iFi iTube2:
Two wonderful things happened to me on one fine day recently: I found out that I would be first on the iFi Appreciation Tour, and we as a collective had decided the iTube2 would be the representative; AND I perused the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label thread, finding out that I was the lucky one drawn to receive the Unique Melody Martians…Hooolllyyyyy BUCKETS!!! Needless to say, it was a banner day in my humble abode. I was humbled and jumping like a kid given their allowance in front of a candy store. WOW! I am extremely thankful to @Lawrance for his help in this wonderful tour, as well as the logistics of arranging all. Plus, he was very quick to respond when my “doltishness” could not figure out how to hook the iTube2 up. Wonderful, he was, with the help.
In the week between arrival and testing, I scoured the threads of Head-Fi regarding the original iTube as well as the early reviews. It really was a fascinating read regarding the history of the tubes used, and why they were chosen. Call me a fanboy, but I am a hooked-for-life in the philosophy of iFi. The link provided only gives a hint of the history behind the tubes. Lawrance goes into wonderful detail on the Head-Fi thread itself.
A little background history…
iFi iTube (original):
http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-itube/
And the link to Lawrance’s excellent tube history lesson, in 3 parts:
https://www.head-fi.org/f/threads/ifi-audio-micro-itube2-buffer.828965/
The basis of the tubes used is their historical use in WW2. They were sturdy, efficient, and lasted a good long time. Put away through historical efforts, iFi brought these wonderful tubes back out for our pleasure. And boy oh boy, did it work. I will trust all of you dear readers, to read all three parts of the history, they are good reads. Plus, I don’t want to spoil all of your fun!
I have a small inexpensive tube amp, which uses the tubes in the pre-amp phase of the sound, I use on occasion, but this is the furthest up the tube-food-chain I have wandered, personally. Yes, I have heard multi-thousand dollar McIntosh systems (and would love to own a system of such accord someday); but this is the first time I have had such a lengthy audition.
Upon proper connection, to the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label (henceforth known as BL, because iFi iDSD Micro Black Label takes a bloody long time to write…) and my MacBook Pro, I plugged in my new UM Martian’s. I will say, that it did take a bit for me to dial in the sound to my tastes, but when you realize all of the tuning options on both units, you will understand. I did first run the units flat, without the aid of 3D, or bass boost, so I could have a baseline sound with which to judge. And it was impressive. The iTube2 gave a lusher, more rich sound to the system, immediately. I understand that I was the first on the tour, but the package came open, and I assume somewhat broken in. It will be interesting to see what the followers of me find, with more tube burn in time, if any change is to occur. I was impressed, because I do value sound on the warm side.
Withholding judgment, I continued to play with the options. I carefully would manipulate the “toggles” on the backside, for whatever “filter” I chose. What a cool idea this is, and it paid dividends in my listening enjoyment. The most used filter was the “Pre amp” filter set at 0dB. I determined, that with the bass boost and 3D switches, I did not need additional input from the iTube2. I did try it, and I could tell a difference volume-wise; but my old ears would be hard pressed to tell a difference sonically between the 9dB push and the others I used, SONICALLY. Hence, I chose the easier path of switching toggles (on the front). It was easy. Initially, the unit came set at “Buffer” 0dB. I changed to the Pre amp after a brief listen, and kept it that way.
Some general comments from the dedicated thread:
X-Bass is an active circuit, which can't operate without an active element. The iTube 2 substantially improves the SNR and THD over the older model:
In buffer mode and "Tube" setting (no gain, no volume control) you get X-Bass and vanishing low distortion and noise.
This circuit is actually about 90% of a single-ended version of the iCAN Pro preamp output.
And no, it is not designed to drive headphones, though it can drive 300 and 600 ohm loads to high levels.
