RRP: $299.99, $189.99 at Amazon.com
The DICE iTPA-220 iPod Tube Amplifier represents another addition to the tube amplifier family specifically designed to dock with your iPod. So how does it live up to some of the competition? The answer, sadly, is not very well. Aesthetically the amplifier looks great with the two vacuum tubes displayed prominently either side of the iPod dock. The included speakers also have a sleek design, matching well with the overall package. However, when one conducts a closer inspection, the picture is less rosy. The amplifier unit is housed in black and white plastic that feels cheap and not very sturdy. The plastic casings for the vacuum tubes seem flimsy and are easily scratched. The volume knob placed at the centre of the unit does not move smoothly and has a tendency to stick. One rather annoying feature of the volume knob is that it does not change position when the remote control changes the volume. This can be confusing as it becomes impossible to know what volume level the amp is at by just looking at the knob. All in all, not very reassuring.
Sound wise, the iTPA-220 fares a bit better. The usual advantages associated with tube amplification such as lower levels of distortion, well rounded mid range and a decent high-range are all present, if not perfectly executed. It also deals relatively well with higher volumes when compared to similar transistor based systems, with less distortion evident. That said, the maximum volume is not going to break any records (the neighbours might approve of this feature more than you!). In comparisons to more expensive tube systems, the DICE iTPA-220
invariably suffers but then the major redeeming feature of this amp-speaker combo is the price. When priced at $189.99 at Amazon, some of the faults previously alluded to seem less important. That said, a true audiophile will be disappointed with its performance and would be better advised investing in a different amplifier in our opinion.
Specifications:
Vacuum tube preamplifier
–iPod charging
–Video output for use with Video iPod (not for iPod Classic, iTouch or iPhone)
– Remote control functions include: volume control, mute, next/previous track, play/pause
–Dual 6N3 vacuum tubes
– iPod compatible universal docking tray
– Auxiliary input for additional audio devices such as computers, non-Apple MP3 players etc.
Active Speakers
–Built in 2×20 Watt solid state amplifier
–4 mid/bass driver and 1 dome tweeter for full dynamic range
–Solid constructed wood acoustic structure
–Bass reflex port for increased bass response
–1/8 audio in.out connectors for preamplifier
–audio cables included
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