Fatman Carbon

[Roadster25]

Anybody got any experience of these? Looking to use it as an amp for TV and iPod with oldish Tannoy Mercury M2 speakers. They seem to be reasonably cheap, and a bit more interesting than other options.

Thanks

[Hanslow]

I have one and love it. Mine's paired up to some Tannoy F1s and I use it primarily with my iPod, and also with a standalone CD player. Sounds quite neutral (to my ears), and I'd prefer to see an ability to EQ mids, rather than just the bass and treble options you get on the controller, but other than that, I've been very happy with it.

[Roadster25]

Thanks for that. Better start saving...

[Fatman2]

I have a Fatman i-Tube Red and it looks and sounds fantastic for the money. The fact you can attach different speakers is a real plus point as this elevates the sound way over and above the more expensive systems i.e. B&W, Bose etc. Mine is a hybrid and despite the low power rating fills my 20m² lounge with more than adequate levels.

My only gripe with the Fatman is that the first was returned due to the remote not working (IR unit in amp) and now my second one is going back as I'm getting some feedback through one of the speaker channels. I can't fault the build quality but there are some internal quality issues, which is a shame as I'm now looking for something else.

[Fatman2]

Fatman2 said:

I have a Fatman i-Tube Red and it looks and sounds fantastic for the money. The fact you can attach different speakers is a real plus point as this elevates the sound way over and above the more expensive systems i.e. B&W, Bose etc. Mine is a hybrid and despite the low power rating fills my 20m² lounge with more than adequate levels.

My only gripe with the Fatman is that the first was returned due to the remote not working (IR unit in amp) and now my second one is going back as I'm getting some feedback through one of the speaker channels. I can't fault the build quality but there are some internal quality issues, which is a shame as I'm now looking for something else.

ETA:

Incidentally I've just taken my faulty Fatman back to Costcos and have replaced it with the slightly more expensive Roth Cocoon MC4. It was £45 more than what I originally paid for the i-Tube (£270 inc VAT) but I have to say it was well worth the extra as it has a much more detailed and smoother sound with a richer bottom end. Personally I'd say it looks better too but this is down to personal taste so you may not agree.

[telecat]

Looking at the valves used in these things and the variety of speakers people are using I'm surprised they last as long as they do!! EEC88's and ECC83's aren't exactly the punchiest to use as power valves unless you use a lot of them! (lookup the Esoteric Audio Research V20). However I would recommend looking at Better Valves, both on reliabiloity and sound quality terms. Also most Audio repairers can easily fix any problems on them as the circuits are pretty simple.

[Fatman2]

telecat said:

Looking at the valves used in these things and the variety of speakers people are using I'm surprised they last as long as they do!! EEC88's and ECC83's aren't exactly the punchiest to use as power valves unless you use a lot of them! (lookup the Esoteric Audio Research V20). However I would recommend looking at Better Valves, both on reliabiloity and sound quality terms. Also most Audio repairers can easily fix any problems on them as the circuits are pretty simple.

The Fatman Carbon is a hybrid with a transisitor power and valve pre.

I'm not 100% but am sure my Roth is the same.

[Roadster25]

Now that Roth does look interesting. Looks like it is a hybrid - according to an online retailer "Tube type: 2 x 12AX7 x 2, 12AU7, x 2 MOSFET"

How hot does it run? Not got an enormous amount of room under the TV, not to mention a puppy running about the place.

[_dobbo_]

These look dead good and I'm in the market for a new amp to serve my output - one question, does the lack of tone controls cause a problem?

Currently my amp has no tone controls and it does mean some music can sound a little flat - hence me looking to replace. Seems silly to spend £300 and end up with the same problem!

[telecat]

_dobbo_ said:

These look dead good and I'm in the market for a new amp to serve my output - one question, does the lack of tone controls cause a problem?

Currently my amp has no tone controls and it does mean some music can sound a little flat - hence me looking to replace. Seems silly to spend £300 and end up with the same problem!