Sprinkle the ‘magic of SET’ into any system
Features/Technologies
Technical pdf:
http://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/data/iTUBE2 - Tech Note One Why GE 5670.pdf
Full information, iTube2:
http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-itube2/
Delving into the feature details:
An interesting note is that while the toggle system carries over from other iFi products in this category; the three on the front (3D, bass boost, SET) have three settings each, something my BL does not (only two). So not only can you fine tune and add boost/3D/SET, you can, change all three to add two levels of “additional tuning.” I find this aspect eminently changeable and worth it. I found myself changing bass boost and 3D according to the music and song with which I listened. A nice feature.
In working out the differences of the SET feature, I found that did indeed favor one, but that will have to wait. In a brief explanation, the three settings
Up
– a Single-Ended Triode power amplifier;
Neutral
– a Push-Pull tube power amplifier;
Down
– a classic tube amplifier.
did indeed provide three distinct sounds, such that even these tired ears could fathom the difference and distinct betweenst them. As one review posted, the Push-Pull sounded like an acoustically well-set-up concert hall. To me, the Single-Ended Triode while giving a bit wider sound stage was not as communicative a sound as the Push-Pull. I did favor the Push-Pull and ran this setting for probably 85% of the time. I can concur and state that there was a nice wide concert-hall/acoustically near-perfect church-like sound to it. One in which I very much enjoyed, no matter what headphone I used.
The 3D toggles provide three setting too: “opt out,” slight offset, and 30 degree offset. Opt out is just that, no 3D setting. The slight offset is similar to the BL offset, giving a wider sound stage as well as a bit more depth and height. Yes, I would call it a 3D sound…The 30 degree offset gives a VERY different sound. One in which the user feels as if the instruments are quite literally switching around, like an old Doors song, almost psychedelically. Maybe not quite that extreme, but I did find, on the majority of listenings that it gave me TOO much three-dimension definition. I felt it colored the outer aspect of the sound too much for my liking. I noticed this even when isolated without the BL settings turned on. With the 3D BL setting turned on, it made the situation worse. I was not as happy with that setting as I thought I would be, so I left the 3D (when turned on) to the middle setting, on the iTube2. I would play with the 3D on the BL, but found it best to leave only the iTube2 3D switch to the middle position.
McIntosh sound for the home portable
Once I figured out how to hook the critter up (thanks Lawrance!), the iTube 2 (iT2) started humming away hooked to its brethren, the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label (BL). And, it was magnificent through whatever I hooked into the headphone output of the BL…Grado GH-2, Unique Melody Martian, Vibro Labs Aria, Meze 99 Classic, Auqioquest Nightowl, it did not matter…all were made to feel more like a 50’s McIntosh sound, which to me is a beautiful sound to behold…
Ummmm.....some initial issues....
Whatever was hooked simply sung with that familiar warm enveloping tube sound. From the open airy sound of the wonderful GH-2, to the rich vibrant full, muscular sound of the Martian, the iT2 simply performs it’s magic warming all to an almost enhanced tubular sound. And I was glad.
Comparison/Units used:
MacBook Pro
Shanling M1/M5
FiiO x5iii/A5
Grado GH-2
Unique Melody Martian
Vibro labs Aria
Audioquest Nightowl
Meze 99 Classic
Songs auditioned:
Ziggy Marley- I Am Human & Dragonfly (live and album version)
twenty one pilots- Guns for Hands, Trees, Screen, Car Radio
Bob Marley- No Woman No Cry, Buffalo Soldier, Three Little Birds
Stevie Ray Vaughan- Look at Little Sister (live Austin City Limits), Mary Had A Little Lamb (same)
The main listening set up was through my MacBook Pro, BL and the iTube2. I then switched between the excellent loaner Grado GH-2, and my UM Martian. To say I was thrilled, lucky, excited, and honored would be an understatement of grand proportions. I am a very lucky individual indeed, right now.
