| | |  | DAC & Headphone Amp | Home » » NuForce Icon-2 Integrated Desktop Amplifier with 24bit/96kHZ USB DAC and high performance headphone amplifier | | | | | | | Description: | | "The heart of your digital world". Operating from a technology platform that has won NuForce numerous awards and rave reviews, NuForce's Second-Generation Icon is an audiophile-quality integrated desktop audio amplifier featuring two 24-watt outputs, a 3.5mm stereo input for connecting to an iPod or similar portable device, a USB port 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 features 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. This feature also operates as the connection to a subwoofer. | | | Features: | |
• 24bit/96kHz USB DAC
• Output Power: 24W x 2 (4 Ohm), 18W x 2 (8 Ohm)
• Peak Power: 30W x 2 (4 Ohm)
• Inputs: 1 RCA, 1 3.5mm Stereo, 1 USB
• Outputs: 1 Line out, 1 headphone output, speaker outputs
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 6.0 inches | | Product Width:
| 4.5 inches | | Product Height:
| 1.0 inches | | Product Weight:
| 1.0 pounds | | Package Length:
| 13.2 inches | | Package Width:
| 11.3 inches | | Package Height:
| 2.2 inches | | Package Weight:
| 3.7 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 2 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 2 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
So far, I'm pretty happy.Jul 01, 2011
By Contigo
[PLEASE SEE THE LAST EDIT FOR MY CONCLUSION]
I've only had this little DAC/amp for a few days and, so far, I'm pretty happy. It's got a really nice look and feel to it. The sound is clear as a bell and seems to have a good soundstage. I was impressed with the volume for such a low powered amp. I was rather comfortable listening at less than half power. Their touting of true silence is accurate. I was able to turn the volume up to 100% (with nothing playing) without any audible hiss or hum. Very impressive.
My only complaint is an apparent lack of lows. My AR floor standing speakers used to get quite a bit of punch from my old Philips receiver, with no need for a sub. I positioned my speakers closer to the wall, which certainly helped, but I still feel like I'm lacking real punch in the lower frequencies. Since it's an all in one unit, I can't use a physical EQ. My only options are to use my iTunes EQ or purchase a sub.
I find that audio equipment takes time to get used to, so I'm going to give this a couple weeks before I jump to the conclusion that I require a sub. Overall, I'm very happy with the sound and quality of the Icon 2. I will update this review after I've had some time to adjust to my new system.
EDIT:07:21:11
I'm still very happy with the overall tone of my Icon2, but the low range continues to suffer. I've ordered a sub and am hoping this remedies the situation. For clarification, my floor standing speakers have a 90db efficiency rating and go beyond normal listening levels at the 12 o'clock position on the Icon 2. I don't believe my lack of low frequencies has anything to do with the efficiency of my speakers. For reference, they are a pair of Acoustic Research 318PS's from the early 2000's. I've been happy with them for ten years or so. I'm really hoping a subwoofer can bring it all together. I'd hate to have to purchase new speakers.
EDIT:10:09:11 - CONCLUSION
I added a sub to the mix and after a few months with this system, I can say that I'm very pleased with the sound, for the price. I don't believe that my speakers are a perfect match, but it still performs well and I rarely find myself disappointed. I would certainly be interested to hear this with smaller 92db+ sensitivity speakers and the sub, which is most likely the ideal setup for this amp/dac.
One thing that I would like to pass along is that I found a considerable degradation of sound when my system volume was lower. I tend to set the amp up a tad louder than I would like and dial down my system volume a bit to give me some easy wiggle room from the keyboard. I notice a distinct increase in bass output and punch with the system volume all the way up. Control your volume output solely through the Icon2 when possible. Once again, I do not think the amp is at fault. I'm no expert, but I assume it has something to do with signal compression and re-amplification, making everything sound kind of squashed. With the system volume maxed, you get more dynamic output.
The headphone amp seems a little more musical than my Apogee Duet and, luckily, happens to match well (volume level wise) with my Byerdynamics. By that I mean that I can listen to music at an acceptable volume through my speakers, plug in my headphones and not have to adjust the volume. I think that's just dumb luck, but I like it :)
Someday I'd like to invest in a higher end DAC, a low power, tube driven SET, and high sensitivity speakers...but until I can afford it, this is the next best thing and a steal at $350. Bravo :)
1 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Spectacular Sound!Nov 04, 2010
By Jackie Treehorn
Anyone who is serious about quality sound should have one of these for their digital music collection. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I use it at work every day with my headphones and the sound is amazing. I had an old external DAC (Yamaha DP-U50) which I was using before I purchased this and there is no comparison between the two devices. The sound from the Icon2 is amazing.
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