Capturing the Essence of iPod-ness

But good though the George is, it is not quite in the same league as today’s best tabletop systems, such as the B&W Zeppelin (reviewed in Playback issue 2) or perhaps Polk I-Sonic (reviewed in The Absolute Sound issue 169). Compared to the B&W or Polk rigs (which sell for about $100 more than the Chestnut Hill system), the George offers less extended and refined response at both frequency extremes, less detail, and less dynamic punch. George doesn’t sound “bad” by any means, but competing systems can, for a bit more money, produce a significantly bigger, fuller, and more room-filling sound.

Conclusion

George is a pleasing and cleverly conceived iPod system that sounds better than virtually all of the sub-$400 iPod rigs we’ve heard (though its sound can be topped by the best iPod systems now available in the $400–$600 range). But the things that really set George apart are its world-class remote control and a user interface that is simply the best in the business. If you place intuitive operation and ease of use near the top of your priority list, then George may well be the iPod system for you.