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Re: [ARSCLIST] Internet audio: What do you expect of it ?
Roger,
I hope you audition the iTube before you spend 700 bones on it. The
claims in its description seem unfounded (see below). As with many
things tube, they make it sound like black magic. One thing is for sure:
the tubes will NOT restore the fidelity lost on an MP3 (although it
could conceivably make it more pleasant to listen to). I know that you
want to use it with a sound card, but companies that make such claims
make me very suspicious.
Remember, a tube preamp does not a better preamp make. It all boils down
to the design. There are certainly better sounding solid state
(pre)amplifiers than valve ones, and vice versa. I have heard tube
microphone preamps that sound crappy, as well as some wonderful ones.
There are many used tube preamps (Macintosh or the surprisingly
affordable Dynacos come to mind) out there that could probably get you
better results.
(My dos pesos)
Marcos
From the description:
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 Valve Dock 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 Valve Dock 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.
marcos
Roger and Allison Kulp wrote:
Which is why I applaud a product like the Fatman iTube.I view it as an important step,towards such a product that can work independently of an iPod,and will connect directly to the computer/sound card.I plan to contact the manufacturer,to see if the thing can be run this way.