Promising new portable headphone amp (Mobile Icon) from NuForce - Page 9

Any comparisons from people who have also heard the iBasso T4? They seem to be targeted in the same segment with similar pricing and form factor. Comments are greatly appreciated.

Are you serious?

Come on H/P, Slickster's just a newbee and it's not unreasonable for him to ask given all the Fiio E5 hype.

Slickster,

The Fiios E5 and it's older bro the E3 are good "Cheap" micro-amps designed to amplify the analog audio signal that your source puts out. they are not anywhere near the quality of these NuForce Icon Mobile or other DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) amps.They are designed to by-pass your computer's sound card and reconstruct and amplify the direct digital file to analog signals that your speakers or headphones can translate into music If you're looking for something to compare the Fiio to, stick with the Boosteroo or Travagans Colors.

Jason, now that we've passed December 15, is there a link somewhere for pre-ordering the new colors? I checked your webstore, but I'm only seeing silver.

By the way, will pics of the new colors be up soon?

Im thinking of getting these as my first amp. How would "burn in" work on an amp? I have a vague idea of how "burn in" works for phones but am kinda confused with the idea of it with amps. I am completely new to amps and while looking at all these threads have educated me a little, there are a lot of foreign terms I am unfamiliar with. Anyone know of a good newbie guide for amps and terms? Also if anyone has these and the e5, could you take a picture of them together? I wanna see the size difference.

Here's a thread for some commonly used terms when referring to audio Sound Quality.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/des...ossary-220770/

FULL REVIEW NUFORCE ICON MOBILE: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/3947073-post2.html

The black, red, and blue Icon Mobile amps are ready for purchase on Amazon.com (or go directly to amazon.nuforce-icon.com)
We should be getting the items by Thursday, Dec 18 and will ship them out by USPS Priority Mail. For USA customers, you will be able to get them before Christmas holiday.



Appreciate Larry's review (and so many from others too ). We never expect Icon Mobile to best the top tier amps and very happy that it has been recognized as one of the best entry level headphone amps/USB DAC.

Nice colors! already ordered mine (for myself).

This maybe a silly question but, how many pins are needed for this device on the USB Mini? I see there are 4, 5, 8 and 14 pin versions at an eTailer.

me too! i jus ordered a black one! come to papi! haha!

Thanks boomy but Ive already seen that, I meant technical terms like line in/out, DAC, LOD, etc.

Jason, Ive been looking around and I saw mention of discount bundles with the NE8 and desktop icons but that was dated a month ago. Are there gonna be bundle discounts with the Icon Mobile and the NE-8 or 7M?

We have NE-7M on discount during the intro week and now NE-8 is on discount until end of December so there is no bundle discount.

We are selling these stuff at good prices
We don't believe in setting a fake high price and then discount it.

Delete this post please.

I'm currently using the headphone out of a vintage Marantz 2218 to power AKG 701s and very happy with the sound. To simplify my setup, I'm thinking of replacing the bulky Marantz with the Icon Mobile. An additional benefit would be the ability to bypass the onboard DAC of my iMac and MacBook, in favor of the Mobile's internal DAC. I think this alone might be worth the price of admission.

For the record, I've briefly heard the Icon Desktop with my AKGs and was pleased with the sound. I don't listen to my headphones at high volumes, nor do I believe in "listening critically" which always struck me as an odd way to describe something that, for me, is supposed to be enjoyable and relaxing. Just my opinion.

Anyway, headphone listening would be the main use in this setup - I have a separate speaker setup in a different room - but down the line I'd consider adding some powered speakers like the Dynaudio bm5a using the line-out.

Is there any reason to go with the Icon Desktop over the Mobile? This little stone seems like it can kill a lot of birds.