Icon Audio HP8/MP 3 - Page 5

Quote:

Originally Posted by project86 

It's cool that you got to hear it. Pics? 

 

It's funny because I've seen plenty of threads about "Why don't any high end amp manufacturers make headphone amps?" Yet here's an example of just that. Granted, Icon might not be priced like Lamm, Atma-sphere, Jadis, etc. But still. 

 

I was just checking out the Icon MB90 monoblocks. Those look mighty tasty for $4200. 

Or, how about the Jolida Fusion monblocks?  Oh darn... That's $2999 ea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blasjw 

 

Or, how about the Jolida Fusion monblocks?  Oh darn... That's $2999 ea.

Those look nice, but I think I'd take the Icon option based on price, looks, and tube compliment. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by project86 

It's cool that you got to hear it. Pics? 

 

It's funny because I've seen plenty of threads about "Why don't any high end amp manufacturers make headphone amps?" Yet here's an example of just that. Granted, Icon might not be priced like Lamm, Atma-sphere, Jadis, etc. But still. 

 

I was just checking out the Icon MB90 monoblocks. Those look mighty tasty for $4200. 

Sorry, I didn't take any pictures but there is a grainy photo on the Stereophile website.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deniall 

I like what I'm hearing in this thread. So the HP8 pairs well with the HD650?

Yes, very much so. I like it set with the "medium" impedance setting which makes the HD650 seem to dig deeper in the bass region. Very, very nice indeed. 

Great to see your review project86. I've been putting some thoughts together on the Icon too, but it'll be very boring because I agree with you completely. Oh well!

I'm still loving my Icon and have settled on what I think is an outstanding tube combination: Shuguang Treasure CV181Z and Mullard MC1. It's a perfect balance between insight and euphony. Combined with my HD800 it's pure bliss.

Loved the accidental humour in this thread too - simply joyous and totally brightened up my day.

Amazed this little amp isn't more appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Painterspal 

Great to see your review project86. I've been putting some thoughts together on the Icon too, but it'll be very boring because I agree with you completely. Oh well!

 

I'm still loving my Icon and have settled on what I think is an outstanding tube combination: Shuguang Treasure CV181Z and Mullard MC1. It's a perfect balance between insight and euphony. Combined with my HD800 it's pure bliss.

 

Loved the accidental humour in this thread too - simply joyous and totally brightened up my day.

 

Amazed this little amp isn't more appreciated.

Thanks! I'd still be interested in seeing your write-up, regardless of what's already been covered. Just because I say something, doesn't make it so, and all other viewpoints are always welcome - even if it's mostly in agreement.

I'm also surprised this amp isn't more well regarded. It's a great amp. But like my Analog Design Labs tube amp, not many people seem to have even heard of it much less are interested in spending 4 figures on it. Oh well, their loss. 

I'll certainly post my review - it's 3/4 done now anyway - and, as you would expect, my approach is somewhat different. However, where we overlap our impressions are similar, strikingly so where the HD800 is concerned, which is the 'phone I've mainly focused on.

I'd certainly like to hear the Beyer T1 with the Icon - sounds like a great combination.

With the exchange rate for UK exports now more favourable, I hope others will take the chance to sample the delights of this amp, which competes strongly at around the $1K price point IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Painterspal 

I'll certainly post my review - it's 3/4 done now anyway - and, as you would expect, my approach is somewhat different. However, where we overlap our impressions are similar, strikingly so where the HD800 is concerned, which is the 'phone I've mainly focused on.

 

I'd certainly like to hear the Beyer T1 with the Icon - sounds like a great combination.

 

With the exchange rate for UK exports now more favourable, I hope others will take the chance to sample the delights of this amp, which competes strongly at around the $1K price point IMO.

Yes, T1 is excellent with the Icon. Perhaps the best I've ever heard it sound. 

I especially look forward to reading your thoughts about various tube options (if that's included in your write-up, if not that's OK). 

Yup, will cover the tubes I've used and their effect on the sound.

Without getting into expensive or NOS tubes, I think the current production Tung-Sols in all positions is a nice improvement over the stock Chinese tubes.  The 12AX7 switch is the most noticeable, better resolution and less sibilant treble.

I've replaced mine with 2X Full music 6SN7 and a Genelex Gold Lion 12AX7. I felt they were all a big upgrade from stock (but mine were 2nd hand, no idea how many hours on stock), better resolution etc, with reduced background noise. 

I didn't like the PSVane 12AX7 though, didn't feel right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Painterspal 

I'll certainly post my review - it's 3/4 done now anyway - and, as you would expect, my approach is somewhat different. However, where we overlap our impressions are similar, strikingly so where the HD800 is concerned, which is the 'phone I've mainly focused on.

 

I'd certainly like to hear the Beyer T1 with the Icon - sounds like a great combination.

 

With the exchange rate for UK exports now more favourable, I hope others will take the chance to sample the delights of this amp, which competes strongly at around the $1K price point IMO.

It would be great to read your review. Also has anyone heard the Icon audio mp3? It seems a weird amp that is rated for 4-60 ohm headphones

Thanks for the info about tubes. I tried some that I liked but nothing really made me fall in love with it - maybe I just need to spend more time to get to know each set. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by lithium1085 

It would be great to read your review. Also has anyone heard the Icon audio mp3? It seems a weird amp that is rated for 4-60 ohm headphones

It sure does. Not attractive imo, from an external standpoint. And reminds me of some Chinese amps I have seen (which I can't recall the brand at the moment.... maybe Ming Da?)

Quote:

Originally Posted by project86 

Thanks for the info about tubes. I tried some that I liked but nothing really made me fall in love with it - maybe I just need to spend more time to get to know each set. 

 

 

It sure does. Not attractive imo, from an external standpoint. And reminds me of some Chinese amps I have seen (which I can't recall the brand at the moment.... maybe Ming Da?)

yup Ming Da has an amp which looks like this........Is it just me or does anyone else feel that the price difference of the HP8 in the UK/EU and through music direct is a little too high?