When vintage noblesse meets the mind-boggling high-tech

Jan 5, 2008 09:39 GMT  ·  By

Well, I've said this before and I guess I'll keep saying it: I am not a fan of the iPods (even though the Touch version really rocks) but I really enjoy seeing great audio technology put to good use in gear that sounds awesome and looks absolutely precious.

As many editors around the world (including me) have somehow predicted, the tubes have had a glorious comeback and even more, high-end audio equipment manufacturers have literally raced to combine the vintage touch of the valves with the "lastest" technology and give birth to gear that looks and performs strikingly.

[admark=1]It's with great pleasure I now introduce to you the Vintage Tube iPod Amp/Charger selling at Herrington.com. We're dealing with one of the most complete "made for iPod" audio tools as this unit combines a tube amplifier with enough power to get the party going, enough sound warmth and detailed contour to have the most discerning audiophiles smiling in content, cradle-adapters for all iPods in the family (except the Shuffle), a remote control for the ultimate comfort and of course - a charging device.

The Vintage Tube iPod Amp/Charger comes in a rugged metal casing finished in high-gloss black piano lacquer, screaming its noble and high-end spirit and sports a massive and heavy power transformer in the center, flanked by the player dock on the left and the tube sockets on the right. The 3 valves glow in an orange-red light when the Vintage Tube iPod Amp/Charger is in use and can be covered with a ventilated metal cage for increased protection. The dual control knobs are located on the front panel for easy and quick access as far as source and volume are concerned; the overall look of the Vintage Tube iPod Amp/Charger will enrich any interior, no matter how retro or modern it might be.

This 25W RMS per channel amp sports 2 additional source inputs, S-video and RCA video outputs, 2 pair of gold-plated speaker terminals to which you can hook up specially-designed loudspeakers (sold separately), with 4" woofers, 3/4" tweeters and bass reflex architecture. Selling for $799 ($999 with two loudspeakers), the Vintage Tube iPod Amp/Charger is really one piece of audio tech that's a true pleasure for the eye as well as for the ear.

We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .

Photo Gallery (3 Images)

Absolute beauty: the Vintage Tube iPod Amp/Charger
Unbelievable, rich audio from vacuum tubes preamp and final stage circuitryOptional dedicated loudspeakers for your 25W  per channel pleasure
Open gallery