Funny how I have gotten to write about iPod so much, since I don't own one and I also avoid owning one. I simply don't dig them at all; maybe for the small iPod shuffle I can find some attraction.

Yet it's also funny how popular the iPods are and how much of the world's audio technology started to revolve around these gadgets. And this time I am not speaking about the crappy pimp-ready stuff designed for iPods but about high-end, top-shelf, ultra-tech, audiophile gear which these days becomes Pod-friendly.

It's time for Roth to pay the iPod tribute in the new super tube-loaded amplifier they're releasing in a short time, the MC4 Music Cocoon. The Cocoon is a rather uncanny audiophile amp since it will receive compressed audio data and lossless streams as well.

Now, don't think that the MC4 Cocoon has been designed especially for iPods, because it was not. Off the record, I guess that iPod still has a long way to go until the moment it will receive such honors.

Nevertheless, the Roth device will run on CD, iPod and MP3 sources alike as it sports handy connectivity via the dock in the upper side, the RIAA and 3.5mm jacks in the back.

While the vacuum tubes will provide harmonics-rich sound and will fat and warm up your audio experience beyond what you thought possible, especially when it comes to music played from audio CDs.

Finally, operating Roth's Cocoon is a child's play since it has only two knobs, one is a large round dial for volume control and the other actually being a switch allowing you to select between various input signals.

The Music Cocoon 4 from Roth sports 2 pre-amp tubes and will recharge your iPod while offering very important add-ons such as overheating, short circuit and speaker protection as well as a fuse protection.

Roth will fill your home with 2x13W of tube-sound coming from 2 12AX7, 2AU7 and 2 MOSFET units with a >90dB SNR and a THD less than 0.5%. If you like it, wait until next month (April) and it will drain $770 from your pockets.