Nuforce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Red Color)
The NuForce Icon is an audiophile-grade Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier featuring two 12-watt outputs, a 3.5-mm stereo input for connection to an iPod or other portable device, a USB cable for operation with a PC or Mac, and standard RCA inputs for employing the Icon as the heart of a conventional audio system. For the headphone enthusiast, the Icon also offers a high-performance headphone output. Of particular interest to the computer user, the Icon's line-out functions as a PC or Mac USB-to-analog audio converter or can also be used as a connection to a subwoofer.With the same patented technology that has won a string of prestigious awards, the tiny Icon brings NuForce's celebrated sound quality to the music lover's desktop.Applications: 1) As the core of a desktop audio system, the Icon connects to an Ipod, CD player, PC or Mac.2) Via the best, jitter-free USB technology, the Icon operates as a USB DAC for converting a PC or Mac's audio signal to high-quality analog sound.3) For optimal headphone performance, the Icon includes a discrete, high-performance headphone amplifier.4) For operation as an audiophile-grade preamplifier, the Icon's linestage can be connected to a power amp or active speakers.5) As a high-quality auxiliary power amp in a surround-sound setup, the Icon can be used to drive tweeters or rear-channel speakers.
Nuforce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Red Color) Accessories
 NuForce Icon 42W PSU
NuForce Icon Speaker Wire (2m, black)
NuForce S-1 Speaker (1 pair) for Icon Systems
NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Silver Color)
NuForce S-1 Speaker (1 pair, black/silver) for Icon Systems
NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier and USB DAC (silver color)
Touch Of Evil (50th Anniversary Edition)
Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote
Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System
SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
Nuforce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Red Color) Reviews
I'm using the NuForce Icon as a DAC pre-amp going into power AudioEngine A-2 speakers. Until the NuForce S-1 speakers arrive ( 2-3 weeks from now ) I can't comment on the "sound" of the Icon, other than saying that the quality of sound is much better, and the noise level is much lower than the on-board Asus motherboard-RealTek ( and Monsoon planar speakers ) that I had been using previously. An interesting development is that I've had to discard quite a few compressed ( mp3) files, since their poor quality is dramatically in evidence when output through this superior sound system
Not as refined as my $300 dedicated Headroom Micro amp, but way better than any laptop or computer headphone output jack I've heard. When Nuforce announced they would be coming out with a $249 desktop amp, I had to buy one just because I knew it would be good. Next I tried the preamp plugged into my $1300 Dynaudio powered speakers. And the other one is that amp makes a pop sound through the speakers when you first turn it on with the front knob, so I always turn it on, wait two seconds and then continue increasing the volume so the pop happens while the volume control is still low. I plugged in my $900/pr NHT Classic 3 speakers and the sound quality was solid, tuneful, with very good bass impact.
I tried every one of its functions and it's superb for what it costs. The Digital amp is only rated at 12W per channel, but it's enough to power medium efficiency bookshelf speakers to fill a small 12x8 room with sound. First, look at the thing, it is beautiful in its simplicity, housed in a nifty attractive aluminum enclosure with simple knobs, and even the packaging is top rate. The output is controlled by the volume (top) knob. - And it has a USB input so you can plug your computer into it and it acts as a soundcard with up to 16bit/48Khz sampling rate. This unit can serve several purposes:.
- It has two line inputs to connect iPods or your computer to it. I bought this Nuforce amp (Silver color) just because of the reputation of Nuforce for offering audiophile quality amps that have tremendous value. Both analog inputs are switchable using the lower front knob. Then I tried my $350 AKG K701 and Denon D2000 headphones. The only two issues is the short proprietary speaker cable, but Nuforce sells longer ones if you want to buy it, and the pinouts are published on their website in case you want to make your own much longer ones. You can select this using the lower knob at position number 3. The built-in DAC is a great convenience feature, although its sound quality doesn't compare to a good external DAC like a 0404 USB, it's far better than any HD on-board chipset sound that is prevalent on many motherboards.
They recommend a speaker with a sensitivity rating of above 86dB@1m. It would compete well to previous $100-150 headphone amps I had (like a Headroom Bithead). - It has a low level line out so you can use this as a preamp to your powered speakers or subwoofer. The reason they used this cable is because cable activates the amp's built in equalizer when paired with matching Nuforce S-1 speakers.
The headphone amp is quite good. I find the sound quite natural, and smooth. The unit comes with a hard silicon-like stand to stand it vertically, decent quality (but very short) banana plug speaker cables with an odd RJ-45 connection, a USB cable, a wall-wart adapter with universal voltage, everything you need to get started. - It has RJ-45 jacks which you use with the included cables to plug into any normal bookshelf or floorspeaker.
The preamp output is very high grade, there is no appreciable hissing on the output even when the volume know is at full (with no music). It doesn't have the detail of a good high end DAC, but makes for a great alternative to buying a separate soundcard. So for those who are looking to upgrade their computer audio, getting one of these, adding some $250 PSB B15 bookshelf speakers will get you a great desktop listening station. Again, very good considering its price.
It has banana plugs on the other end.
The sound quality of Icon was very nice from just out of the box. Finally I set it up with my best speaker Dynaudio twenty five special via LINN IKEMI. In fact, Icon sports a high resolution and low distortion. Icon is not sterile nor dry without loosing any virtue of the Class D amp.
I was amazed by the quality of bass reproduction. NuForce is a high-end digital amp manufacture and they are known for the high performance proprietary Class D amp technology. I thought the ability is beyond the desktop speakers. This is not a cheap trick, Icon employs a discrete circuit for the headphone amp. I highly recommend this to every audio fans from the beginner who use PC mainly as a source to the audiophile who want a second system. Again, the sound quality is very good, this is no mean feat for the headphone out of audio amps. It is well rewarded. Second, I like musicality of the Icon.
First, I connected Icon with my PC via USB DAC and YAMAHA desktop speakers. As a bonus, Icon has a decent headphone amp. It's so rich and deep, I can not believe it from the tiny size of Icon-1. I think the overall performance is far beyond the price. Lower register of the speaker is well controlled as expected from Nuforce reputation. I knew their product on several auditions, I had a high expectation on this so I jumped at this chance to get it.
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