Go To Latest Video ReviewsFatman iTube ValveDock Carbon Edition 2 Comments
| Author | Stuart Andrews |
| Published | 12th Feb 2009 |
| Manufacturer | Fatman by TL Audio |
| Supplier | Superfi |
| Price | £265 or £352 with speakers |
| Latest Price | Click here |
| Design |  |
| Features |  |
| Sound Quality | |
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| Overall | |
Comments for Fatman iTube ValveDock Carbon Edition 2
Jones said on 12th February 2009
Orinj said on 12th February 2009
Great review although as a slight correction, this isn't Fatman's latest model. They have an iTube Red-i that was delayed for ages but I managed to get hold of one early last month and it includes speakers. The specification is the same as the Carbon mark II but has a silver amp unit and red cone speakers.
The sound is fantastic but as you say, the provided speakers do lack bass if not positioned close to a wall or the bass turned up. The best bit was that most retailers were out of stock and had a price of £400 but I managed to find a company selling it for just £200! I thought it was a joke but I ordered it and had no problems. It must have been a fluke as they don't sell it any more but it's a cracking iPod dock and perfect for my bedroom though not as a hifi replacement. The valves are so cool (warm) and sound lush. Just don't keep switching the amp off and on frequently.
ilovethemonkeyhead said on 12th February 2009
no headphone jack? *sob*
Jones said on 13th February 2009
Headphones wouldnt do the amp justice!
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I own the original Carbon and would recommend anyone to the iTube range. The sound is staggering through my Monitor Audio RS6s and though there are almost certainly amps on the market that could make my speakers sing a little better I love the "warmness" that the valves bring to my itunes collection.
I also use it now and again to crank up the volume when watching blurays. Admittedly the sound is let down at times but I would say it does a good enough job for the average Joe to appreciate. One thing for certain though, as the review states, DO NOT GET THE BUNDLED SPEAKERS. I did with the Mk I and regretted it.
Two final points. Firstly, the remote I got with the Mk I looks far better than the one shown with the Mk II. The new remote kind of cheapens the look of the kit a bit. Lastly, I also own the B&W Zeppelin and to decide between the two depends on personal taste. If you like your electronic based music stick with the Zep, if on the other hand you love a bit of rock/indie/blues/etc (ie. music with real instruments rather than computers) then definately go for the iTube option.