- iPod/iPhone dock and radio in small table or counter size including optional stand, this has a 30 pin dock that will work with iPhone 4S and earlier.
- Motorized PowerDock protects iPod connector
- TouchLight controls full menu of iPod
- Digital radio with alarm that's easy to program and control
- Stereo-mini input for all auxiliary audio
I first noticed this product at Design Within Reach, a furniture store in my neighborhood. I was originally intrigued by the remote, of all things. A simply designed, easy to use, aesthetically pleasing accessory matching the simple, but elegant design of the unit. I tested the 2 units in the store, a medium and large version of this product, and they both sounded amazing, yet for $699, and $999, respectively, far too expensive for what is essentially an iPod docking station w/ CD player.
Happy to learn that a smaller, non-cd playing version was available for $299, a more reasonable price that I now realize is something of a steal. The sound quality is quite good, especially for a small or medium sized room. Surprisingly, while not as high powered as its medium or large counterpart, there isn't a remarkable corresponding reduction in fidelity. Clear, crisp and treble and bass controls actually accomplish a meaningful change in overall sound impact. I am hardly an audiophile, but I have noticed the shockingly poor sound quality of standalone docking stations available at Apple (!) & most other retailers. Apple, which trades in design ingenuity and above all simplicity, offers a bewilderingly bad (and small) array of stereo choices: something resembling a tiny CAT scan-looking machine which sounds tinny, and not something that would look impressive on any shelf. Or, another unit that looks like a bird feeder tray with a tiny speaker stranded in the middle.
The stereo is a fine looking addition to my home and there is nothing on the market that comes close to its design. The lacquered box is brilliant, and looks wonderful in the room, without dominating it. Like the product it is designed to support, it is cleanly made and clutter-free.
A couple of complaints: while the remote is simple to use, I am wondering why the manufacturer chose not to include a menu button for changing the playlists, etc. The menu option is only found on the device itself, and it is far more expedient to just use the iPod controls. Would have also liked to have seen a sleep timer on this thing, even though I would rarely use it. Also, military time as the only option? Really?
Finally, a unique complaint. The play wheel makes a satisfying (some have said annoying) clicking noise exactly like the 1st gen Nano iPods used to do when moving about the playlists. Unfortunately, my cat has discovered the play wheel and likes to manipulate the thing while the iPod is playing to generate the clicking noise. I am hoping he tires of itat $299 this is an expensive cat toy...
Overall, this is one of the best purchases I have made on Amazon, and I really am pleased with it.
Buy Geneva Sound Systems Model S: Hi-Fi Docking Station for iPod/iPhone with FM & Alarm, Red Now
I've been searching a dock for my iGadgets (nano, touch, iphone)for a while.
There are tons of docks out there but they either lack design or sound quality.
Genevalab has it all: sleek, compact, good sound.
Price wise it's reasonable (S model)
I like the fact that it has FM/AM (i like local channels vs internet radio).
I have this for a few months now and so far i am very satisfied.
I am eying some of their bigger models.
Link11
Read Best Reviews of Geneva Sound Systems Model S: Hi-Fi Docking Station for iPod/iPhone with FM & Alarm, Red Here
I have had several units that are ipod "music" systems. The Geneva is one of the nicer ones. Sound is good, very nice looking and good tuner. Compared to the Polk, Isonics, Denon's, all of which I have owned, this is the best sounding and best looking. The interface is not as easy as some, but the remote is very easy to use. For the "style" user, this is definitely a consideration
Want Geneva Sound Systems Model S: Hi-Fi Docking Station for iPod/iPhone with FM & Alarm, Red Discount?
I've owned a Bose Sounddock and Harman/Kardon Go+Play. Love the sound on both of those.
The GenevaSound Small is impressive for a small speaker (smaller than both speakers I've owned), but it just wasn't enough. I tried it in my office and in my bedroom at home. If you're close it sounds great, but it doesn't fill the room like these other two speakers.
I returned the Small and have ordered the GenevaSound Large, which I think will be better for my needs. Don't be convinced that the small can fill a space with good audio like the Sounddock or Go+Play. It's impressive, but more along the lines of a very, very nice clock radio.
Save 2% Off
I have two GenevaSound models: a red S and a Walnut XL. They are both excellent.
This "S" model lives next to my bed, and it is because of its quality that I was moved to buy an "XL" for my living room.
The best thing about this unit is that it sounds good. Much better than I expected for the size. The feeling I got upon first hearing this unit was the same feeling I got the first time I heard a Tivoli Radio: "Wow! How can all of that clean balanced sound be coming out of there"? If all this system had was the sound, I'd still have bought it.
But there's more! The build-quality of this unit is simply excellent, given the nature of the product. Here are some highlights:
-The touch-sensitive buttons are both intuitively laid out and responsive.
-Unlike with the XL, you can actually control all of the important functions with the buttons on the unit itself.
-When you turn the power onto a live source, it incrementally ramps up the volume level to the total you've set it at, so there is no abrupt jolt of sound.
-The ipod dock flips open and closed automatically, and seems fairly durable.
What more can I say? If I lost it, I'd buy another one without hesitating.
Best regards,
Ryan
