14 DAY TRIAL // Do you think the digital amplifiers sound good? Than you have never heard a tube amplifier! Although many believe that the tube amplifiers are something that belongs to the past, from time to time certain products or news make me think this is not true. First of all, some weeks ago I read about a guy who manufactured such an amplifier by himself, and the costs got up somewhere over 250$, but he was thrilled by the sound quality of his amplifier, and other people that heard that thing play seem to agree with him.
We're not going to talk about home made amplifiers today, but about a tube amplifier with an iPod dock connector made available in the US yesterday by Bluebird Music. If you think that your iPod is not worth more than new headphones or you're not willing to spend more than 300$ for a docking station and amplified speakers, then I tell you now to skip this article. If you agree with me that sound quality is priceless and you have enough money around, read on!
First of all, TL Audio's product called Fatman iTube Valve Dock with Speakers costs 749$. I am telling you that now, because some more may decide to skip the rest, but I advise you to check out this device, because I thought the same when I saw the price for the first time. "Are these guys crazy?"
According to the producer, the docking station works with all dock connector-equipped iPods. Included with the docking station you get a remote control for power, playlist, track, repeat, volume, treble and bass settings. All wires are included, even the one required to connect to a TV for viewing photos or videos. The power output of the amplifier is 13 watts per channel, with a frequency response between 20Hz and 20KHz, a signal to noise ratio of 86dB and a harmonic distortion of 0.5%.
Earlier today I said that I wish an iPod as a present, but this great addition to the iPod makes me think about increasing that list. After all, dreaming is for free, but if you afford it, I hope you will have the chance to make the Fatman iTube a reality for yourselves!