Quote Originally Posted by basite
but, why build it? IMHO If you use your Ipod as a main source, you probably won't care about tubes, and if you care about quality sound, you won't use your Ipod as a main source.
The assumption being made is that people who would buy tubes are also audiophiles with a high sense of quality over quantity. That's not always the case. There are many people (though I'm sure not the majority) who own tubes because they look cool, to impress their friends, to remind them of the old days, or even for that tubey sound, even if it isn't audiophile quality. This minority will likely buy this thing.

That said, this is still hype. In addition to the lower quality of compressed files, there are a number of other factors that will make an iPod sound average compared to a decent 2-channel setup, most of which have to do with the size of the electronics and the quality of mass-produced components in iPods. They just can't compare. I know that Von Schweikert and McIntosh like to show off their gear with iPods at shows, but I'm certain that this is more because of convenience, and perhaps the fact that most consumers don't know good sound anymore.

This is why there is such a large aftermarket for iPod add-ons - because iPods, and all MP3 players for that matter, produce very low quality sound. Most people who buy one change out the headphones before they even walk out of the store. I think this market for add-ons is driven by consumers desperately trying to improve on their initial investment.