year 2011 for the
superb sound quality and excellent build and finish: http://www.whathifi.com/review/geneva-model-m

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