Logic3 bows tube-based, rotating iPod speakers
updated 03:45 pm EST, Mon November 17, 2008
Logic3 Valve80 and Rotate
Britain-based accessory producer Logic3 has launched a pair of new iPod speaker docks that each are said to bring something rare to MP3 player audio. The Valve80 combines both a stereo speaker setup and a vacuum tube amp that both creates a pseudo-vintage look and reportedly adds a layer of accuracy and warmth to the sound that doesn't occur with usual audio systems. Logic3 promises 80W of total power, a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range, and an 86dB signal-to-noise ratio.
The system accepts most dockable iPods up to and including the iPod touch and carries both dual audio inputs as well as RCA and S-video outputs to pipe video from supporting iPods out to a TV. The Valve80 should be available in December for £300 ($451) after tax.
Mid-range buyers picking the second system, the i-Station Rotate, adds a unique rotating dock system and is specifically designed to accommodate the accelerometers of the iPhone, fourth-generation iPod nano and iPod touch. Users can rotate the player sideways in the dock to watch videos or use Cover Flow without having to install a new adapter or otherwise change the dock's setup. The one-piece system outputs at a more modest 10W and has a single aux-in jack for non-Apple sources. It arrives in January for £80 ($120) after tax. [via Pocket-lint]
Valve80
i-Station Rotate
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I Call Shennanigans!
No way is 80W of TUBE power coming out of that box!
This is FRAUD, pure and simple. I would imagine the "tube" on the top isn't even in the circuit. Or maybe it is. But that stinking little tube (12AX7, maybe?) is NOWHERE NEAR capable of 5 Watts, let alone 80!!!
Oh, and where's the OTHER tube? This is presumably a STEREO amp, right? In fact, there would usually be THREE other HONKIN' tubes. I think that FOUR KT88 tubes would be required (two for each channel) for that 80W claimed output power. Oh, and where's the OUTPUT transformer? Even if you replaced the power supply with a SMPS (switch-mode-power-supply), you'd STILL need a BIG-A** OUTPUT Transformer!!!
BTW, here's a picture of a KT88-based power amp:
http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR169139
FRAUD, FRAUD, FRAUD...