Playing Ziggy’s I Am A Human, is just a fantastic synergy of not only culture, but of vibrant tube-loving warm-full sound. With a rich, textured bass that reaches down and plays a very strong foundation, to the support instruments in the mids and Ziggy’s voice taking front and center (but not boisterous) in a reverent tone, the song pretty much typifies what the iTube2 brings to the table, when working with the Grado GH-2. I am thoroughly impressed at the partnership, and do not want to let EITHER go anytime soon…Providing a solid support to the Grado’s forward mids, the iTube2 provided to added warmth with which the GH-2 benefits to fulfill a thoroughly enthralling sound. Sound stage of rich wide proportions, good depth and good height add to the excellent instrument separation heard. I am taken in by the tubular sound, and a throwback to a thoroughly modern version of that excellent 50’s sound through what could pass for a 50’s specific headphone, what with their architecture.
SRV’s excellent live version of Look at Little Sister, replete with a flawless guitar change due to his impressive string break provides an excellent example of how diversity of sound comes through the iTube2. A simple look back at his roadie, and a flawless exchange ensues. Wonderful to watch, all the while reveling at Stevie Ray’s beautiful guitarmanship coupled with an incredibly versatile voice. His gruff voice can turn sweet melodic on a note; just as his bluesy guitar licks can turn from a luscious melodic, enthralling sound to the sharp staccato of a fast picked beat and almost tortuous (in the best possible way) sound. From one chord to the next, SRV was a master at playing, evident when he lowered by a chord his playing to accommodate the broken string. Versatile would be an insult to his musical nature. Throughout the sound, whether with the Grado, or UM Martian, the iTube2 added a sense of depth and warmth to this song that seemed to not be there otherwise. Instead of the proverbial front row setting, I was transformed into that guitar string. Moved to within his guitar, and seamlessly transferred to the replacement during his excellent vocal solo. I’m not sure what else the instrument of our listening can provide, but to thoroughly envelop us, taking us into our music and losing us in the sound. An incredible synergy ensued, as I replayed the song, over and over listening for that nuanced difference, and detail, which I may have missed.
twenty one pilots Guns For Hands provided that incredible variation of slow to fast to slow and back to fast juxtaposition of sound, which can be a bear for some audio gear to handle. From the almost painful sound of Tyler’s excellent vocals, to the harsh drumming of Josh, I felt again as if I was inside the music, enveloped in that wonderful sound brought out by the twosome. From the upbeat sound and driving texture of the high parts through the listening combo, to the soft almost mournful parts, I was on edge the first time I listened, and rightly so. It was musical twisting at its best. A throwing of emotions through the iFi combo wrought with a rich texture to be savored. And I did. Layers of depth brought throw simple instruments of drums and piano, supported by the “off stage” instruments played with my emotions and listening. I was a very happy customer indeed. The iTube2, set on the middle SET, bass boost on, and 3D off, brought about this pleasurable listening. The BL brought the power, and both the Grado and Unique Melody’s were the final representation of this fantastic trio. One thoroughly to be enjoyed. This was probably the sound, which solidified my respect for the iTube2. When the instrument of our listening can give that much respect for our listening, then you have found something to treasure. I have said this almost exact statement before, but it is true…when that listening bliss comes through your instrument of listening, then you have reached that level where you can sit back and enjoy the sound. The music of your listening.
Moving back to Ziggy, his two fantastic versions of Dragonfly provided me with the confirmation that I had indeed stumbled upon a gem. And a reasonably priced, to boot. The live version (used in other reviews, but listed here again, because it is so darn good…) is something to behold.
The synergy between Ziggy and his supporting cast (especially the guitarist) is one of musical perfectness. My only wish is that the guitar solo, let alone the song would go on for another 10 minutes or so…Alas, I would have to replay it over and over, last night…
And from that, I was able to discern a certain quality, which separated itself from my other listenings. One of acoustic depth. The perfectness of the two together, is only made more perfect by a subtle but noticeable mistakes within the song. REAL is how this could be described, making it all the more so, by their incredible work together. Without the iTube2 present, this was a bit bright for my treble-sensitive ears; but when you infuse the tubular nature into the equation, well it simply sings. Adding not only depth, but also musical texture (warm by virtue of the tubes…) and body that are not present when just running the BL. And I am thankful for the addition. Over and over I listened, making out those subtle nuances of sound, of texture, of airy-accoustic guitar coupled with the solid bass guitar background. The sound is beautiful, and I have to say, that I played this song the most, followed by Guns For Hand and Look at Little Sister. I really wish Ziggy would receive the recognition he deserves. And as such, he did just receive the George & Ira Gershwin Lifetime Achievement Award, which is thoroughly deserved.
