NuForce Icon Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier Black Color

Posted on June 14, 2009
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NuForce Icon Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier Black 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.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Superb!
The Nuforce Icon is a great desktop system, especially when hooked up to the usb port from a computer. I haven’t try any other speaker, but the S-1 speakers specifically designed for the Icon are GREAT. Highly recommend this combination to anyone who wants a small system near a computer. If you are using the Icon in a large room or you want to enjoy your music from further away, you might need more powerful speakers.

The only downside I can think of is the included speaker cables for hooking up speakers other then the S-1 is a bit too short(the Icon output sound using a RJ-45 ethernet port). Since I am using the S-1, that is not a problem for me because the S-1 connect to the Icon via a regular ethernet cable, but beware if you plan to connect the Icon with other speakers.

5 Stars high quality in a tiny package, but check your speakers
This is a very high quality product at a low price. Check the web for more reviews, but it lives up to them — clean beautiful sound in a tiny package, competes with amps that cost much much more. The build quality is great too — nice solid feel to the knobs, sturdy but smooth aluminum case. No cheap plasticky stuff.

BUT … a big caveat is that it needs to be coupled with efficient (low-wattage) speakers. I connected mine to the small and very highly-rated bookshelf speakers from Era (D4s) and the Icon simply couldn’t drive them to a room-filling volume. So I ended up returning the Icon. The amp I replaced it with was quite a bit more expensive, though, so if I hadn’t had the Eras already it might have made sense to buy the Icon and pick speakers for it.

5 Stars Buy several of these . . .
From beautiful industrial design to truly sweet sound, the Nuforce Icon is not only an amazing value, it is a great piece of gear in its own right. Every music lover should have one. Or one in every room in the house, at this price. The Icon’s sound is fast and responsive with clarity, detail, and natural character, and it handles a variety of speaker systems with ease. No aspect of the audio spectrum is neglected- every note is in place from top to bottom. Anyone who has enjoyed low-power switching amplifiers like the Tends TA-10.1, Sonic Impact T-amp, or KingRex T20 will find that the Icon sings with a wider variety of speakers and has all the low-frequency solidity and realism that these other amps (no matter how much we’d like them to!) simply don’t. I LOVE the Icon- hats off to Nuforce for providing such a tasty audio treat for the rest of us! Oh yea- definitely invest in the 42W upgraded power supply- it allows the Icon to become even more dynamic and enjoyable to hear in action.

5 Stars NuForce Icon Audio Amplifier
This amplifier is for computer users who want to turn their desktop computer into a music player for a high quality stereo, a stereo system that is small and compact, but better quality than you get from desktop audio speakers that are built for gamers and multimedia. It could also be set up as a portable P.A. system with a laptop, to amplify a presentation for a small to medium size room and audience.

A digital-to-analog converter is necessary for good audio performance if you are playing music directly off a computer. Use this amplifier for a two channel configuration with small high-efficiency speakers. Adding a powered sub-woofer is also possible. It can also serve as a preamplifier for a traditional stereo.

Since it receives its signal through USB, only an audio card, built into most computers, is necessary. I am using ITunes through a Macintosh. I listen mostly to acoustic and classical music.

I am impressed by how cool the box is after several hours of playing. A class D digital amplifier uses almost no power, and the cool operating temperatures show it.

5 Stars versatility in a small package
As I write this review I’m listening to reggae music with this amp through some Grado 325i headphones. The unit is connected to my computer via the USB connection so the unit does the DAC

work. Very good sound. Now here’s the kicker. This will power small external speakers and allows a line in 3.5mm connection. Perfect for ipods. Three different uses all in one small mini amp. An excellent job. Do not get lured in and purchase the portable battery powered headphone amp that nuforce also makes. That product is subpar. This product however is perfect if you need a small footprint and high quality audio. Smooth and full sounding is the best description. I can recommend this product without hesitation.

Buy/More Info

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