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Good value budget setup with the Nuforce Icon uDAC-2?

post #1 of 9
1/16/12 at 1:08am
Thread Starter 

I'm thinking about upgrading my current computer audio setup (ancient Logitech Z-560). I'm on a budget and I'm looking for something that provides good value. I'm currently thinking of getting a pair of Paradigm Atom and Nuforce Icon uDAC-2 (base, SE, or SGE?). The source will be from either my desktop computer or when I'm travelling, my Lenovo X201. Any comment on this setup? Will I need a SUB? I'm a newbie at this, but how do I connect the speakers to the Nuforce uDAC-2? Is this tiny little thing powerful enough to drive something like the Paradigm Atoms? Will there be any massive difference by upgrading to the Nuforce Icon HDP? My current room size is about 3 metres x 3 metres. It's not very big.

 

I looked at the Head-Fi's buyer guide and I think the PSB Imagine Mini Loudspeakers, but they're too expensive. How does the Paradigm Atom compare to the Imagine Minis?

 

I was also shocked not to see the Nuforce uDAC-2 in the buyer's guide. Are there better alternatives for the money?

 

Thanks!


Edited by Sgt_Strider - 1/16/12 at 1:15am
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

NuForce Icon uDAC (USB DAC and headphone amp)
Audioengine A2 Premium Powered Desktop Speaker Pair (White)
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post #2 of 9
1/17/12 at 12:49am
Thread Starter 

bump!

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post #3 of 9
1/17/12 at 3:06am

You will need an amp to power the Atoms. You can try to find a Sonic T-Amp or a similar style Tripath design.

 

How often do you plan on traveling to make your system semi-portable?

 

You will not get the 'boom' from the Atoms that your Logitechs had but you might find they have enough for your tastes. Ultimately you'll have to get them and listen to see if you want more. If you do get a sub look into the Outlaw M8 powered sub. You can find B-stock on their webpage for around $200 and they sell for $250 new.  I have not heard the sub but it has generally been well received in a few audio forums I've been reading.  I'm going to save up and try one out based off the reviews I've read.

 

As your room is on the smaller side and you plan on taking the speakers with you when you travel, one option is the Audioengine A2 + D1 DAC. Small, good sound and they offer a 30 day return/refund. I've been testing the D1 with the larger A5 speakers and its quite nice.  I like that the D1 acts as a preamp so I can control the volume.

 

Best bet is to find vendors which offer a trial period, set it up in your room and see how it sounds and then take the small hit in return shipping and keep what you like.

 

Get some more suggestions from other users though and go from there. Good luck.

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post #4 of 9
1/26/12 at 1:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtkversion View Post

You will need an amp to power the Atoms. You can try to find a Sonic T-Amp or a similar style Tripath design.

 

How often do you plan on traveling to make your system semi-portable?

 

You will not get the 'boom' from the Atoms that your Logitechs had but you might find they have enough for your tastes. Ultimately you'll have to get them and listen to see if you want more. If you do get a sub look into the Outlaw M8 powered sub. You can find B-stock on their webpage for around $200 and they sell for $250 new.  I have not heard the sub but it has generally been well received in a few audio forums I've been reading.  I'm going to save up and try one out based off the reviews I've read.

 

As your room is on the smaller side and you plan on taking the speakers with you when you travel, one option is the Audioengine A2 + D1 DAC. Small, good sound and they offer a 30 day return/refund. I've been testing the D1 with the larger A5 speakers and its quite nice.  I like that the D1 acts as a preamp so I can control the volume.

 

Best bet is to find vendors which offer a trial period, set it up in your room and see how it sounds and then take the small hit in return shipping and keep what you like.

 

Get some more suggestions from other users though and go from there. Good luck.


The speakers won't be transported. When I'm travelling, I'll be using earphones. So the uDAC-2 will not be enough to power the Atoms?

 

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post #5 of 9
1/26/12 at 4:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider View Post


The speakers won't be transported. When I'm travelling, I'll be using earphones. So the uDAC-2 will not be enough to power the Atoms?

 



The uDac2 is not an amp, the Nuforce Icon is though.

 

If you're spending that much money though I'd look into a Behringer A500.  Much more power so you'd need speakers that can handle more wattage but do a google search for some reviews on the Behringer.  Highly rated and relatively cheap ($200)

 

This is a pretty interesting writeup on a demo featuring the A500.

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post #6 of 9
5/20/12 at 4:29am
Thread Starter 

Is the A500 better than the Nuforce Icon when it comes to powering the Paradigm Atoms?

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post #7 of 9
5/21/12 at 5:13am

Nuforce makes decent stuff but for me if one is looking value for money there are better options tongue_smile.gif

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post #8 of 9
5/21/12 at 3:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by trog View Post

Nuforce makes decent stuff but for me if one is looking value for money there are better options tongue_smile.gif

What do you suggest then?

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post #9 of 9
5/22/12 at 6:13am

I wouldn't rule out vintage/classic tbh - 3 x 3 isn't large at all and something like a NAD 3020 still drives half decent speakers sweetly to this day and is an extremely viable option for 2 channel audio set ups L3000.gif

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

NuForce Icon uDAC (USB DAC and headphone amp)
Audioengine A2 Premium Powered Desktop Speaker Pair (White)
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