I got scooped on this by Josh Ray over at Sonic Flare, but, in my defense, I did manage to tell my sweetheart about it. My priorities are in place, indeed. I told her, "You might be interested in this." Kelli owns an iPod, you see. I do not. "I don't know anything about TL Audio," I continued, "but I am familiar with Bluebird Music. I'm a fan of their products as well as their business philosophy — one that emphasizes system synergy and value for money. At home, I'm using their Exposure integrated amp and CD player. Good stuff."

Okay, so: Bluebird Music is now distributing TL Audio's Fatman iTube Valve Dock ($649), a shiny tube amp and docking station designed specifically for — what else? — the iPod.

A quick visit to the TL Audio site shows that these guys are "passionate about tubes," meaning they probably know a thing or two about warmth and richness, which could make them just the right folks to warm up the sound of your iPod.

But, who knows? Not me. Maybe, somewhere along the line, Mikey Fremer, who reviewed the stylish Goldster Audio Concertina iPod docking system, will give the iTube a closer listen. Or maybe Wes Phillips, who originally brought the iPod to our pages, will take the iTube for a spin.