Chestnut Hill Sound - GEORGE Compact Audio System - Product Review

GEORGE is a unique combination product that blends a compact audio system with full iPod connectivity and control. In addition to providing great room-filling sound from your iPod, GEORGE also features a built-in AM/FM radio and an auxiliary input for the connection of a CD or Cassette player.

Adding to its flexibility is the inclusion of the detachable front control panel, which also doubles as the GEORGE's wireless remote control. Some drawbacks, however, are the large external power supply, inconvenient subwoofer control, no incorporation of XM or Sirius Satellite Radio connectivity, and a high price tag.

George is a very interesting product. As a compact audio system, GEORGE delivers very good audio quality from its built-in amplifiers, speaker system, and subwoofer. GEORGE provides bass and treble controls with adjustable crossover points, which gives the user more flexibility in different size rooms.

The placement of the Subwoofer control on the rear panel, rather than being accessible in the same manner as the other audio controls, was a drawback for me. Although Chestnut Hill Sound indicated that the subwoofer control need be accessed only during initial setup, I none-the-less feel that there is a need to be able to fine tune the subwoofer in conjunction with the other tone controls, and with different program material.

GEORGE really does a good job in the incorporation of complete iPOD connectivity and control and the use of a detachable front panel that also serves as a wireless remote control.

Using an iPod 2nd Gen Nano, the sound was great through the GEORGE and navigating through the iPod menus using the GEORGE's remote was very easy.

GEORGE's detachable front panel/remote control was a little awkward to use at first. However, after a brief time, I was able to go through the menu functions quite easily.

Another feature that I liked about GEORGE was the inclusion of a preamp output. This enables GEORGE to be connected to an external stereo amplifier, receiver, or home theater system via analog stereo outputs.

GEORGE also comes equipped with an AM/FM radio tuner, however, in this day-and-age, it would have been nice to have included XM and/or Sirius connectivity as well.

GEORGE does not include a built-in CD player, however, it does include an auxiliary input connection that allows the connection of a CD player, cassette deck, or other external audio component.

GEORGE is a good sounding, easy-to-use, product, but expensive.