Geneva Sound Model S DAB review

For smaller-sized rooms in need of some iPod speaker love, the Model S DAB is a great choice Tested at £380

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

For smaller-sized rooms that are in need of some iPod speaker love, the Model S DAB is a great addition

Pros

  • +

    Glossy styling

  • +

    punchy, rhythmic sound

  • +

    focused delivery

  • +

    full midrange

  • +

    tight bass

Cons

  • -

    Remote looks and feels very cheap

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

GenevaSound’s standard Model S already had five stars against its name, but the Swiss manufacturer has now launched a new version complete with DAB radio.

There have been other changes, too – notably the two new 4in drivers and their stiffened suspensions. It’s claimed that these aid bass performance (not that there was anything obviously amiss before).

Attractive in looks and sound

Externally, the design is virtually identical bar the inclusion of an aerial socket for the DAB tuner. The piano-lacquered cabinet (available in red, white or black) looks the part whether perched on its pedestal or simply plonked on its four rubberised feet.

The red LED display shines through the grille, making the clock and radio station information easy to read.

On top, you’ll find GenevaSound’s trademark power-dock and TouchLight panel; the connector spins into view when you power up the dock, which includes touch-sensitive controls and a click-wheel for changing volume and iPod browsing.

It’s responsive, if finicky. There’s a credit card-sized remote in the box, too.

Lively, entertaining sound

Spin some 320Kbps music from your iPod of choice and the Model S DAB serves up a lively, entertaining sound. Throughout Beyoncé’s If I Were A Boy, instruments and vocals are clearly positioned, making for an intimate and enjoyable listen.

There’s impressively taught, well-defined bass, too. It has an edge when required, too. Spin Foo Fighters Back and Forth and the Model S shows it’s capable of high-volume bombast without getting discombobulated.

Reception from both the DAB and FM tuners, meanwhile, is perfectly fine.
If you’ve a small or medium-sized room, the GenevaSound will do a grand job of filling it.

This is a dock that specialises in entertainment – just as it should be.

MORE: Best DAB digital radios 2014

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test