NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Black Color)

NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Black Color) | Great little amp

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NuForce Icon (Inte...

	NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Black Color) Nuforce Nuforce, 2008 average customer review:based on 3 reviews view larger image
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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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Buy several of these . . .

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. Every music lover should have one. Or one in every room in the house, at this price. The Icon's sound is fast and responsive with clarity, detail, and natural character, and it handles a variety of speaker systems with ease. No aspect of the audio spectrum is neglected- every note is in place from top to bottom. 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!) simply don't. I LOVE the Icon- hats off to Nuforce for providing such a tasty audio treat for the rest of us! 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.

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Great little amp

The thing sounds great in combination with the S1 speakers.

I have been using it through an USB connection stream .wav files and I couldn't be happier.

It is of course not comparable to larger systems, and is a tad bright, but still brillant associated to a Mac (or PC).

Functionwise, I would have loved it to have an optical in so as to be able to connect to the optical output of an airport express.

Cheers,
Bernard

NuForce Icon Audio Amplifier

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. It could also be set up as a portable P.A. system with a laptop, to amplify a presentation for a small to medium size room and audience.

A digital-to-analog converter is necessary for good audio performance if you are playing music directly off a computer. Use this amplifier for a two channel configuration with small high-efficiency speakers. Adding a powered sub-woofer is also possible. It can also serve as a preamplifier for a traditional stereo.

Since it receives its signal through USB, only an audio card, built into most computers, is necessary. I am using ITunes through a Macintosh. I listen mostly to acoustic and classical music.

I am impressed by how cool the box is after several hours of playing. A class D digital amplifier uses almost no power, and the cool operating temperatures show it.

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