Typical price: £140
What is it: Speaker system with integrated valve pre-amplifier and solid-state amplifier
What we think: Purists will accuse the valve stage of gimmickry, but sound quality is fine for this price
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 11 October 2006
Tags: sonic gear, sub, speakers, equipment
We like:
Simple setup
We don't like:
Valve does little to enhance the sound, though it does colour it in a way that has subjective appeal to some listeners
You might also need:
Other audio sources can be added at will -- so long as they have a 3.5mm output
CNET UK judgement:
Transistors overtook valves decades ago, but for some audio equipment (notably guitar amplifiers and some microphones) tubes give a warmer, subjectively more enjoyable sound. It's a struggle to justify a cheaper valve stage in an entry-level iPod amplifier, but the i-Steroid gives it a decent try
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