http://ziggymarley.com/
Complimenting that is the studio version, and boy does it ever. From the opening native drumbeat to the acoustic guitar, and the support of the electric guitar, the song is superb through the iFi iTube2. Wrought with deep overtones of native beat, the tube sound adds to that rich display of sound. I feel as if we are in Jamaica as we listen. And I am happy. I play the song over and over, sometimes critically listening for the differences, sometime simply to listen. A deep sense of belonging is fashioned from this song, and it makes me quite honored to be included.
A pattern has developed in my listening. One, which you could probably guess already. A sense of depth and rich texture pervade everything I play through the iTube2. As to how much depth and texture, well that depends upon the settings you desire. A full-on 12dB can be added through the bass boost, with a middle setting of 6dB (my preferred). If you desire a more open concert hall-like sound, then move the SET toggle to your desired spot, and enjoy.
Additional hook ups:
While perusing the offerings, I did hook the iTube2 up with my Shanling M1. Using the 3.5mm connector to the dual RCA connectors on the iTube2, then the BL, then headphones, I immediately noticed that the sound was not nearly as full and rich. While I could dial up the volume and settings, there was a definite lowering of quality…Not as rich, nor textured, nor detailed; I quickly reverted to the MacBook Pro set up. Order was restored. While I did not mind, and could adjust the settings to compensate (which is a benefit of such a system), the MacBook Pro was simply better. So I stayed with that. While a DAP would work (my FiiO x5iii was better than the M1), this really is made for desktop/laptop/home systems. As advertised, the iTube2 melds seamlessly with a home set up, and from the reviews I read, the 3D system benefits from that larger sound base. I do find that this system works well in the smaller situation, such as computers. So don’t rule this out for such situations. Versatile it is, adding that wonderfully velvet (almost an insult to use, probably better to use the professional term tubey-gooeyness) sound to pretty much everything I threw at it. Again, I do value a warm sound overall, but one that does not would be intelligent to give this critter a listen, too. If nothing else, for the way it enhances the sound, elevating it to a level above what it should. By that I mean the ability to make a recording sound simply sumptuous. What with this addition to the BL, the overall impression simply makes it for me, and I am glad.
Finale:
What with all of the tuning possibilities, from Buffer to Pre-amp, to the three each of 3D, Bass Boost and SET (tube settings); the number of possible listening scenarios is many. Throw in that you can fine-tune the Buffer/Pre-amp filters with 8 different dip-switches, and the possible iterations are quite numerous. One can surely find a sound, which they will find pleasing. In just a couple of hours I had the sound, which I enjoyed the most, tuning the unit until I was quite happy with the overall signature. Yes, it was on the warm side of neutral; but it was also the sound with which I liked the best. Even those who prefer a more cold analytical sound SHOULD be able to reach a listening level they will enjoy.
I guess I am trying to say, that this little, and I consider it affordable, critter was easy to use (once Lawrance shoved me down the correct path!!), easy to change, easy to listen to, and easy to modify according to the needs of the song and signature desired. A “Jack-of-all-trades” would be an insult to this unit. The iTube2 is versatile, and worthy of an audition in not only your personal system but also computer and home system. It is quite good, and I was honored to be included on the appreciation tour. For that, I sincerely thank Lawrance, and @iFi for including me. This is a company, which gains my respect more and more with each passing opportunity to listen to their fine wares. Worth a listen, would be an understatement.
Two wonderful things happened to me on one fine day recently: I found out that I would be first on the iFi Appreciation Tour, and we as a collective had decided the iTube2 would be the representative; AND I perused the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label thread, finding out that I was the lucky one drawn to receive the Unique Melody Martians…Hooolllyyyyy BUCKETS!!! Needless to say, it was a banner day in my humble abode. I was humbled and jumping like a kid given their allowance in front of a candy store. WOW! I am extremely thankful to @Lawrance for his help in this wonderful tour, as well as the logistics of arranging all. Plus, he was very quick to respond when my “doltishness” could not figure out how to hook the iTube2 up. Wonderful, he was, with the help.
