The fact that more and more people are turning a very keen eye on audio gear which looks like your grandmother's radio is old news. The big news is that manufacturers have decided to play the game and are releasing amazing stuff, like the Dutch-based Thodio iBox. The iBox is indeed a striking piece of Hi-Fi technology which aims to blend in the vintage looks of audio gear made some 50 or more years ago with the newest gadgets such as the iPods.


The result of the (not flying) Dutch engineers' strives is the iBox - a dedicated iPod speaker solution which is simply astonishing by looks and sound alike.


Building on the classic design of the 50's and adding in the post-modern touch, the iBox from Thodio is one piece of audio gear which can instantly integrate in any home décor with spectacular results; no matter if you're thinking about a retro décor or a modern setting breathing simplicity.


The cabinet of the iBox is hand-crafted from select woods, like teak, zebrano, beech, mahogany or oak, but the top-drawer MDF boards can be ordered in custom finish like 7-layer yacht varnish or 5-layer high-gloss custom colors; of course pricing will vary as you design your own exquisite signature look.

The Thodio iBox comes with dual amping versions, in 2x25W or 2x60W models, with the custom, higher power one retailing as an optional feature. You can dock in various modern iPod models but can also hook up your other portable music sources using the included 3.5mm aux in stereo jack cable; and if all these are not enough, you can opt-in for a Bluetooth module, which will let you stream songs wirelessly from a compatible audio source within a 10m radius, for even more luxury and convenience.










This high-class audio system runs with a rechargeable battery providing up to 15 hours operation and a recharging cycle of 5.5 hours. The high-class Focal concentric 2-way speakers the Thodio iBox has been launched with will be replaced with woven Kevlar ones as of March 2008, for an even better audio field and more intriguing look.

The Thodio iBox lowest price is for the untreated beech version, around $550; the "most affordable" finishing treatment costs some additional $615. And of course, anything else has higher prices. Nevertheless, the iBox is one of the truly noble iPod speaker systems out there.

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