Home > Consumer Reviews > DICE iTPA-220 iPod Tube Amplifier System

I ordered one of these Dice vacuum tube amplifier/speaker sets for my iPod this week. It arrived the day after they shipped even though I used Super Saver shipping!

I work out of a home office when not traveling and spend 10 hours a day in there. I have been looking for the right iPod system. I am picky about sound (although iPod is a compromise) and I am already a tube geek since I only tube powered guitar amps. I really didn't want to spend the $300-$500 on the other tube systems I found so the $199.00 price tag was perfect.

Now that is up and playing in my office all I can say is WOW! The tube amp and speakers bring out the music in my iPod in a way that fills the room. The sound stays nicely balanced even when turned down low. You won't be disappointed.

I've owned this thing for a year or so and it works quite well - that is, it sounds pretty darn good for the money and looks pretty good too. I rarely use it with an iPod but have streaming audio like Pandora, cds and dvds played through it via an outboard D/A converter. I am amazed at how good it images and how deep the bass is.

Now the things I don't like. The unit has an all smooth, plastic case that scratches extremely easily. I wish it was textured if it had to be plastic to make the scratches not so obvious. The unit runs a bit hot and the top panel actually cracked from the heat - either add some cooling vents or use a better material. The included cables are extremely thin and flimsy and several are hard-wired to one unit or the other. I'd like either better cables or the ability to use my own. Also, the cable that connects speaker a (containing the power amp) and speaker b is way too short for my taste. The remote works okay to adjust the volume, but it adds an awful clicking sound to the audio signal.

This little system fills a room with warm, full sound. It's easy to hook up (although the instruction manual leaves a lot to be desired) and the tube illumination looks cool when the room lights are turned down. I looked at the Fatman systems online, and this seems to do the same thing at less than half the price. A great bargain, the only unknown buying from this manufacturer is how well it holds up over time. So far, I'm very happy with this purchase!

This is my third iPod sound system, and by far the best sounding unit I've found. Well worth the $199!