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So I ended up returning the Icon. 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. This is a very high quality product at a low price. 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. The build quality is great too -- nice solid feel to the knobs, sturdy but smooth aluminum case. 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. No cheap plasticky stuff.BUT.
This product however is perfect if you need a small footprint and high quality audio. Do not get lured in and purchase the portable battery powered headphone amp that nuforce also makes. This will power small external speakers and allows a line in 3.5mm connection. Smooth and full sounding is the best description. Three different uses all in one small mini amp. As I write this review I'm listening to reggae music with this amp through some Grado 325i headphones.
Now here's the kicker. That product is subpar. The unit is connected to my computer via the USB connection so the unit does the DACwork. An excellent job. I can recommend this product without hesitation. Very good sound.
Perfect for ipods.
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 Nuforce Icon is a great desktop system, especially when hooked up to the usb port from a computer. 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. 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). 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.
I am impressed by how cool the box is after several hours of playing. I am using ITunes through a Macintosh. Use this amplifier for a two channel configuration with small high-efficiency speakers. A class D digital amplifier uses almost no power, and the cool operating temperatures show it. It can also serve as a preamplifier for a traditional stereo. 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.
A digital-to-analog converter is necessary for good audio performance if you are playing music directly off a computer. I listen mostly to acoustic and classical music. It could also be set up as a portable P.A. Since it receives its signal through USB, only an audio card, built into most computers, is necessary. system with a laptop, to amplify a presentation for a small to medium size room and audience.
Adding a powered sub-woofer is also possible.
Or one in every room in the house, at this price. 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).
I LOVE the Icon- hats off to Nuforce for providing such a tasty audio treat for the rest of us. simply don't.
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. No aspect of the audio spectrum is neglected- every note is in place from top to bottom.
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. Every music lover should have one.
The Icon's sound is fast and responsive with clarity, detail, and natural character, and it handles a variety of speaker systems with ease.
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