Chestnut Hill Sound "George" Ipod Dock / Compact Stereo System
At a glance, the white and gray-trim George looks much like any other desktop iPod speaker system. On the front panel are left and right speakers; this unit uses a coaxial design, each with a 3.5-inch midrange driver in back and a 1-inch tweeter in front. In between the speakers is a removable, wireless control panel, which I’ll cover below. On top is a Universal iPod dock with a flip-up dust cover. Included are five dock adapters for older dockable iPods; newer iPods include their own Universal adapter. The bottom of the system hosts a ported, 4-inch “subwoofer.”
The back of the George is where the true magic happens. The unit provides you with a plethora of input options i.e. The system’s AC jack; an auxiliary-input mini jack use for listening to an external audio source; a pre-amp-output mini jack if you would like to connect the George to a larger stereo system; a headphone mini jack; a USB connection used for software updates, not for syncing your iPod with your computer; AM- and FM-antenna connectors for the George’s radio; and a bass control knob. Phew! More than enough connections, sadly missing is a video-out jack for displaying video and/or photos from a capable iPod on a TV, and a way to sync your iPod with your computer. Compared to many other current iPod speaker systems, I’ve tested this is a minor loss.
Make no mistake. The George is far from a simple iPod speaker system, it offers much more than just iPod playback. It’s really a desktop stereo system that happens to offer excellent sound and iPod integration, with the addition of software upgrades and color makeovers. One area where the George differs and sets itself apart from other basic iPod speaker systems is in its unique expandability and customization. As mentioned above, the system’s software is upgradeable by connecting the system to your Pc or Mac via USB and then running a software updater on your computer. In my home while testing the system, Chestnut Hill released several updates that provided new features, added options for existing settings, and fixed bugs. The update procedure was painless, and simple!
The main feature of the George is its remote control. Unlike most compact stereo systems, which feature a set of controls on the system itself and another more limited set on a remote control, George has placed all the controls, and there’s a wide array on the removable panel. When inserted into the control “dock” seamlessly between the speakers, the remote looks and functions as if it’s simply another part of the system. Pull gently on the top of the panel and it unlocks free from its cradle, offering full control via (RF) wireless technology which works up to 30 feet away.
I could go on about the George it’s an impressive package of technology, a great iPod speaker system, and a very good desktop stereo. It delivers excellent sound quality, is easy to use, and offers many unique features not found on any other audio system I have tested. The unit was well thought out one major fact is that the George has got room to grow—in terms of both software and hardware the unit shouldn’t be obsolete in a year or two. My final thoughts on the George? Well… he’s my best friend now, delivering clear sound, aesthetically beautiful and simple to use. The Controller is simply blissful, even easier to use than my iPods scroll wheel! Light weight, large clear display and great range.
After testing out many ipod stereo systems, the george hill sound by far produced some of the best quality sound and ease of use, my colleauges who have tried the unit feel the same way as well. Please feel free to check out the unit for sale on http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/product-features.asp?id=964767631
