Stereophile: TL Audio's Fatman iTube

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.

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Reader Comments

Posted Mon Oct16, 2006, 5:56 PM — By David Nighorn

I keep arguing that this is the type of product that might usher in a few audiophiles. The ipod is as much about cache as it is about convenience. So what is the ultimate 'look at me' product that you could buy for the ipod? Why, a tube amp, of course!Then the image-conscious ipod owner gets exposed to the real possibilities that music offers - beyond the ibud. All it takes is a decent set of speakers!

Posted Mon Oct16, 2006, 7:11 PM — By John Atkinson

Having met Kelli for the first time Saturday, Stephen, I'd be interested indeed to find out if she was intrigued by the iTube. She seemed _way_ too sensible to become an audio geek like us! But then, when it come to women, I tend to be wrong more than I'm right.

Posted Tue Oct17, 2006, 4:20 PM — By Buddha

These are a grave threat to the status quo.

Check that killer price point!

I'm beginning to wonder if some of the discussions about the "demise of high fidelity" are really just lamentations about the possible demise of 15,000 dollar tube amps and such...

These babies look positively life giving for Hi Fi recruiting!

Maybe I gotta take last year's Christmas gift iPod out of the box and take it for a spin!

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