It’s mighty hard for gadget makers to produce iPod docks these days that get attention. With local pharmacies and grocery stores offering ‘em up, its hard to get noticed. I noticed this dock from RockridgeSound though.
Look at it. It’s stunning. The ISR-VT02 not only looks good but probably – hopefully – sounds great thanks to its vacuum tube design. Said tubes will not rock hard or loud, but they tend to produce a natural and soft sound that is loved by jazz and easy listening. Me? I just like the nostalgic feel and look.
This speaker dock plays nicely with the entire iPod range, including the new iPod Touch, but doesn’t support the iPhone. No word on a US release though Japanese buyers can pick up the dock starting at 34,800 Yen ($$388 USD). I, for one, sure hope this dock finds its way over here ’cause this is the first iPod dock that I have actually wanted and am willing to buy.
Pretty and all, however you are still sticking an ipod filled with lossy mp3’s. It’s like sticking 13 inch tires on a ferrari — it works, but kinda sucks.
Are you sure it doesn’t support Iphone 3G? I read it supports it:
http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.rockridgesound.co.jp/products/speaker/vt02.html&usg=ALkJrhgluMdNysfLb_e-XD0o6QuorRICrA
It looks amazing! and I bet it sounds great. There are more tube amplifiers, some with iPod docks reviewed here if anyone is interested:
http://www.tubeamplifierreviews.com