Roth Audio Music Cocoon MC4 iPod Dock
Posted on June 22, 2009
Filed Under Buy iPod Accessories, Electronics, speakers | Leave a Comment
Roth Audio Music Cocoon MC4 iPod Dock
The Roth Music Cocoon MC4 is a 2x13W tube amplifier and iPod dock combining dashing good looks, ultra-compact dimensions and intelligent valve design to offer the listener a unique sonic experience. In addition to the universal iPod dock, the device includes a 3.5mm mini auxiliary source input, component auxiliary input, and an S-Video output for viewing video or photo content on your television.
Hi-Resolution pure tube sound in a small package. |
Mini input, component input, and S-Video output included. |
Designed for the iPod
The Music Cocoon has been designed for use with the iPod (hence the dock on the top of the amplifier which charges and interfaces with your iPod), any portable audio device (that’s why there is a 3.5mm socket on the back of the amplifier), any device which outputs audio to a 3.5mm jack (e.g. a laptop), or a CD player (that’s why there is a pair of RCA sockets on the back as well).
This means that regardless of the source unit, the MC4 can handle it, which immediately makes it more useful than a simple docking device for the iPod.
Hi-Resolution Pure Tube Sound
Get out what you put in. The MC4 will add classic tube warmth and dimension to any signal, but truly shines with uncompressed files and CDs (via the RCA input). Its two 12AX7 and two 12AU7 tubes help deliver astonishing audio quality and depth from such a small amplifier.
Simple Elegance
In use, the MC4 is simple to operate, and you can of course control the functionality of the iPod from the remote control. You can also use it to switch sources on the amplifier, a feature strangely absent from some similar amplifier models. The MC4 is also safe from electrical problems, thanks to overheating protection, speaker short circuit protection (and protection when turning on the device), and fuse protection in the adapter. Your investment protects itself.
What’s in the Box?
MC4, Remote Control, Protective Gloves
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars needs more work, but great for only your ipod
Instruction manual is very limited. But if you know audio equipment, then you should be able to set this up. The iPod dock section of this device works great, but if you have a 6G iPod like I do, the S-Video out won’t let you see anything on your HDTV screen! I wonder why I stay with Apple sometimes. But I also wonder why ROTH doesn’t mention this? The sound is great from the iPod. Music sounds live. I wish this pushed at least 30watts, but it sounds great, even all the way turned up. BOTH of the inputs on the back of the device, the RCA’s and the 1/8″ audio input MAKE THE WORST GROUND NOISE – IF YOUR EXTERNAL DEVICE is also plugged into anything else, like a DVD player also plugged into a TV with HDMI. I can’t get rid of the noise unless I unplug the Video output of same device. BUT – it is as quiet as a church mouse when the iPod is plugged in. No customer support available. They say “see your retailer” on their website. I decided to return to Amazon for a refund since the video would not display through the Roth and due to the problems with ground noise as stated above. AGAIN – great device if just using for your ipod music or stand alone audio, but don’t try to multi-plug without issues.
5 Stars Superb and stunning musicality!!!
While there is a growing abundance of high-end iPod transports coupled with outboard DACs that purport to deliver bit-perfect sound, the Roth Audio MC4 Music Cocoon provides classic tube warmth, dynamics, midrange purity, and fantastic soundstage that you have probably never heard before from a device with iPod as source. Speaker matching is critical if you really want to hear and experience the bloom. I don’t know what but the British always seem to get it right with hi-fi components. An audiophile gem. Outstanding product, highly recommended!!!
5 Stars Excellent iPod Dock, True Fidelity, Amazing Price
I have owned my MC4 for nearly a year now and could not be happier with it. My main system is a $20K+ behemoth, so I was very sceptical that this little system would satisfy me for less than the cost of a good power cable on my main system.
Here are my thoughts for making this an incredible system.
1. Match it well with a good set of speakers. I went with the Totem Mites and the soundstage and imaging is magical.
2. Match the system with the room size. My MC 4 and the Totem Mites work well in a small room (10′ by 12′). I tried them in a really large room (30′ by 20′) and I could not believe it was the same system.
3. Which iPod you have matters. The 4th and 5th generation iPods use a very high-quality internal Wolfson Microelectronics digital to analog converter. The really old iPods and the really new ones (including the classic, shuffle, nano, iPhone and 160GB editions do not. Yes, it makes a big difference through an amp.
4. Record everthing in Lossless files. You won’t believe the difference.
Overall, I could not be happier with my MC4 and I am thinking of purchasing several others for my office and other rooms.
jts
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