If those run-of-the-mill iPod
music stations are just too puny for your tastes, but your significant other won't allow a full-sized
jukebox to invade your home, Sonic Gear's
valve tube amplifier / speaker system could deliver those warm tones you've been yearning for. The bizarrely-named i-Steroid system injects 28 watts through the red-coned drivers, and sports the customary iPod dock-connector cradle along with an IR remote to control the jams from long range. UK's Personal Computer World was quite impressed with the "smooth and rounded" tonal qualities derived from the atypical tube-driven amplification, and found the included accessories to be adequate, but not exactly remarkable. The biggest dig came from the 10 minute warm up period required for the tubes to get prepped, but anyone interested in these
rigs should understand the nature of the beast already. Overall, reviewers were impressed enough to slap 4 out of 5 stars on it, and although this high-class setup runs about £160 ($304), at least those of you seeking the perfect speaker system to match that
U2 iPod can't say you still haven't found what you're looking for.
[Via
Chip Chick]
posted Aug 14th 2006 9:05AM
So, will the future version of these iSteroid docking system come in Cream and Clear colors?
Am I to assume the tube section is in the subwoofer box? How smart is that...
ROFLMAO - Classic:
"still haven't found what you're looking for."
That probably sounds terrible. Hey let's throw some tubes in there! Tubes ALWAYS sound good! Even at $300! ...And when they're in the subwoofer!...... Who designed this thing?
Again, tube amplification + low bit rate = idiot consumer.
Your digital music will still sound like crap!!!
VINYL FOREVER!
UGLY ACCESSORIES FOR THE UGLY IPOD!!! YAAAAAY!
It's pretty sad that almost every single comment on almost every single Engadget article is NEGATIVE.
apple/3rd parties are doing too much with apple now... :/
Enough negativity. This is a great example of a perfect pop consumer product for the pop consumer. Vibrating tubes. How cool is that! Yippee!
Positively promotable.
"...at least those of you seeking the perfect speaker system to match that U2 iPod can't say you still haven't found what you're looking for."
LOL
ahhhh... you guys are getting witty with your puns today xD
ooooh, a freah idea for me, thanks the guy's contribution.
For those skeptics out there, why don't you try listening to the thing before making negative comments. I listened to a variety of products and thought most were rip offs until I heard the i-steroid. Have a look at these reviews:
VNU/Personal Computer World Magazine
Score: 4/5
http://www.vnunet.com/personal-computer-world/hardware/2159989/sonic-gear-steroid
The Register
Score: 85%
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/11/review_isteroid2_amp/
iPod User (MacWorld Plus) also gave it 4/5 on their magazine review.
I think these guys know what they are talking about and I agree with them otherwise I wouldn't have spent the money!