In the week between arrival and testing, I scoured the threads of Head-Fi regarding the original iTube as well as the early reviews. It really was a fascinating read regarding the history of the tubes used, and why they were chosen. Call me a fanboy, but I am a hooked-for-life in the philosophy of iFi. The link provided only gives a hint of the history behind the tubes. Lawrance goes into wonderful detail on the Head-Fi thread itself.
A little background history…
iFi iTube (original):
http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-itube/
And the link to Lawrance’s excellent tube history lesson, in 3 parts:
https://www.head-fi.org/f/threads/ifi-audio-micro-itube2-buffer.828965/
The basis of the tubes used is their historical use in WW2. They were sturdy, efficient, and lasted a good long time. Put away through historical efforts, iFi brought these wonderful tubes back out for our pleasure. And boy oh boy, did it work. I will trust all of you dear readers, to read all three parts of the history, they are good reads. Plus, I don’t want to spoil all of your fun!
I have a small inexpensive tube amp, which uses the tubes in the pre-amp phase of the sound, I use on occasion, but this is the furthest up the tube-food-chain I have wandered, personally. Yes, I have heard multi-thousand dollar McIntosh systems (and would love to own a system of such accord someday); but this is the first time I have had such a lengthy audition.
Upon proper connection, to the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label (henceforth known as BL, because iFi iDSD Micro Black Label takes a bloody long time to write…) and my MacBook Pro, I plugged in my new UM Martian’s. I will say, that it did take a bit for me to dial in the sound to my tastes, but when you realize all of the tuning options on both units, you will understand. I did first run the units flat, without the aid of 3D, or bass boost, so I could have a baseline sound with which to judge. And it was impressive. The iTube2 gave a lusher, more rich sound to the system, immediately. I understand that I was the first on the tour, but the package came open, and I assume somewhat broken in. It will be interesting to see what the followers of me find, with more tube burn in time, if any change is to occur. I was impressed, because I do value sound on the warm side.
Withholding judgment, I continued to play with the options. I carefully would manipulate the “toggles” on the backside, for whatever “filter” I chose. What a cool idea this is, and it paid dividends in my listening enjoyment. The most used filter was the “Pre amp” filter set at 0dB. I determined, that with the bass boost and 3D switches, I did not need additional input from the iTube2. I did try it, and I could tell a difference volume-wise; but my old ears would be hard pressed to tell a difference sonically between the 9dB push and the others I used, SONICALLY. Hence, I chose the easier path of switching toggles (on the front). It was easy. Initially, the unit came set at “Buffer” 0dB. I changed to the Pre amp after a brief listen, and kept it that way.
Some general comments from the dedicated thread:
X-Bass is an active circuit, which can't operate without an active element. The iTube 2 substantially improves the SNR and THD over the older model:
- SNR - 119dB(A) @ 2V for iTube 2 vs. 111dB(A) @ 2V for original iTube
- THD - 0.009% @ 2V/600Ohm for iTube 2 vs. 0.05% @ 2V/600Ohm for original iTube
In buffer mode and "Tube" setting (no gain, no volume control) you get X-Bass and vanishing low distortion and noise.
This circuit is actually about 90% of a single-ended version of the iCAN Pro preamp output.
And no, it is not designed to drive headphones, though it can drive 300 and 600 ohm loads to high levels.
