NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier and USB DAC (blue color) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have both the Icon and the Icon Mobile. The Icon Mobile is very nice but if you do not need portable I would get the Icon, the bass is significantly better than the Icon Mobile which lacks the current to drive headphones (if you use in ear you should be ok but I did not test with that), in all other respects they are the same. Sound quality is excellent on both. Their customer service is also excellent.

Highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier and USB DAC (blue color)

Product Description:
The Nuforce Icon Mobile, along with its accessories, allows the user to obtain better sound quality from mobile music players, smart phones and personal computers. The Icon Mobile also serves as a rechargeable, high-performance headphone amplifier with adjustable gain or stand-alone USB DAC with support for Skype, Messenger or similar microphones.Desktop Applications: 1. Connected to a computer via USB, the Icon Mobile can drive a pair of active, i.e., powered, speakers. 2. The external 3.5mm stereo input, when inserted, takes precedence over the USB DAC. This function allows the user to listen to music from sources such as an iPod without having to disconnect the Icon Mobile from the computer.Mobile Applications: 1. Due to cost constrains or power consumption considerations, mobile devices such as an iPod or smart phone do not incorporate high-performance headphone amplifiers. The Icon Mobile's optional iPod connector permits the user to bypass the iPod's volume control. The compact, lightweight Icon Mobile, which can drive a variety of headphones, connects to these devices via 3.5mm stereo input.

Get 20% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier and USB DAC (blue color) now ?

NuForce Icon uDAC-2 (Silver) Headphone Amp and USB DAC (24bit/96kHz) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I originally bought the uDAC-2 to use for both my portable setup and my "real" home setup. For reference, here are my setups:

Portable: Laptop --> uDAC-2 --> Sennheiser HD650 or Shure SE-115K
Home: Desktop Computer --> uDAC-2 --> Matrix M-Stage Amplifier --> HD650

As a DAC, the uDAC is simply outstanding in its class, especially considering both its price and form factor. As a moderately active headphone listener (and [...] addict), I have tried numerous portable DAC and DAC/Amp solutions, such as the iBasso D10, the iBasso D4, the HeadAmp Pico DAC/Amp, the HeadAmp Pico DAC only, and the Zero DAC that was making waves all over the internet a couple of years ago. I believe the uDAC easily matches these DACs in prowess, with maybe only the HeadAmp Pico DAC only sounding slightly more detailed in its lower frequencies (although this is a highly subjective opinion, as I did not compare both the DACs with the same headset or same amplifier, and am only doing the comparison from memory as I had sampled a friend's Pico a while back).

The DAC is outstanding: it uses high quality components, has fantastic fit and finish, and requires only a USB port with no external power.

The headphone amplifier, however, was the most surprising part of the product for me. I did not really expect much of a headphone amplifier to be integrated into a $100 budget DAC, but the amplifier was outstanding for its price. It even managed to almost power my HD650s, which have an extremely high impedance of 300ohms, and are usually terrible sounding from budget amplifiers. The HD650s still sound a bit muddy (it's to be expected in a budget portable DAC/Amp combo), but my Shures sound phenomenal -- miles ahead of my laptop or desktop's built in headphone output. Since it's such a small accessory, it's perfect for making long study sessions in the library much more bearable with great audio coming out of my laptop.

I would highly recommend the product: it easily competes with products double its price (the iBasso D10), and is a fantastic way to get into high fidelity audio for a bargain price.

A note of caution: all of these products simply output your source material much more accurately and clearly than your internal sound cards (for the most part). Thus, any flaws in the source will also be more easily heard. I wouldn't really recommend listening to 128kbps MP3s with this. At least 196kbps (preferably V0 or 320kbps) MP3s/AACs if you must use compressed audio, but lossless audio formats such as FLAC and ALAC are generally much preferred.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NuForce Icon uDAC-2 (Silver) Headphone Amp and USB DAC (24bit/96kHz)

