Chances are, you have never heard of Gini Systems. Just like you have probably never listened to music played through a vacuum tube speaker system. Such is the case with niche or high-end audio manufacturers who, thanks to the popularity and pricing of Apple's iPod and the marketing possibilities of the Internet, are able to deliver their products to a wider audience than ever before.

Gini Systems iTube

Gini's recently launched iTube is a three-piece speaker system with a $349 price tag, putting it towards the high-end of iPod speaker systems. Like the equally priced Audioengine 5 (A5) speakers before it (5 stars), the iTube is an "iPod speaker system" in name and design touches only�in reality, it will work equally well with any audio source, and lacks an integrated dock or any other iPod-specific functionality. Gini does sell its own iPod dock, the iConec, separately ($69) or with the iTube (for an extra $30), although beyond sporting a remote control that matches the iTube's, it offers no inherent advantages over other quality iPod docks. [Ed. note: A review of the iConec will appear shortly.]

Gini bills the iTube as the first vacuum tube speaker system geared towards iPod owners that retails for under $500. Of course, if you have never listened to a vacuum tube speaker system, this bit of marketing fodder is largely ineffective. Proponents of vacuum tubes claim the 80 year old technology is superior to modern transistors primarily because the tube enables a warmer, more natural tone to be reproduced. While vacuum tubes were relegated to niche status long ago, plenty of audiophiles still swear by them, keeping companies like Gini in business, even with price tags for such products easily topping five figures.

Despite the iTube's "budget" price tag, the aforementioned benefits associated with vacuum tubes are easily discernible with the iTube. Even upon first listen�prior to the recommended 50+ hour break-in period�it was apparent that the clarity of music coming from the iTube was a step up from other speakers we have listened to, including the A5. While the difference wasn't enough for us turn our nose up at other speakers and pitch them in favor of vacuum tubes, it is always a pleasant experience when a product lives up to its claims.

A couple other things stood out immediately concerning the iTube: it's not as loud as one would expect and, by default, it seems light on the bass. While there's ample power to fill a good-sized room with quality music, compared to the other speakers in this price range the iTube lacks the wattage to bring down the house, an inherent trade-off one must make with a vacuum tube amplifier compared to a solid-state amplifier. Specifically, the iTube's subwoofer puts out 18W, while the satellites are each rated at 16W; the A5's two channels, by comparison, are each rated at 45W. If you're in the market for speakers you can crank to 11, the iTube isn't it, but the iTube does do a commendable job of maintaining clarity even when-nearly maxed out.

Similarly, if your criteria for a subwoofer includes making the ground rumble, the iTube and its single 5.25" cone isn't for you. Bass is clean, tight, and perfectly balanced, but definitely lacking the punch that a larger diameter cone can produce. Bass is also decidedly light when you fire up the iTube, but reaches excellent levels when turned up all the way, without any unpleasant reverberations whatsoever. Unfortunately, the iTube forgets what settings you had it at when you turn it off, so you will have to adjust the bass level accordingly each time you power it on.

While only a minor shortcoming, the need to adjust the bass with each power cycle is but one of a few of the iTube's inconvenient design touches. The power switch is mounted on the rear of the subwoofer, for example, and the system cannot be powered down from the remote. While the obvious solution to both the bass level issue and power switch would be to simply leave the iTube powered on constantly, three bright white LEDs surrounding the visible portion of the vacuum tube remain on with the system. The LEDs are not an unpleasant design touch and certainly draw attention to the most unique part of the iTube, but the ability to turn them off if desired would be very convenient, especially for anyone planning on setting up the iTube in a room where minimal light is desired, like a bedroom.

iTube compared to one of the A5's two speakers

The iTube also lacks any notable extra design touches to make up for these small shortcomings. The A5, by contrast, supports two audio inputs, includes a USB port for iPod cables and docks, and an extra power outlet is built-in to conveniently connect an AirPort Express, although to its credit the iTube features a remote control, while the A5 has none. Audiophiles will also note that the iTube features two RCA connectors, which reduces cross-interference compared to the 1/8" mini-jack connectors the A5 uses. Whether most users would be able to discern the difference is debatable, however.

The final point of consideration for potential iTube owners is the system's physical appearance. The satellite speakers are compact and discreet (some would call them plain), but the subwoofer's design is more questionable. While the giant faux click-wheel (it's really just five buttons�volume up/down, bass up/down, and mute) certainly makes a statement about the iTube's iPod intentions, it may not suit everyone's tastes, especially at these prices. We, however, had no qualms with the iTube's design.

The Bottom Line

Gini Systems has put forward an excellent speaker system with the iTube. Audio quality is truly exceptional, and the vacuum tube design will surely be a treat to listener's ears. On its own, the $350 price tag is justified; it's only when compared against other speakers in this price range, in particular the A5, that value and extras are called into question.

Based on audio quality alone, both the iTube and A5 are first-rate options and each has its place, the iTube with music enthusiasts who value audio reproduction above all else, and the A5 with those who like their music with a bit more volume or punch. Like the A5, iPod owners who invest in the iTube should not be disappointed in their purchase.

Note: Vacuum tubes have a limited life-span, and Gini estimates the iTube's at about 10,000 hours. The particular vacuum tube it uses is a Svotek 6922, which can be purchased individually for $10-$20 when replacement is needed.