iConec iPod Docking Station

The iConec is a very respectable docking station for your iPod.  Connections include RCA left and right  channel audio out, a 12V DC power jack, S-Video output, and an iPod docking connector (for use with the USB cable that comes with your iPod).   The remote has ample buttons for controlling most iPod functions.  Buttons include:  PREVIOUS and NEXT playlist buttons, Volume UP and DOWN, PREVIOUS and NEXT album buttons, REW/PREVIOUS and FWD/NEXT buttons, SHUFFLE, REPEAT, BACKLIGHT, MUTE and finally, PLAY/PAUSE.  The front of the dock itself has 2 buttons, VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN.  There is also a small IR receiver on the front. 

There are 5 plastic dock adaptors included for the various iPod models, but I was disappointed to find a small sheet of paper with the message stating that for use with the Nano (which I have), you must use the adapter that came with your Nano, which I have long since lost, having never had a use for it.  (It still works without the adapter)  The remote has very little range.  I had trouble from across the room unless I was directly in front of the unit.

Overall, the iConec performed well, and is a good docking station for your iPod.  The MSRP is $69, which is slightly less than Apple's comparably outfitted docking station kit.  It is a perfect companion to the iTube system. 

iTube Vacuum Tube based 2.1 Audio System

A system such as this should come out of the box sounding good, without much fuss with placement, etc.  When I turned it on, the initial sound was very bright.  LOTS of high end - and by lots, I mean TOO MUCH.  The bass controls did not seem to help.  I began to look through the manual, and it clearly stated that "the amplifier will take one to two minutes to warm up.  Music may sound harsh during the warm up period."  And sure enough, soon after I read this, the music warmed up quite a bit and sounded pretty good.  In fact, with the right style of music, very good.

There is a BASS + and BASS - control on both the remote and the sub itself.  I could not find a way to get back to flat other than to turn the unit off.  As with the iConec, the remote has a very limited range.  You need to be level with and dead aimed at the IR receiver to get it to work properly. 

Overall, the unit performed well.  Jazzy and acoustic music (such as the acoustic version of Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae, Square One by Tom Petty and Annie by Jonatha Brooke) sounded very good. I do feel that the tube was making a difference, as the tone stayed warm and toasty, even as I turned the volume up.

But I could never get rock music (Magnolia Mountain by Ryan Adams, Losing You by K's Choice) to balance out.  I was constantly trying to find the right bass level, and once I turned it up, there was too much distortion.  I even tried moving the sub around - under my desk, on my desk, next to my desk, etc.  The best sound seemed to be achieved with the sub positioned on the desk between the satellite speakers.  I tried lowering the iConec volume level and raising the iTube volume level, and vice-versa, but was never able to achieve a positive experience listening to rock.  The unit consistently performed better for me at lower volume levels.

Conclusions and Overall Perceptions

I have conflicting opinions on the iTube and iConec.  The iConec dock is a very good docking station for your iPod.  It is reasonably priced, and has most features you would want that allow it to be hooked up to a small desktop audio system (such as the iTube) or your home theater rig.  The iTube itself was a bit disappointing.  On jazzy or acoustic music, it delivered a nice rich quality that you would expect from a tube driven amp.  It does not sound bad, but I had hoped it would knock me out with a rich, warm sound that could truly be called unique, regardless of the source material. 

If you love the styling of this system (the cool white glow of the tube will certainly bring attention and questions from your guests), and listen to jazz or acoustic music, this system sounds good and you will enjoy it, as long as you are not looking for a system to play at high volumes.  The biggest thing that it has going against it is the large selection of lower priced audio systems in the market that it must compete with.

The iTube carries a MSRP of $349.  You can purchase the products (iTube and iConec) bundled directly from GINI for $379 via their website.