Sonic Gear i-Steroid valve iPod speakers reviewed

If those run-of-the-mill iPod music stations are just too puny for your tastes, but your significant other won't allow a full-sized jukebox to invade your home, Sonic Gear's valve tube amplifier / speaker system could deliver those warm tones you've been yearning for. The bizarrely-named i-Steroid system injects 28 watts through the red-coned drivers, and sports the customary iPod dock-connector cradle along with an IR remote to control the jams from long range. UK's Personal Computer World was quite impressed with the "smooth and rounded" tonal qualities derived from the atypical tube-driven amplification, and found the included accessories to be adequate, but not exactly remarkable. The biggest dig came from the 10 minute warm up period required for the tubes to get prepped, but anyone interested in these rigs should understand the nature of the beast already. Overall, reviewers were impressed enough to slap 4 out of 5 stars on it, and although this high-class setup runs about £160 ($304), at least those of you seeking the perfect speaker system to match that U2 iPod can't say you still haven't found what you're looking for.

[Via Chip Chick]

[Damage @ Aug 14th 2006 10:54AM]

So, will the future version of these iSteroid docking system come in Cream and Clear colors?

[popeye @ Aug 14th 2006 10:54AM]

Am I to assume the tube section is in the subwoofer box? How smart is that...

[Jordan @ Aug 14th 2006 11:03AM]

ROFLMAO - Classic:

"still haven't found what you're looking for."

[Enzo @ Aug 14th 2006 11:33AM]

That probably sounds terrible. Hey let's throw some tubes in there! Tubes ALWAYS sound good! Even at $300! ...And when they're in the subwoofer!...... Who designed this thing?

[tig @ Aug 14th 2006 11:41AM]

Again, tube amplification + low bit rate = idiot consumer.

Your digital music will still sound like crap!!!

VINYL FOREVER!

[Chris @ Aug 14th 2006 11:50AM]

UGLY ACCESSORIES FOR THE UGLY IPOD!!! YAAAAAY!

[christomapher @ Aug 14th 2006 12:15PM]

It's pretty sad that almost every single comment on almost every single Engadget article is NEGATIVE.

[SHAUN707 @ Aug 14th 2006 12:25PM]

apple/3rd parties are doing too much with apple now... :/

[crescentdave @ Aug 14th 2006 2:57PM]

Enough negativity. This is a great example of a perfect pop consumer product for the pop consumer. Vibrating tubes. How cool is that! Yippee!

Positively promotable.

[MUTE MATT @ Aug 14th 2006 7:04PM]

"...at least those of you seeking the perfect speaker system to match that U2 iPod can't say you still haven't found what you're looking for."

LOL

[Eugene @ Aug 15th 2006 3:59AM]

ahhhh... you guys are getting witty with your puns today xD

[ball valve @ Aug 17th 2006 4:31AM]

ooooh, a freah idea for me, thanks the guy's contribution.

[Paul Stone @ Sep 3rd 2006 1:07PM]

For those skeptics out there, why don't you try listening to the thing before making negative comments. I listened to a variety of products and thought most were rip offs until I heard the i-steroid. Have a look at these reviews:

VNU/Personal Computer World Magazine
Score: 4/5

http://www.vnunet.com/personal-computer-world/hardware/2159989/sonic-gear-steroid

The Register
Score: 85%
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/11/review_isteroid2_amp/

iPod User (MacWorld Plus) also gave it 4/5 on their magazine review.

I think these guys know what they are talking about and I agree with them otherwise I wouldn't have spent the money!