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NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Silver Color) | 
| Brand: NuForce
Category: CE
Buy New: $249.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 8080
Color: Silver
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 1 x 4.5 x 6
Power = 12WX2. Peak power =15WX2
THD+N=0.05%, 1kHz, 2W @ 4 ohm load.
THD+N=0.06%, 1kHz, 2W @ 8 ohm load.
Power Bandwidth : 26Hz ~ 50kHz, -1dB, 1W@4ohm load
SNR = 84 db at 7W @ 8 ohm
S/N Ratio: 98dB
Model: Icon
UPC: 895029002025
EAN: 0895029002025
ASIN: B0016U2J52
Release Date: April 25, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Inputs: RCA, USB (USB 1.1 compliance), 3.5mm Stereo | | • | Speaker Outputs (RJ45 connectors). NuForce RJ45 to banana plug speaker cables are provided with NuFo | | • | Headphone Output: Maximum output @32 ohm Load = 31.25mW, THD (20Hz ~ 20KHz) < 0.03% | | • | Line Out (for Subwoofer) connection, USB DAC (USB 1.1 compliance) | | • | Power Adapter - 12-14V, 25W, 100-240VAC worldwide voltages |
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| Editorial Reviews:
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.
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| Customer Reviews:
Great product, tremendous value July 21, 2008
I just got my Icon, and it sounds so good that I just cannot stop listening to iTunes! I meant to turn it on just for a quick test run, but the music sounded so compelling, with so much background detail, and with such clearer highs and lows, that I wound up listening for about 2 hours before I reluctantly pulled myself away.
I've tried a wide range of sound cards, but let's face it: computers simply aren't meant or designed to power speakers. That just isn't their job. A separate outboard DAC, however, IS meant to power speakers. And for nearfield desktop listening, the Icon accomplishes this task with an impressive combination of power, finesse, and aplomb. Not too shabby for $249, especially when you consider the cost of many similar products on the market.
If anything, the Icon has revealed the limitations of my mediocre Klipsch ProAudio 2.1 system. The quality of Nuforce's product really warrants an upgrade to higher quality speakers and better cabling, so I'm in the midst of procuring such items (Mackie powered speakers and Purist Audio interconnects).
I have had positive experiences with buying high quality power supplies with other home audio products in the past, so I'm strongly considering a purchase of the Nuforce 42W PSU. Often, a better power supply means more open and fluid sound, and is often worthwhile from my personal experience, and at $45 the Nuforce PSU seems reasonably priced compared to the overall cost of the Icon.
Finally, Nuforce customer service is almost unimaginably great to deal with. Their level of personal contact, over both e-mail and phone (without the dreaded "computerized voice jail" that plagues many other companies' so-called "service" centers) was as impressive as the product itself.
All in all, this was a true 5 star experience, and I expect that to continue throughout the lifespan of my Nuforce Icon.
Perfect office setup, great service June 26, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My first Icon quickly fried itself (overheated to oblivion), but NuForce took care of everything quickly and I now enjoy it daily. This thing will make amazing sounds come out of your speakers.
The bass is AMAZINGLY deep and detailed, and I am listening to it through bookshelf speakers (listening to Massive Attack was like a sharp stick to the back reminding me to give some positive feedback - bass bliss!) It even has a pre-out if you need subwoofer bass. Frankly I cannot imagine that need.
This thing is very fast and detailed without being analytical. The detail allows me to listen at lower volumes without the music turning to mud, so I don't constantly feel the need to crank it up (office, remember?)
Most of my listening is via the USB DAC. It can sometimes show some veil in low rent streams, especially in the mids - but keep in mind that I have pretty cheap speakers. Hook this to some nice Atoms and you would be in heaven.
The Icon is not super loud, but it is plenty for an office or bedroom environment. This leads me to my primary peeve - the speaker cables are entirely too tiny. You can roll your own, but you will need to crimp RJ45 (network) connectors. This also means that if you are the type to prefer cryogenically treated copper (or other exotic cabling) you may feel limited by the network connector. I used an RJ45 female to female and a network cable laying around the office to fix my cabling issues (cable snobs insert cringe here).
There is a minor pop upon powering up. Fit and finish are exceptional. The foot seems to be silicone.
I have not heard the other minor chip amps out there (T-Amp based) but I would believe it if you said this one trumped them. Given the USB DAC, 2 line in, pre-out, head-amp and amazing fit and finish, I think this to be the perfect office setup.
Fantastic Sound June 13, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased the Nuforce Icon to use in my office to play music from the computer or the radio. I use a Tivoli Audio Model One as a tuner with the interconnect going to the headphone outlet. The PC is connected via a USB cable to the Nuforce USB coonection which has it's own internal DAC. The speakers are Tekton with Fostek single full range drivers.
The sound from lossless FLAC files ripped from my favorite CD's is incredible. It is truly approaching high end audiophile quality sound. People remark that it sounds like a live performance.
The little Icon integrated amplifier would also be perfect for a bedroom or main system with efficient speakers.
Astonishing sound and value June 9, 2008
I've owned three of the little 'tripath' amps, two from Sonic Impact and one Kingrex. This is dramatically better than any of them. Aside from having a wonderful fit and finish and WAY more features (3 inputs, dac, output for sub or bi-amping) this things sounds incredible. I could live with one of these as my main stereo amp. This is an instant classic. I'm buying a second one to try bi-amping. By all means get the optional 2-meter speaker cable.
Incredible big sound from such a tiny amp! May 18, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
If you're looking for a modestly priced tiny amp that does a great job driving real world speakers, the Nuforce Icon is the one! When I say "real world speakers" I'm talking about most any decent pair of reasonably sensitive speakers, not some funky super high efficiency audiophile contraption.
In addition to typical RCA audio inputs, the Icon also has a USB input for use with a PC or laptop computer. I haven't tried the USB input.
At 12-watts per channel one would think this tiny amp wouldn't stand a chance against much larger power amps but with the Icon, it's more about audio quality vs quantity.
This amp sounds very nice! It's clean, crisp, transparent, and smooth with deep tight bass and extended clear treble.
The Nuforce Icon is significantly more powerful sounding with much tighter bass impact and definition vs any of the low power Tripath chip based amps like the Sonic Impact line including the Sonic Impact Super T amp which I also own.
I'm using the Icon in a small kitchen audio system with wireless (WiFi) streaming audio from my Slim Devices (Logitech) Squeezebox with my playlist and audio files residing on the PC in the basement.
I took my Sonic Impact Super T amp out of the system and replaced it with the Nuforce Icon. It sounds so much better now!
Because of it's Class D design the Icon is very efficient and runs cool so I just leave it powered ON 24/7.
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