| | |  | Amplifier | Home » » NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Silver Color). | | | | | | | 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. | | | 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
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 1.0 inches | | Product Width:
| 4.5 inches | | Product Height:
| 6.0 inches | | Product Weight:
| 1.0 pounds | | Package Length:
| 17.3 inches | | Package Width:
| 11.3 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.83 inches | | Package Weight:
| 5.0 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 14 reviews |
| | | | Used and New: | | | |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
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 NuForce Vendor for Amazon Mar 03, 2009
This is an amazing vendor for this NuForce Icon. I sent it as a gift, the end user was not clear how to set any of the equipment up (just not experienced). He thought he was missing cables. I sent feedback to the vendor, they called the end user, assured them all was included in the box and how to set it up. This to me was terrific follow through. Amazing!
 Great desktop ampJan 11, 2009
Before I got the NuForce Icon, my headphone and speakers at my desk were being driven by an older Harman Kardon receiver, which did a fine job, but also was overkill for the job and took up a large amount of valuable desk space. The NuForce Icon was attractive to me as a replacement due to it's small size, multiple audio inputs, and most importantly the built in USB DAC. People have become attracted to USB for a DAC due to it's ease of installation and low jitter, and I was hopeful this would work well in that case.
The Icon is a very tiny package. It fit easily on my desk, and the included speaker cables were just long enough to connect my bookshelf speakers. Once I connected the Icon to my PC it was recognized by Windows XP instantly and the software installed for it with no issues. I was also able to install the ASIO4ALL driver to bypass the Windows Audio Kernel (for better performance and higher quality audio) and that has worked without any conflicts so far. The lingering question I had is how well would a little 12 WPC amp be able to drive my bookshelf speakers?
The answer, I found, was very easily. I don't need to go beyond half volume for typical listening, and if I push the audio up to 3/4ths of the max volume then it's more than loud enough for any type of music I want to listen to. I haven't been able to notice the speakers suffering in anyway compared to being driven by a much larger 70 WPC amp as they were before. I'm not sure it could provide enough power for a large listening room, but for a bedroom or an office, it provides more than enough.
The ability of it to function as a headphone amp was just a bonus for me, but it's proven to be a nice bonus. Combined with the DAC, using my Grado headphones the music I listen to (all files stored as lossless FLAC on my PC) has more clarity to it than it did before. I wouldn't say that I hear things in the music that I didn't hear before, but there is far more clarity than there was before and it makes listening a more enjoyable experience. Switching to an analog input works just fine with my radio tuner, though most of my time is spent using the USB DAC input.
The downside to me is that there is a loud pop though my speakers when I turn on the amp, so I often just leave it powered on all the time (being a Class D amp, it consumes very little power while running). Also, if I had speakers that were further away at all then I would need to purchase the longer speaker cables, but those are very reasonably priced from NuForce, as well as the power supply upgrade that I would like to try out (probably not needed if used only as a headphone amp, but it may help for speakers). Overall, highly recommended.
Really value for moneyJan 06, 2009
Connected with Desktop PC through USB-DAC. Speaker is Tangent EVO. Not recommended to use the DAC of Icon itself. Still on the way of aging. But...Amazing quality sound for money.Sometimes totally forgot it as the music from PC.Recommended for the person who would like to up-grade the desktop PC music listening.
Little gemJan 06, 2009
This little amp is a gem. i connected my computer to the usbdac and it sounds great. I found myself connecting this amp to my audiopro black diamond tower speakers 4 ohm and 90db sens.I was chocked by how well this 12w amp drove my speakers. i ended it up listening for hours and enjoying one cd after another. I bought mine for $199 and imo it is worth 3 times this price..Do yourself a favor and go buy one now. You will never regret it
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
This is the best amp I've ever owned!Dec 10, 2008
I have a sitting room off my master bedroom and have my computer and LCD TV performing double duty and I needed an amp that would fit on my desktop. After reading the reviews I bought the $199 one. Don't be afraid to save the $50 if you can find it from NuForce. I have it hooked up to Yamaha bookshelf speakers. The ICON accepts 3 inputs, including the USB connection. I use it as my primary audio from my computer and it is flawless. Second, I connected a Sony HD Radio tuner, which is also extremely compact and I am in audio heaven. Third, I use the last set of inputs to connect the TV audio out to the Yahamas. I use this everyday and I love it. Like another reviewer, I leave it on constantly. It runs cool, makes no noise and has plenty of power for my application. It is smooth sounding and precise. Note: I use the line out to connect to a cheap Phillips subwoofer and that completes the system. I'm sure I'll eventually buy another one.
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