Home Theater Systems Reviews

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