Sprinkle the ‘magic of SET’ into any system
Features/Technologies
- High-end Direct Tube Buffer/High-End Direct Pre-amplifier
- Selectable tube sound signature (SET / Push-Pull / Classic)
- All-new 3D Holographic+® for Loudspeakers matrix system
- All-new XBass+® for Loudspeakers matrix system
- Pure analogue volume control
- Ultra-low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.009% (Tube+ off)
- 0dB or 9dB selectable gain
- Reference class parts quality from ELNA Silmic to C0G capacitors
- iPower (15V) included, ‘quieter than battery’ power supply
- Tube: NOS GE 5670×1
Technical pdf:
http://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/data/iTUBE2 - Tech Note One Why GE 5670.pdf
Full information, iTube2:
http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-itube2/
Delving into the feature details:
An interesting note is that while the toggle system carries over from other iFi products in this category; the three on the front (3D, bass boost, SET) have three settings each, something my BL does not (only two). So not only can you fine tune and add boost/3D/SET, you can, change all three to add two levels of “additional tuning.” I find this aspect eminently changeable and worth it. I found myself changing bass boost and 3D according to the music and song with which I listened. A nice feature.
In working out the differences of the SET feature, I found that did indeed favor one, but that will have to wait. In a brief explanation, the three settings
Up
– a Single-Ended Triode power amplifier;
Neutral
– a Push-Pull tube power amplifier;
Down
– a classic tube amplifier.
did indeed provide three distinct sounds, such that even these tired ears could fathom the difference and distinct betweenst them. As one review posted, the Push-Pull sounded like an acoustically well-set-up concert hall. To me, the Single-Ended Triode while giving a bit wider sound stage was not as communicative a sound as the Push-Pull. I did favor the Push-Pull and ran this setting for probably 85% of the time. I can concur and state that there was a nice wide concert-hall/acoustically near-perfect church-like sound to it. One in which I very much enjoyed, no matter what headphone I used.
The 3D toggles provide three setting too: “opt out,” slight offset, and 30 degree offset. Opt out is just that, no 3D setting. The slight offset is similar to the BL offset, giving a wider sound stage as well as a bit more depth and height. Yes, I would call it a 3D sound…The 30 degree offset gives a VERY different sound. One in which the user feels as if the instruments are quite literally switching around, like an old Doors song, almost psychedelically. Maybe not quite that extreme, but I did find, on the majority of listenings that it gave me TOO much three-dimension definition. I felt it colored the outer aspect of the sound too much for my liking. I noticed this even when isolated without the BL settings turned on. With the 3D BL setting turned on, it made the situation worse. I was not as happy with that setting as I thought I would be, so I left the 3D (when turned on) to the middle setting, on the iTube2. I would play with the 3D on the BL, but found it best to leave only the iTube2 3D switch to the middle position.
McIntosh sound for the home portable
Once I figured out how to hook the critter up (thanks Lawrance!), the iTube 2 (iT2) started humming away hooked to its brethren, the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label (BL). And, it was magnificent through whatever I hooked into the headphone output of the BL…Grado GH-2, Unique Melody Martian, Vibro Labs Aria, Meze 99 Classic, Auqioquest Nightowl, it did not matter…all were made to feel more like a 50’s McIntosh sound, which to me is a beautiful sound to behold…
Ummmm.....some initial issues....
Whatever was hooked simply sung with that familiar warm enveloping tube sound. From the open airy sound of the wonderful GH-2, to the rich vibrant full, muscular sound of the Martian, the iT2 simply performs it’s magic warming all to an almost enhanced tubular sound. And I was glad.
Comparison/Units used:
MacBook Pro
Shanling M1/M5
FiiO x5iii/A5
Grado GH-2
Unique Melody Martian
Vibro labs Aria
Audioquest Nightowl
Meze 99 Classic
Songs auditioned:
Ziggy Marley- I Am Human & Dragonfly (live and album version)
twenty one pilots- Guns for Hands, Trees, Screen, Car Radio
Bob Marley- No Woman No Cry, Buffalo Soldier, Three Little Birds
Stevie Ray Vaughan- Look at Little Sister (live Austin City Limits), Mary Had A Little Lamb (same)
The main listening set up was through my MacBook Pro, BL and the iTube2. I then switched between the excellent loaner Grado GH-2, and my UM Martian. To say I was thrilled, lucky, excited, and honored would be an understatement of grand proportions. I am a very lucky individual indeed, right now.
