RRP: $769, $499.99 at Amazon.com

The Roth Music Cocoon MC4 is another addition to the tube amp-iPod dock family. The amp itself is designed slightly differently to some of its competitors. The dock is to the fore with four tubes placed around it in a semi-circular arrangement, while the volume and source selector are found on the front panel. A Perspex valve cover, reminiscent of a bar you might see in starwars, gives the whole amp a space-age feel. The unit comes with a simple aluminium clad remote control that allows one to navigate the iPod’s menu from the comfort of the couch although sharp eyesight will be needed if it is any sort of distance away. To the rear we find one RCA input for attaching a CD player or other auxiliary device and 3.5mm jack for attaching an MP3 player. There is also an s-video jack which allows you to connect your video enabled iPod to a tv through the amp itself. The speakers connect via two banana jack cables which are included. The external power supply is on the chunky side but allows the amp itself to be smaller than some competing amps.

For the sound test, we attached our standard test pair of Wharfdale Diamond 9.1’s, popped our iPod into the dock and began to listen. The Music Cocoon certainly fleshes out the otherwise cold digital iPod output with the help of the four vacuum tubes. At low and medium volumes, the sound-stage is expansive with smooth lows, warm mids, and a clear and precise top-end. The amp excels with vocals adding intimacy and an organic feel to proceedings. When the volume levels are increased, the Music Cocoon begins to struggle to power the speakers and the sound can become harsh at times. No doubt the 13W power outputs contribute to the lack of punch at higher levels. That said, the overall musicality of the amp must be commended. In this category of tube amp, our favourite option remains the iTube Carbon edition in terms of aural performance and overall bang for your buck, but the Roth Music Cocoon MC4 certainly deserves an honourable mention.

Features:

• Hi-Resolution pure tube sound.
• 2 pre-amp tube.
• Supports different musical sources: i-Pod, CD and MP3.
• Volume Control.
• iPod Charging.
• Overheating protection.
• Speaker short circuit protection.
• Speaker protection when turning on.
• Fuse protection in the adapter.
• Full featured remote with iPod navigation.

Specifications:

Power Output: 13W x 2
Frequency Response: 20Hz~ 30KHz
Total Harmonic Distortion (T.H.D.): < 0.5%
Signal to Noise Ratio: > 90dB
Input impedance: 100Kohm
Output impedance: 8ohm
AC Input: 110V/230VAC Selectable, 50Hz/60Hz
Power Consumption: 50 V/A
Tube Type: 12AX7 x 2, 12AU7 x 2 MOS FET
Input Selectors: iPod, CD, MP3
Dimension: 7.36 (L) x 6.85 (W) x 4.25 (T) inches
Weight: 3 pounds and 15.4 ounces (Amplifier only)

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