World's biggest sound bar speaker

It's a speaker, no it's a TV stand! No, it's both!

(Credit: GenevaSound)

We've tested a lot of sound bar speakers for CNET, but none as ambitious or expensive as GenevaSound's Home Theater system. It's a 2.1 channel virtual surround system with an all-digital 700-watt amplifier, seven speakers, and integrated 12-inch subwoofer.

There's also a CD player, radio, and an iPod/iPhone dock. Considering its $3,999 list price, you might expect this super-size home theater to include a Blu-ray player, or at least a DVD player, but you're on your own. Your TV can be placed on the cabinet or wall mounted.

Oh well, the GenevaSound Home Theater's dock accepts iPods or iPhones, and the system's video outputs allow you to watch videos on your TV.

Unlike most plastic sound bars this one's beautifully made; its hand-lacquered wood cabinet measures an impressive 66 inches wide, 19 inches high, and 21 inches deep. The GenevaSound Home Theater weighs 176 pounds.

[iamwho]

I'm thinking "Fail!" Anything that visually distracts from the TV is wrong, imo. Either that or you are forced to buy a larger set to visually balance the thing.

[DanielDaly]

DO WANT.

[pubmat]

Okay, fine. I'll reserve judgement somewhat, But HOW DOES IT SOUND?

[glitch017]

Is the TV small because so much money was spent on the speaker-stand that they couldn't afford a nice TV to go with it?

[DLPC]

Thats it! I am getting out of the AV industry. How can we compete with that???? Is it software upgradeable?

[rnaoncfixd]

$3,999 for a 2.1 speaker system? Heh, since I got that much cash lying around, it'll go great with my 100" Ultra Flat OLED screen TV.

[C433Z]

for $4000?! ya right. the 11" OLEDs cost nearly that much :)

[rnaoncfixd]

@ C433Z

Now I have to explain that it was a joke, thus not making it funny anymore. Gee... thanks :P

[firefoxluva95]

Just think about it this way, the TV stand is included within the speaker system. It's now a 2-in-1 device. Ok, more than 2-in-1 because of the iPod and CD support. Now I just need some economic stimulus...

[HpK1029]

The price really isn't too bad considering two good speakers, a good subwoofer and a good TV Stand combined would be in that price range. Personally, I'd rather go for Aperion Speakers & a JSP stand for the money, but a minimalist...

[homercles82]

You were great in Police Academy and Short Circuit.

[peterwhite]

Wow - this is like buying a classic radiola with modern input / outputs - except that the old radiola's at least offered a built-in tuner and both a record and tape player. Seriously, the whole concept of the ONE speaker system is to minimize cables and give your AV room a nice sleek look. First of all, you're not going to put this device in your master bedroom or another smaller than average dedicated AV room and Secondly, what's the advantage over existing soundbars? My Philips has a built-in upconverter to 1080p and my assumption is that the second generation will offer direct bluray output.

At first I was put off by the fact only one HDMI connection was included but then I realized the HDTV acts as a hub and digital channeled my HD cable and Xbox 360 - now all I listen to is 'digital output.'

For $4000 USD this device should have featured (a) built-in bluray (b) built-in tuner with HDMI support (c) under or rear storage for CDs, DVDs, BRs, and (d) built-in UPS / surge protector.

I'd even propose (e) optional support for add-on wireless rear (3 & 4) and side (6 & 7) small speaker support.

Just my two cents ...

[Aeriscelo]

Would the sound vibrations shake the TV off the stand?

[paulhouser]

Putting aside the fact that this thing cost more than my car did, I don't think there's a single place in my quite spacious 2 bedroom apartment where this would fit. Come on, it's as big as a sofa!

[basite1990]

Sort of reminds me of the consoles you had back in the 70's and before. a sort of 'all in one' solution, which also functions as a tv stand, maybe some room for storage...

I wonder if it includes a turntable :D