Playing Ziggy’s I Am A Human, is just a fantastic synergy of not only culture, but of vibrant tube-loving warm-full sound. With a rich, textured bass that reaches down and plays a very strong foundation, to the support instruments in the mids and Ziggy’s voice taking front and center (but not boisterous) in a reverent tone, the song pretty much typifies what the iTube2 brings to the table, when working with the Grado GH-2. I am thoroughly impressed at the partnership, and do not want to let EITHER go anytime soon…Providing a solid support to the Grado’s forward mids, the iTube2 provided to added warmth with which the GH-2 benefits to fulfill a thoroughly enthralling sound. Sound stage of rich wide proportions, good depth and good height add to the excellent instrument separation heard. I am taken in by the tubular sound, and a throwback to a thoroughly modern version of that excellent 50’s sound through what could pass for a 50’s specific headphone, what with their architecture.
SRV’s excellent live version of Look at Little Sister, replete with a flawless guitar change due to his impressive string break provides an excellent example of how diversity of sound comes through the iTube2. A simple look back at his roadie, and a flawless exchange ensues. Wonderful to watch, all the while reveling at Stevie Ray’s beautiful guitarmanship coupled with an incredibly versatile voice. His gruff voice can turn sweet melodic on a note; just as his bluesy guitar licks can turn from a luscious melodic, enthralling sound to the sharp staccato of a fast picked beat and almost tortuous (in the best possible way) sound. From one chord to the next, SRV was a master at playing, evident when he lowered by a chord his playing to accommodate the broken string. Versatile would be an insult to his musical nature. Throughout the sound, whether with the Grado, or UM Martian, the iTube2 added a sense of depth and warmth to this song that seemed to not be there otherwise. Instead of the proverbial front row setting, I was transformed into that guitar string. Moved to within his guitar, and seamlessly transferred to the replacement during his excellent vocal solo. I’m not sure what else the instrument of our listening can provide, but to thoroughly envelop us, taking us into our music and losing us in the sound. An incredible synergy ensued, as I replayed the song, over and over listening for that nuanced difference, and detail, which I may have missed.
twenty one pilots Guns For Hands provided that incredible variation of slow to fast to slow and back to fast juxtaposition of sound, which can be a bear for some audio gear to handle. From the almost painful sound of Tyler’s excellent vocals, to the harsh drumming of Josh, I felt again as if I was inside the music, enveloped in that wonderful sound brought out by the twosome. From the upbeat sound and driving texture of the high parts through the listening combo, to the soft almost mournful parts, I was on edge the first time I listened, and rightly so. It was musical twisting at its best. A throwing of emotions through the iFi combo wrought with a rich texture to be savored. And I did. Layers of depth brought throw simple instruments of drums and piano, supported by the “off stage” instruments played with my emotions and listening. I was a very happy customer indeed. The iTube2, set on the middle SET, bass boost on, and 3D off, brought about this pleasurable listening. The BL brought the power, and both the Grado and Unique Melody’s were the final representation of this fantastic trio. One thoroughly to be enjoyed. This was probably the sound, which solidified my respect for the iTube2. When the instrument of our listening can give that much respect for our listening, then you have found something to treasure. I have said this almost exact statement before, but it is true…when that listening bliss comes through your instrument of listening, then you have reached that level where you can sit back and enjoy the sound. The music of your listening.
Moving back to Ziggy, his two fantastic versions of Dragonfly provided me with the confirmation that I had indeed stumbled upon a gem. And a reasonably priced, to boot. The live version (used in other reviews, but listed here again, because it is so darn good…) is something to behold.