Product Description:
"A must-have laptop companion! Discover digital music's true headphone potential". NuForce uDAC-2 is a high-performance USB Digital Audio Converter (DAC) that connects your personal computer's audio with your home stereo, desktop sound system, or headphones. The quality and versatility of the uDAC-2's performance belies its diminutive size. With its extensive power supply, filtering capabilities and charge-pump circuit as a foundation, the uDAC-2 processes incoming data via a USB audio receiver. A D/A converter chip then translates the data to a two-volt analog signal. The NuForce uDAC-2's performance equals or exceeds that of a great many audiophile CD players. The unit's exemplary flexibility -- analog RCA, digital coaxial, and high-performance headphone outputs -- is bound to satisfy the needs of the most critical music lover. The highly successful uDAC has been upgraded with improved headphone amp, 24bit resolution and higher quality volume control.

Want to read more honest consumer review about NuForce Icon uDAC-2 (Silver) Headphone Amp and USB DAC (24bit/96kHz) now ?

NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier and USB DAC (black color) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have not stopped smiling since I received my NuForce Icon USB DAC. I listen to my downloaded computer music for at least 6 hours every day; 5 days a week. I have been trying to upgrade my music files to higher bit rates. I purchased high quality ear buds to get better sound. Each has made small improvements to my listening experience, but nothing compares to the HUGE improvement in sound quality that I got when I purchased the NuForce Icon USB DAC.
2 words immediately come to mind. Clarity and impact. I noticed both on the first song I played. It is unbelievable what this little DAC did to the music. I was hearing instruments and sounds that I had never heard before in some of the songs that I have listened to hundreds of times before. Truly amazing product and it's only $99.
It will not perform miracles, however. Garbage in/garbage out. If you have really poor quality music files; it can only do so much.
If, like me, you listen to a lot of music on a computer, you have got to try this little Mighty Mite.
I am truly blown away.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier and USB DAC (black color)

Product Description:
The Nuforce Icon Mobile, along with its accessories, allows the user to obtain better sound quality from mobile music players, smart phones and personal computers. The Icon Mobile also serves as a rechargeable, high-performance headphone amplifier with adjustable gain or stand-alone USB DAC with support for Skype, Messenger or similar microphones.Desktop Applications: 1. Connected to a computer via USB, the Icon Mobile can drive a pair of active, i.e., powered, speakers. 2. The external 3.5mm stereo input, when inserted, takes precedence over the USB DAC. This function allows the user to listen to music from sources such as an iPod without having to disconnect the Icon Mobile from the computer.Mobile Applications: 1. Due to cost constrains or power consumption considerations, mobile devices such as an iPod or smart phone do not incorporate high-performance headphone amplifiers. The Icon Mobile's optional iPod connector permits the user to bypass the iPod's volume control. The compact, lightweight Icon Mobile, which can drive a variety of headphones, connects to these devices via 3.5mm stereo input.

Get 20% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier and USB DAC (black color) now ?

Nuforce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Red Color) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)NuForce is a high-end digital amp manufacture and they are known for the high performance proprietary Class D amp technology.
I knew their product on several auditions, I had a high expectation on this so I jumped at this chance to get it. It is well rewarded.

First, I connected Icon with my PC via USB DAC and YAMAHA desktop speakers. The sound quality of Icon was very nice from just out of the box.
I thought the ability is beyond the desktop speakers. Finally I set it up with my best speaker Dynaudio twenty five special via LINN IKEMI.

I was amazed by the quality of bass reproduction. It's so rich and deep, I can not believe it from the tiny size of Icon-1. Lower register of the speaker is well controlled as expected from Nuforce reputation.
Second, I like musicality of the Icon. Icon is not sterile nor dry without loosing any virtue of the Class D amp. In fact, Icon sports a high resolution and low distortion.
I think the overall performance is far beyond the price.

As a bonus, Icon has a decent headphone amp. This is not a cheap trick, Icon employs a discrete circuit for the headphone amp. Again, the sound quality is very good, this is no mean feat for the headphone out of audio amps.

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nuforce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Red Color)

Product Description:
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.

Get 10% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Nuforce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Red Color) now ?

NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Black Color). Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using my NuForce Icon for over a month now and I am very impressed. The sound is fantastic. The USB input worked perfect for me when connected to a Windows XP Home SP3 computer or to a PC running Ubuntu. I have the Icon paired up with my Polk TSi 100 home stereo speakers (rated at 89db) and am happier with this setup than I was with my 10-year old Adcom amp/Boston Acoustics speakers combo. Using the Icon's rear 3.5mm line-out, I connected a Polk PSW111 sub and now have a small 2-channel system that I am very happy with.

To be fair though, I do think there are some cons that should be discussed:
1) The popping sound at turn-on. It is annoying and it shouldn't be there. It should have been fixed during the design of this integrated amp. Somewhere along the line someone made the decision to leave it, probably to save money.
2)The speaker sensitivity recommendations. This is a low-power amp, 12 watts per channel, so having fairly efficient speakers is a must. NuForce recommend a speaker sensitivity rating of at least 87db. But they also has the following caution on it's Icon website: "Caution: If you have high efficiency speakers with sensitivity > 92db, you might hear high frequency switching noise." So, your speakers should have a sensitivity rating of at least 87db so they will play at a decent volume, but less than 92db or you might here "switching noise". Again, I would have liked to see the high speaker sensitivity/switching noise fixed prior to the models release.
3) There is a note in the user's manual that says "IMPORTANT! If you intend to employ the Icon as a preamp without speakers having been connected, use the Headphone Output on the front panel instead of Line Out on the back panel. Using Line Outwithout speaker connection could damage an internal filter." Using the line-out on the back panel would be common sense if you wanted to use the Icon as a preamp. But doing that could damage the unit? That is poor design and it shouldn't be that way. Nothing should get damaged if you make a wrong signal-level connection.

With that said, I am still very happy with my Icon. If I had the choice to buy something else or get another Icon, I would get the Icon again. I can live with the popping at turn-on because there isn't anything I can do about it. My speakers fit in the recommended 87-92db range so that doesn't bother me. And I bought the Icon to use as an integrated amp, not a preamp, so that line-out warning doesn't bother me. But none of those three cons should be there. They should have been identified and fixed prior to the Icon being released. Based on sound quality, ease of use,and features for the price, it's a 5-star rating, but I lowered it to a 4-star when you factor in the cons.

---

Update - 12 Jun 2010,
Just an update to my original review of the Nuforce Icon. After using it for four months I unfortunately have a couple more "cons" to add.

4) If you have the USB input connected to a computer, the computer will automatically select the Nuforce Icon as the default sound device whenever the Icon is turned on - regardless of whether the USB input (Input 3) is selected on the Icon. In my case I am using the Icon as a small integrated amp for my home stereo. I have an MP3 player connected to Input 1, my TV connected to Input 2, and my PC connected to Input 3 via USB. If I turn on the Icon and select Input 2 to listed to my TV through my home stereo speakers, my computer's sound device will automatically change from the built-in sound card to the Nuforce Icon. When it does that I don't get any audio from my built-in sound card/computer speakers even though I don't have the Input 3/USB selected on the Icon. It seems like the computer should only "see" the Icon when the Input 3/USB is selected, not anytime the Icon is powered on. (I'm using WinXP SP3 Home).
5) I watch some HD television programs using my Samsung LCD TV's built-in HD tuner and over-the-air HD reception. On a few of my stations, I clearly get better television reception when my Icon is powered off. For example, today I was trying to tune in HD channel 4.1 and could only get "1 bar" on my TV's signal strength meter no matter how much I messed with the antenna. For my TV, anything below 2-3 bars results in the picture randomly dropping out and looking pixelated. After turning off the Icon, my signal strength instantly went to 4 bars and I had solid reception. Turning the Icon on and off definitely affects my TV reception on some stations. (My Icon is located on the shelf directly below my TV, approximately 8-9 inches away.)

Some good news: I have heard of some USB devices not working very good over long USB cables. I'm happy to say that I have connected my Icon to my PC using 3 USB cables daisy-chained together - about 15 feet - and the Icon is always recogized and plays PC audio perfectly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Black Color).

Product Description:
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.

Get 10% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Black Color). now ?