Tone controls are considered detrimental to Sound quality so in more expensive amps, especially Valve ones they are removed. The "normal" way to get the sound you want is to "match" the components. Hence if you like a "spiky" sound you can do it by pairing Neutral components with Speakers that are a little grating. Or choose a "forward" sounding amp and pair it with neutral speakers. Of course if it isn't "forward" enough you can pick a source that does this as well. As for Hybrid Amps. I'd still find some better Valves. They can make a Big difference to an amp especially in the Pre-amp stages.

[Fatman2]

I've read a few reviews on the Roth that mention it runs extremely hot. I wouldn't go that far but it does get very warm. Fortunately the acrylic cover prevents you from burning your fingers so it could be ok in a confined area. I have to say though that you will want it sat somewhere where it is on show as it glows a lovely red when switched on and is very cool to look at. By contrast the Fatman has a green level bar on the front valve, which isn't quite as attractive (although I'm splitting hairs here as they both look great IMO).

Sound wise it doesn't have tone controls like the Fatman but this doesn't worry me as it has a much warmer, richer and beefier sound than the Fatman which, in retrospect, sounded quite cold and lean by comparison. Not that the Fatman was poor in any way but the Roth is noticably sweeter, more detailed and valve like (which is right up my street). If you have a Costco nearby then I noticed they are selling the i-Tube Red-i 2 for £200 which is a bargain (it cost £225 when I bought mine). A shop demo isn't great but you should be able to hear the differences if you take your iPod in. Even with a £70 difference though I'd still have the Roth now I've had a chance to listen to it as I think it is definitely the better product sound wise. It loses out on inputs but if you're just using an iPod and CD player then the Roth is fine.

Hope this helps

Edited by Fatman2 on Friday 31st December 12:23

[Roadster25]

Fatman2 said:

I've read a few reviews on the Roth that mention it runs extremely hot. I wouldn't go that far but it does get very warm. Fortunately the acrylic cover prevents you from burning your fingers so it could be ok in a confined area. I have to say though that you will want it sat somewhere where it is on show as it glows a lovely red when switched on and is very cool to look at. By contrast the Fatman has a green level bar on the front valve, which isn't quite as attractive (although I'm splitting hairs here as they both look great IMO).

Sound wise it doesn't have tone controls like the Fatman but this doesn't worry me as it has a much warmer, richer and beefier sound than the Fatman which, in retrospect, sounded quite cold and lean by comparison. Not that the Fatman was poor in any way but the Roth is noticably sweeter, more detailed and valve like (which is right up my street). If you have a Costco nearby then I noticed they are selling the i-Tube Red-i 2 for £200 which is a bargain (it cost £225 when I bought mine). A shop demo isn't great but you should be able to hear the differences if you take your iPod in. Even with a £70 difference though I'd still have the Roth now I've had a chance to listen to it as I think it is definitely the better product sound wise. It loses out on inputs but if you're just using an iPod and CD player then the Roth is fine.

Hope this helps

Edited by Fatman2 on Friday 31st December 12:23

Thanks for the info. Seems that a Roth can be had for about £200 if you shop around, so that looks to be the favourite. Just need to check the WAF score...

[_dobbo_]

Thanks for the advice chaps, will have to give some thought to this!

[Fatman2]

Roadster25 said:

Fatman2 said:

I've read a few reviews .......

Hope this helps

Edited by Fatman2 on Friday 31st December 12:23

Thanks for the info. Seems that a Roth can be had for about £200 if you shop around, so that looks to be the favourite. Just need to check the WAF score...

Worst 'you overspent by £70 post' ever

No worries though, if you can pick it up for £200 then definitely go for it. Mine came with the speakers so if you can get those thrown in too then snap thier hands off

Edited by Fatman2 on Friday 31st December 13:15

[telecat]

That Valve amp runs hot????? Now This Runs HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by telecat on Friday 31st December 18:34