iPod speaker system adds retro-style and sound to digital music

Logic3’s award-winning retro-look Valve80 iPod speaker system adds the warm tones of yesteryear to today’s digital music to deliver the ultimate in modern home music entertainment.

Using vacuum valve technology, highlighted by a pulsing colourful tube at the front of the unit, the Valve80 delivers an amazing 80 watts of high quality, powerful rich sound from any iPod or other audio device.

Awarded best consumer audio product at this year’s MacWorld awards, the Valve80’s tonal sound and glowing valves are easy on the ears and the eyes.

“Stylistically, the Valve80 is really something special. It mixes high tech design with exposed retro valves, and is a real statement piece for any living room. And, in terms of sound quality, it sets new benchmarks; whether it’s bass tones or sharp sounds, Cheryl Cole, Elbow or Dizzy Rascal, the crystal clear quality will hit the right note this Christmas,” says Michael Kirkham, Development Director for Logic3.

The amplifier, that scooped a five star review in T3 magazine, has a smart stainless steel body with a mirror finish.

On top, a steel cradle dock houses the iPod, leaving the exposed valve tube which discreetly pulse with light in time to the music. And the front panel has two controls - one for volume and the other for output selection – leaving most functions to be driven through the remote control.

The twin, wooden cabinet, bookshelf speakers have a high-gloss piano black finish to complement the stylish feel of the unit and the front grilles can be removed to show the main drivers pumping out the sound.

All this attention to detail means that with the Valve80 the emphasis on style does not compromise sound.

The hybrid vacuum tube amp balances out the sound of MP3 music files, and all but eliminates noise distortion, to deliver a warm harmonic sound that reaches up to 80 watts RMS. Add in speakers with a tweeter for delivering sharp and pristine notes, and Kevlar cone drivers to pack a punch, and you’ll really notice a difference in tone and richness.

This difference is especially noticeable when playing songs that were originally recorded using valve technology but which have then been digitally compressed for MP3 storage. The Valve80 gets the recording back closer to pure sound that the artist was seeking when they recorded the track.

The Valve80 (Model no: MIP004) has an SRP of £299.99 and is available now at select retailers including John Lewis, Next, HMV, Micro Anvika and online at amazon.co.uk or logic3.com.