OK, you know I’ve been in to tube amps forever. You also know that I’m hopelessly out of the loop so this might be something everybody knows about already but I just heard about it and I’m scratching my head.
Tube amps for iPods.
Yep. that’s right tube amps for iPods.
Here is the iTube ValveDock at $498.00.
The entry-level Fatman product for use with iPod and any other audio device (e.g. CD). Utilising a hybrid-tube design platform, the iTube provides superb audio reproduction and attractive design at an affordable price. The performance of the amplifier and dock has been scrutinised by the world’s press and they have awarded it the best accolades possible. The dock allows any iPod to be used (except Shuffle) and this also comes with a full-function 27 key remote control (not just marketing speak) for a limited transport and menu control, but complete control over all iPod functionality. As one major h-fi magazine in the UK said, the iTube valve dock is a gloriously effective juxtaposition of old and new technologies… …keep it up Fatman!.
Evidently that is the industry standard as I found out when I saw a review of the new Logic3 iPod dock at AV Review.
Logic3 claims the hybrid vacuum tube amp balances the sound of MP3 files, eliminating the majority of noise distortion to deliver a ‘warm, harmonic’ soundstage that reaches up to 80W RMS total output.
Dual audio inputs allow users to hook up TV, DVD player, CD player and decks, while on the front sit output selection and volume controls. Everything else is controlled via the remote.
Extremely reminiscent of FatMan’s excellent and award-winning iTube valve amps, we can only hope it performs as well when it launches in December, priced at £300.
“Balances the sound of MP3 files”. I don’t know quite how that works but I’m glad they stuck the word “warm” in there because no discussion of tube amps should go without it.
Does this make any sense?
There is no connection for my guitar. Unless I can plug my guitar in, there is no need for this product.
Ditto.
No 1/4 inch jack; no deal. *[temptation]* ‘warm, harmonic’ soundstage… hmmmmm
What’s wrong with me…???
we send a trillion dollars in to space and all we get is an iPod that steps to the beat of a nostaglia driven market drummer
No you can’t plug the plank in there. See, I guess it’s possible that they make an MP3 sound better but, “eliminating the majority of noise distortion” doesn’t make any sense to me. I get what you are saying about “nostalgia driven”, kind of but, we’re talking about Gen iPod here. I mean. iPod users aren’t usually known for having audiophile tendencies.
Niche Gen iPod –like maybe Astronauts on International Space Station, on EV repair drudge jobs, gotta have their ipods… and dock them at night, to tuck in with glowing warm familiar Metallica… no?
Comfort ehh? Like a Linus effect. Macaroni and cheese. I know I feel better about things when I see some glowing 6L6s but, I’m still not on the iPod train so, still don’t get it I guess.