Fatman amps

[dreamer75]

Hi all

I'm a technical dunce when it comes to hifi systems so be nice

I have always wanted a Fatman valve amp - I know people say music is horrible via ipod/iphone, and we have a decent system downstairs (Pioneer SX-LX81 with Monitor Audio Silvers), but I just fancy one of these valve amps for the bedroom or kitchen.

Made the decision but am confused by what's on offer, and which one I actually want and what the differences are betweeen them....

Can anybody help?

Thank you

[telecat]

Mostly it's down to the Inputs and power. The Basic Fatman also is a Hybrid using Valves on the preamp side and IC for the main power. Still gives a good sound. The iTube 202 is a full valve amp even being Single ended which produces a sound many love. The price at just under a grand does reflect this though.

[dreamer75]

Hi, yeah I think for a secondary system in a bedroom/kitchen, that's a bit much.

I have got a set of little Tannoy speakers I was thinking of using (unless pairing it with theirs is better), but what's your opinion on this list of choices:

http://www.fat-man.co.uk/product.php/13/2/itube_ii...
http://www.fat-man.co.uk/product.php/10/2/itube_ca...
http://www.fat-man.co.uk/product.php/17/2/wi_tube_...
http://www.fat-man.co.uk/product.php/5/2/mi_tube_v...


...

[telecat]

Unless the Bluetooth option is useful and given you have some Tannoy's I'd go for the Cheapest Option of the Carbon by itself. CHORD have used Bluetooth to transmit digital signals on some of their DAC's and the results are supposed to be good. But in this instance you would probably be transmitting the audio signal so how good it would be would be down to the Ipod/Iphone. I'd stick to the docker.

[dreamer75]

ok cool that makes sense

Any idea what the difference is between the Mitube, iTube II and the Carbon? Two of them seem to have 25W x 2 outputs (versus 28 x 2 on the other one)?

[telecat]

The Itube II has a seperate Dock and the Carbon has it built in. The Carbon is less old fashioned looking. The Mitube relies on Bluetooth connection rather than the dock. I suspect you could buy the FatDock for it. The MiDock is also the newest design but I don't suspect it will have any better sound quality than the II or Carbon.

[dreamer75]

Another numpty question - is there any reason the Fatman speakers (which come with the iTube II) would be better than my tannoys? Maybe "paired" with the valve amp sound or perhaps just because they're newer?

Looking online my tannoys are the older version of these: http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packag... (the smaller speakers) from about 8 years ago....

[rich85uk]

Bloody hell never even heard of this company and cant find a bad review about these products! sorry to hijack your thread o/p but in a similar position to you but do they do a product with DAB radio?

[telecat]

In that case I'd look at the Speakers they have with them. I don't think you would get the full "experience" with those speakers.

As for DAB Most "HiFi" makers in the UK are waiting to see how DAB does. It is a small market at the moment and only the largest makers and the "niche" radio makers are going for it. They do have Inputs so they could be added.

[dreamer75]

Thanks telecat - there's a reason they're sitting in the loft then !

Thx
Jo

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

telecat said:

As for DAB Most "HiFi" makers in the UK are waiting to see how DAB does.

I think they're waiting to see if the UK makes a u-turn, and agrees to go forward with the superior DAB+ standard like the rest of Europe?
I wish they would, but somehow I doubt they will.

[telecat]

Dr Doofenshmirtz said:

telecat said:

As for DAB Most "HiFi" makers in the UK are waiting to see how DAB does.

I think they're waiting to see if the UK makes a u-turn, and agrees to go forward with the superior DAB+ standard like the rest of Europe?
I wish they would, but somehow I doubt they will.

I doubt they'll have a choice. The take-up just isn't there. Mores the point the cost is prohibitive. A decent FM radio starts at a few pounds. DAB just cannot compete with that.

[carlymart]

i have one of there amps and speakers in the bedroom. the amp is good speaker are so so i would just get an amp and use your tannoy's

also have a look for roth mc4 very nice indeed and sounds much better then the fatman. i have had both but sold the roth, stupidly as it was worth more and wanted new toys