FAQ for Geneva Sound System - Model L & XL

Sound and Acoustics

Q: Can I listen to the Geneva Sound System somewhere?
A: At this time we only sell direct and have no retail stores. However, the following artical at iLounge (the largest iPod portal website) gives a very detailed review about the sound and performance of the both the Model L and XL speakers.
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/geneva-lab-model-l-and-model-xl-sound-systems/

Q: Is the sound of good quality or is it just a neat looking speaker??
We put a lot of development work into the acoustics, we are proud of how our speakers sound. The same speaker design (driver specifications, mechanical dimensions, etc.) is used for studio monitors that are used by audio professionals.

Q: How many decibels (dB) output power does your system have?
We don't have specifications of power output in decibels. The amplifiers are rated: 2 x 50 Watt (RMS) for the Model L speakers; and 2 x 300 Watt (RMS) for the Model XL speaker.

Q: The specifications for the amplifier 2x300 Watt (XL) and 2x50 Watt (L) - are these numbers RMS or Peak (maximum) numbers?
RMS. You can play the speakers at maximum volume and you won't hear distortions - the amplifiers perform very well, even at the maximum..

Q: What is the frequency range of your speakers?
A very low frequency range doesn't mean you have a good sounding bass - it only means you have some bass at the lower frequency. The dB / frequency curve says little about the quality of the speakers. Roughly the frequency ranges for the speakers are:

Model L: 40 Hz (-3 dB) to 22 kHz
Model XL: 80 Hz (-3 dB) to 22 kHz

Q: What is the difference between L and XL?
1. Bass - the XL has two 8 inch subwoofer drivers and is able to reproduce lower frequencies.
2. Power - the XL is louder than the L.
3. Design - both L and XL have a very unique look. It's a matter of personal taste which Model you like better.

Q: The speaker looks neat, but too bad that it is a mono speaker.
Q: I don't believe this system can make stereo - for stereo you need two speakers far away.
This is NOT a mono speaker - it is a stereo speaker. Underneath the front grill there are two independent speakers right next to each other, with separate acoustic chambers and separate drivers. Also, by using the patent pending "Embracing Sound" Technology the stereo sweet spot is larger than in a conventional two-speaker setup. The sweet spot is the location where you hear optimal stereo sound.

AND - you won't have a lot of cables between your amplifier two, four, five or more speakers.

Q: Can I connect a second speaker to have stereo?
A: No, there is no need for a second speaker because the system is already stereo. There is no output for extra speakers. The internal amplifier is used only for the internal speaker system.
The acoustics (amplifier, individual speakers) have been carefully fine tuned; adding extra speakers would most likely not enhance the sound at all.

Q: I would like to replace my existing surround speakers and sub woofer with the Geneva Sound System to get rid of the clutter (cables and rear speakers). How do I connect the XL or the L to my amplifiers speaker plugs to get the best sound? Center? L/R? Rear? Combination?
A: Use the Left-Front and the Right-Front outputs from your home theatre system. Don't worry about the separate subwoofer output jack – there is typically enough bass in the left and right front channels. Make sure you are using the Line-Out's and NOT the speaker outlets! The speaker outlets voltage would be way too high and will damage the XL Line Input. Many home theatre systems have Line-Out RCA jacks - that is the signal/connection you are looking for.

Q: What are the Bass & Treble settings?
A: For bass, the center frequency is 100 Hz and 6 kHz for treble.

Q: What is the ideal room size - when is the XL or L better suited?
A: Both Models, L or XL - work well in any size of room.

Q: What is the sound quality compared with the Apple Hifi, Bose Sound dock, or the Klipsch system?
A: For an independent comparison we suggest you look at the iLoung review. Their comparison of Geneva L and XL with Apple Hifi reads:
"As acceptable as it was for its size, iPod Hi-Fi can't compare; we think Geneva's larger, pricier approach resulted in a better product overall.
We first tested L directly against Hi-Fi with a variety of audio, and again - not surprising for the price - we couldn't help but prefer L in pretty much every way."

The full review can be found at: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/geneva-lab-model-l-and-model-xl-sound-systems/

Q: Is it possible to connect an extra amplifier to the system, i.e. are there any line-out jacks on the XL model??
A: No. There are no Line-Out jacks on either the L or XL models.


Cabinet & Mechanical

Q: Is the system magnetically shielded? Can it be placed close to a television?
A: Our speakers are not specially shielded. But the loudspeaker driver magnets are about 20 cm from the side walls (2/3 of a foot), therefore magnetic interference is very minimal.

Q: What material is the speaker cabinet made off?
A: We use the same basic cabinet design as most other high-end wooden speaker - a wooden cabinet (more specifically, MDF - medium density fiber), designed to optimize the sound quality.

Q: What is the functionality of the AIR key on the remote control?
Q: What is the functionality of the AIR connector at the bottom side?
A: The AIR button / AIR connector are options we have added for future use. We will announce new products once they are available for purchase.


FM Tuner

Q: Can I connect an external Antenna to the speaker?
A: Yes.

Q: Is an FM antenna provided?
Yes.

Q: My external antenna has a different connector than the connector at the electronics panel of the speaker - what should I do?
A: We provide an antenna connector converter; so you can connect an external antenna with a "Pal" connector or an antenna with a "F-Type" connector.


iPod


Q: Does the remote control also control the iPod?
A: Yes. Our remote provides the same functionality as the Apple HiFi remote control.

Q: When the iPod is docked, is the iPod being charged?
A: Yes the system charges the iPod, at all times while iPod is connected.

Q: Are your iPod dock adapters (white plastic parts) compatible with all iPods?
We provided iPod dock adapters for all current iPod models and all models released in the past. Some of the newer iPod's come with their own adapters provided by Apple - these dock adapters are compatible with the Geneva Sound System..

Q: What about future iPod's - will they work with the Geneva Sound System?
A: Yes, for as long as Apple support it's own Universal Dock System for iPod, the Geneva Sound System dock WILL be compatible. As a member in the “Built for iPod” program, we are provided exact specification from Apple to ensure that all iPods old and new continue to work with the Geneva Sound System. Apple has made no indication of changing this system.

Q: I lost my dock adapter for my iPod Nano (the ipod dock adapter was from Apple) - where can I get a new one?
A: Replacement adapters can be purchased through the Apple store.

Q: The iPod dock adapters from Geneva Sound System look very similar with the ones from the Apple dock - are the compatible?
A: Yes. The adaptors we provide are fully compatible.