RRP: $1,699.95, $1,499 from Amazon.com

The first thing to say about the iTube 182 amplifier, as with most Fatman products, is that it looks great. The amplifier is covered in a chrome plated casing with the seven valves arranged in symmetric groups along the top. There are three switches on the front of the casing, the power switch, volume control and source control. The volume control and source control are both chrome plated matching the casing. The iPod dock is housed in a separate chrome plated dock which is connected by cable to the amplifier. The amplifier and dock are very well put together and feel like they will last. A remote control is included but only controls the iPod, not the amplifier itself which represents a bit of an omission. All the necessary connecting cables to connect the amplifier to a TV and CD player are included in the box so when it arrives you can set it up straight away. Fatman show their class by including a brush and white glove so that you can keep your amplifier shining clean.

So how does it sound? We set it up with our iPod classic and a pair of Wharfdale 9.1 speakers and gave it a test run… The 2 x 18w output was not the most earth shattering and struggled to keep up at higher volumes, but at low and mid levels the amplifier performed admirably. The high-end was crisp, the midrange sweet and the bass was tight if not overly-powerful. The sound produced is highly musical with vocals sounding natural and the timbre of various instruments is reproduced accurately. This is what we expect from a decent valve system.

The disadvantages? One thing to note is that the iPod dock is not compatible with the iPod Nano which is a pity but with some standard Phono-to-jack cables this can be overcome. As mentioned, at higher volume levels, the amplifier does begin to struggle. This is not a problem unique to this amplifier however so should not take away for the overall package too much. Overall then the iTube 182 meets our approval. It makes our IPod sound great and for the price, you will find it hard to beat. Put together with the right speakers, you will not regret the investment.

Specifications

• Source Inputs: 3x RCA pair
• Max Output Power: 18W x 2
• Frequency Response: 20-20KHz (±1.5dB)
• Distortion: ? 2%
• Signal to Noise Ratio: ? 86dB
• Input Sensitivity: 230m V
• Input Impedance: 100K ohm
• Output Impedance: 4 ohm/8 ohm
• Size (LxWxH): 382mm x 290mm x 157mm
• Weight: 14.2KGs

Tubes used: KT94 (KT88,KT90,KT100) x 2, 6N3(5670) x 4, 6E2(EM87) x 1

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