Amazon.com Product Review
The iTube Carbon Edition is a performance valve amplifier with iPod dock, 27-key full function remote control and matched piano-black high quality speakers specifically calibrated to the iTube for true stereo imaging of music content. The Carbon includes two source inputs for any audio device (MP3/CD/DVD), as well as video and S-video outputs for iPod Video products. Includes all cables, brush for cleaning and gloves for handling high-gloss finish.
iPod dock and valve amplifier built into a single chassis, with matching bookshelf speakers. |
Two 6N1 (ECC85) tubes and a single 6E2 (EM87) tube provide superb audio reproduction. |
27-key remote control is included, giving you complete control over all iPod functionality. |
Why Carbon? The iTube Carbon Edition takes the Fatman iTube ValveDock to a new level, with the iPod dock and valve amplifier built into a single chassis. The chrome finish is replaced with a striking high-gloss black. The unit also includes two pairs of source inputs (in addition to the iPod dock) rather than one, and a significant power increase to 25W per channel. The Carbon Edition is a logical progression from the standard iTube.
The Best of Both Worlds A common complaint in the age of digitized music is that compression kills audio quality. Audiophiles found it difficult enough to cope with 16-bit CDs, let alone a 192 kbps MP3 file. The iTube Carbon Edition sets out to restore that quality in your signal chain through time-tested valve technology. Featuring two 6N1 (ECC85) tubes and a single 6E2 (EM87) tube, the iTube marries the warmth of classic audio reproduction with the ease of digital technology. Utilizing a hybrid-tube design platform, the iTube provides superb audio reproduction and attractive design at an affordable price.
Full-Featured iPod Dock Use the iPod Dock with any iPod (except Shuffle). A 27-key remote control is included, giving you complete control over all iPod functionality, as well as the volume and tonal characteristics of the source inputs.
Look and Listen The iPod Dock is ready for video-enabled iPods as well. It features both composite and S-Video output connectors for viewing video on your television. In addition, the device includes two sets of audio-in jacks, for connecting external sound sources, such as a CD player. The included matching speakers provide honest reproduction and complete the package's good looks.
What's in the Box iTube Vacuum Tube Amplifier with Dock, Fatman 2-way bookshelf speakers in black high-gloss finish, Brush / Glove for cleaning, Power cable, Audio cable to connect Docking Station and Amplifier, Banana Plug speaker cables, Aux source audio cable for connecting CD player etc, and Video cable to connect from docking station to TV.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
(8 customer reviews) 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Does Not Play with iPod Touch 2nd generation,
January 10, 2009 Emilie K. Johnson - See all my reviews
This review is from: iTube ValveDock Carbon Edition with Speakers (Electronics)
Contrary to Amazon's product description, this product does not work with the iPod Touch 2nd generation (under technical details, Amazon states that it works with all docking iPods). At first I thought the product was broken, but only after a lot of fiddling and pulling out the really old and dusty first generation iPod did I find that it works great. After some research on the manufacturer's website did I find that it works only with the first generation iPod Touch. Bummer, it looks and plays great.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Excellent sound, beautiful finish,
April 20, 2009 C. stacy Beam "Stacy" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: iTube ValveDock Carbon Edition with Speakers (Electronics)
I spent several weeks trying to decide whether or not to purchase the Fatman Carbon Edition II- I read these reviews here and also many on other sites and eventually I bit the bullet so-to-speak and purchased the Carbon Edition from Amazon about three weeks ago and I have been very pleased, to say the least.
I have bought several different ipod speaker/player systems over the years and none have really impressed me until now. The music is warm and rich and as most of my music is saved or converted to a-lossless, it really sounds great. This is also my first tube amp and I was really impressed. I use the system when listening to music in the office which is a relatively small room, so the fatman is not my primary audio system.
Looking back now, the one thing I would have done differently is I would have bought the unit without the supplied Fatman speakers- while the speakers are good, they are not great and I find myself thinking about buying a pair of decent...Read more
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Frustration,
April 27, 2008 Godzillabird (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: iTube ValveDock Carbon Edition with Speakers (Electronics)
First, the basic word: This device made my iPod sound gorgeous. I have tried several iPod speaker systems, and for sound, none have compared to the iTube. In this respect, the iTube does what Fatman promises: It turns spikey digital sound into a luxuriant musical bath.
My Carbon Edition iTube arrived timely and well-packed. I bought the base unit only, deciding to pair it with Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 speakers. Set up was easy, but once done, problems immediately became apparent: 1. The unit takes a long time to warm up. 2. The remote, plastic and cheap feeling, operated only when I stood straight in front of the iTube. It was for all practical purposes useless. 3. I could only coax so much sound from the unit. In fact, at top volume, it seemed oddly lacking for an amp supposedly rated at 25 watts. 4. The volume control on the unit continues turning once one reaches maximum volume. Although not a big problem, it is an annoyance.
Still, the sound was lovely -...Read more