The synergy between Ziggy and his supporting cast (especially the guitarist) is one of musical perfectness. My only wish is that the guitar solo, let alone the song would go on for another 10 minutes or so…Alas, I would have to replay it over and over, last night…
And from that, I was able to discern a certain quality, which separated itself from my other listenings. One of acoustic depth. The perfectness of the two together, is only made more perfect by a subtle but noticeable mistakes within the song. REAL is how this could be described, making it all the more so, by their incredible work together. Without the iTube2 present, this was a bit bright for my treble-sensitive ears; but when you infuse the tubular nature into the equation, well it simply sings. Adding not only depth, but also musical texture (warm by virtue of the tubes…) and body that are not present when just running the BL. And I am thankful for the addition. Over and over I listened, making out those subtle nuances of sound, of texture, of airy-accoustic guitar coupled with the solid bass guitar background. The sound is beautiful, and I have to say, that I played this song the most, followed by Guns For Hand and Look at Little Sister. I really wish Ziggy would receive the recognition he deserves. And as such, he did just receive the George & Ira Gershwin Lifetime Achievement Award, which is thoroughly deserved.
http://ziggymarley.com/
Complimenting that is the studio version, and boy does it ever. From the opening native drumbeat to the acoustic guitar, and the support of the electric guitar, the song is superb through the iFi iTube2. Wrought with deep overtones of native beat, the tube sound adds to that rich display of sound. I feel as if we are in Jamaica as we listen. And I am happy. I play the song over and over, sometimes critically listening for the differences, sometime simply to listen. A deep sense of belonging is fashioned from this song, and it makes me quite honored to be included.
A pattern has developed in my listening. One, which you could probably guess already. A sense of depth and rich texture pervade everything I play through the iTube2. As to how much depth and texture, well that depends upon the settings you desire. A full-on 12dB can be added through the bass boost, with a middle setting of 6dB (my preferred). If you desire a more open concert hall-like sound, then move the SET toggle to your desired spot, and enjoy.
Additional hook ups:
While perusing the offerings, I did hook the iTube2 up with my Shanling M1. Using the 3.5mm connector to the dual RCA connectors on the iTube2, then the BL, then headphones, I immediately noticed that the sound was not nearly as full and rich. While I could dial up the volume and settings, there was a definite lowering of quality…Not as rich, nor textured, nor detailed; I quickly reverted to the MacBook Pro set up. Order was restored. While I did not mind, and could adjust the settings to compensate (which is a benefit of such a system), the MacBook Pro was simply better. So I stayed with that. While a DAP would work (my FiiO x5iii was better than the M1), this really is made for desktop/laptop/home systems. As advertised, the iTube2 melds seamlessly with a home set up, and from the reviews I read, the 3D system benefits from that larger sound base. I do find that this system works well in the smaller situation, such as computers. So don’t rule this out for such situations. Versatile it is, adding that wonderfully velvet (almost an insult to use, probably better to use the professional term tubey-gooeyness) sound to pretty much everything I threw at it. Again, I do value a warm sound overall, but one that does not would be intelligent to give this critter a listen, too. If nothing else, for the way it enhances the sound, elevating it to a level above what it should. By that I mean the ability to make a recording sound simply sumptuous. What with this addition to the BL, the overall impression simply makes it for me, and I am glad.
Finale:
What with all of the tuning possibilities, from Buffer to Pre-amp, to the three each of 3D, Bass Boost and SET (tube settings); the number of possible listening scenarios is many. Throw in that you can fine-tune the Buffer/Pre-amp filters with 8 different dip-switches, and the possible iterations are quite numerous. One can surely find a sound, which they will find pleasing. In just a couple of hours I had the sound, which I enjoyed the most, tuning the unit until I was quite happy with the overall signature. Yes, it was on the warm side of neutral; but it was also the sound with which I liked the best. Even those who prefer a more cold analytical sound SHOULD be able to reach a listening level they will enjoy.
I guess I am trying to say, that this little, and I consider it affordable, critter was easy to use (once Lawrance shoved me down the correct path!!), easy to change, easy to listen to, and easy to modify according to the needs of the song and signature desired. A “Jack-of-all-trades” would be an insult to this unit. The iTube2 is versatile, and worthy of an audition in not only your personal system but also computer and home system. It is quite good, and I was honored to be included on the appreciation tour. For that, I sincerely thank Lawrance, and @iFi for including me. This is a company, which gains my respect more and more with each passing opportunity to listen to their fine wares. Worth a listen, would be an understatement.