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Geneva Lab Model XL iPod/CD System HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures: Geneva Lab Model XL iPod/CD System

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This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the Geneva XL Sound System (purple trace). The right channel of the loudspeaker was measured with grille at a distance of 1 meter.

The Geneva XL Sound System's listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +1.01/–3.54 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3-dB point is at 42 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 38 Hz.—MJP

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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