Home theater designer Arcam today launched the rDock. As an alternative to other cradles for the iPod, the rDock is claimed to be the first to truly satisfy audiophiles. Its construction and materials are influenced by dedicated home stereo gear, and include a pre-amp as well as low-interference power supplies. The iPod's power is also carefully managed to preserve audio quality. Since even recharging the iPod can interfere with audio quality, Arcam claims to have learned in a study, the charging system automatically shuts down when the battery is full.

Listeners can also hook up any dockable iPod directly to more sources through increased output options, including native RCA stereo output as well as RCA and S-video jacks for image-capable iPods. The rDock should be available in the UK now for the equivalent of $231. [via Tech Digest]