Product Description

Want to be able to listen to your iPod in style? Want that luscious warm analogue sound combined with the ease of use of digital technology?We present the Fatman iTube Valve Dock.This unit features a docking station that is compatible with all iPods (please call us for compatibility with new generation iPods). You can control the iPod functions via the remote control allowing you to sit back and relax whilst enjoying your favourite music and movies (yes, you can watch the movies and images on your TV too !)In addition to this we have developed a matching valve amplifier. This provides the classic audio characteristics of valves, improving the listening experience and adding value to your iPod system.The amplifier can also take alternative sound sources to allow for more audio options as well as a video output to connect video enabled iPods to your TV!Bundle contains:* iTube Vacuum Tube Amplifier * Tube Docking Station * Fatman 2-way bookshelf speakers in black high-gloss finish * Brush / Glove for cleaning * Audio cable to connect Docking Station and Amplifier * Banana Plug speaker cables * Aux source audio cable for connecting CD player etc * Video cable to connect from docking station to TV

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44403 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Fatman
• Model: FIVDS
• Released on: 2006-10-03
• Dimensions: 30.86 pounds

Features

• iTube Vacuum Tube Amplifier
• Tube Docking Station
• Black high-gloss finish
• RMS power output: 13

Manufacturer's Description
Want to be able to listen to your iPod in style? Want that luscious warm analogue sound combined with the ease of use of digital technology? We present the Fatman iTube Valve Dock and Speaker Bundle. This unit features a docking station that is compatible with all iPods (except Shuffle) and Fatman 2-way bookshelf speakers in black high-gloss finish You can control the iPod functions via the remote control allowing you to sit back and relax whilst enjoying your favourite music and movies (yes you can watch the movies and images on your TV too !) In addition to this we have developed a matching valve amplifier. This provides the classic audio characteristics of valves improving the listening experience and adding value to your iPod system. The amplifier can also take alternative sound sources to allow for more audio options as well as a video output to connect video enabled iPods to your TV! Features iTube Vacuum Tube Amplifier iTube Docking Station 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 Video cable to connect from docking station to TV Spec Pwer Output 13Wx2 Frequency Response 20Hz 20KHz (±1.5Db) Harmonic Distortion 0.5% Signal-To-Noise Ratio 86Db Input Impedance 100K Output Impedance 4ohm 8ohm Valve Type 2x6N1(ECC85) 1x6E2(EM87) Power Supply AC100~120V/50~60Hz AC220~240V/50~60Hz Speakers (WxDxH) 144x237x177mm

Customer Reviews

Speakers and remote are poor, but, make a What HiFi system and you've got 4.5 stars!
I bought this system after seeing the dock and amp rated as product of the year in the What HiFi awards - Ipod accessories category. I use it with an 80gb ipod classic.

I took a chance on the whole system as it wasn't much more money for this speaker inclusive package. Hmmm, bit of a mistake, the very small speakers are really poor - no wonder What HiFi don't recommend them. The problem you have of course is deciding if the system is poor or just the speakers? Anyway, I assumed that as they'd given the dock and amp top honours and not mentioned the speakers at all that it must be them letting the side down.

So, I chucked them out and bought a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze BR2 speakers (also award winners in What HiFi - Best speakers between £150 and £250) for £200 inc. delivery at an online store . . . WOW! What a transformation. Fantastic sound, including a lovely deep mellow bass and crysal clear treble. People who say it won't go loud must like their music really LOUD, I rarely go above half volume (the Monitor Audios need to be run-in for 50 hours before turning up loud anyway).

Everyone who's come into my room to have a listen, says (well, once they've finished saying how cool it looks that is) "Wow, I want one!"

The only downside with the dock and amp setup is the remote control which is a really tacky piece of work for sure, I've had the system a few weeks now and the writing is already nearly worn off above the bass, treble and volume buttons!

To sum up, buy the amp and dock package, NOT this one with the speakers included. Buy some good sensitive speakers like the above mentioned Monitor Audios and you've got a fabulous looking and sounding system!

What more could you want in an ipod dock???
I bought the Fatman iTube over christmas to replace an old cd player I had after a friend recommended it.
I recieved it, set it up, and I was ready to go- installation wasn't difficult at all, nor time consuming. It even has instructions, FAQ's and a troubleshooting section.
Its a great product with awesome sound quality and a crisp and rich response on all types of music that I have yet tried. Especially good on electrically produced sound.

One thing; you can't see the valves like you can in the picture becuase they get quite hot when you use the amp, so for health and safety they are covered with a black plastic cage (removable).

The one downside that I would give is that it can take around five or ten seconds to start the valves when you turn it on. Only a minor thing, but worrying when you get it out and first want to get it on!

The docking function is very good. You can control your iPod completely using the remote supplied.

It has extra sockets for attachment to a cd player/other. I have it hooked up to my computer to stream music through it that way if I want; which is really useful when working.

Also, speakers are much better looking than they appear in the picture!!!

I thoroughly recommend it--- for a professional sound quality at an affordable price- you can't go wrong!

Superb Sound
I have spent some time with my itrip playing my ipod tracks through my hi fi system. The sound was - well just ok. Now, I discovered Fatman and realise that I had been missing out on sound quality. This is superb. Also, I have a large collection of vinyls and a turntable. Again they were ok played through the auxiliary connection on my hi fi. I plugged the turntable into Fatman and -- wow what a sound. The only "down side" I have discovered was when I went into a store to inquire about it. I met a portly male sales assistant and said to him "Do you stock Fatman?" At first he thought that I was being unkind to him.