[Torontoraccoon]

Hello,
 
I found my Icon 2 that I have not been using for some time now, I am curious can it be used as a DAC only? 
 
I want to use it with my Mac and a amp. So Mac -> Icon2 -> Amp.
 
Is that possible? I know its a stupid question =(

 

[johnzz4]

Yes, but it's a 3.5mm jack, so you will need to get a stereo 3.5mm -> stereo RCA (assuming that's the connection on the amp you're using and  usually is 99% of the time in home audio).

 

[xxhaxx]

Quote:

Yes, but it's a 3.5mm jack, so you will need to get a stereo 3.5mm -> stereo RCA (assuming that's the connection on the amp you're using and  usually is 99% of the time in home audio).

You do not need a 3.5mm cable. The nuforce Icon 2 has a pair of RCA output on the back which would bypass the amp. So all you would need is a RCA able to connect the Icon 2 to your amp.
 

 

[johnzz4]

The set of RCAs on the back are an input.  The only line out is 3.5mm.

 

[xxhaxx]

Quote:

You do not need a 3.5mm cable. The nuforce Icon 2 has a pair of RCA output on the back which would bypass the amp. So all you would need is a RCA able to connect the Icon 2 to your amp.
 

Guess I am wrong My bad 

 

[Torontoraccoon]

Quote:

The set of RCAs on the back are an input.  The only line out is 3.5mm.

Thanks, I see you have the HDP, have you tried using it as a DAC only by any chance? =)

 

[Nick01]

Quote:

The set of RCAs on the back are an input.  The only line out is 3.5mm.

Huh? According to the website http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/iconudac2/index.php the RCA is the output. I'm confused too

 

[Torontoraccoon]

Quote:

Huh? According to the website http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/iconudac2/index.php the RCA is the output. I'm confused too

I really do hope its an output. Fingers crossed! 

 

[johnzz4]

Icon 2 and Icon uDAC-2 are two different products.  Icon 2 is a DAC/integrated amp/headphone amp combo targeted toward full size speakers.  The Icon uDAC-2 is a DAC/headphone amp combo.  If we're discussing the Icon uDAC-2, then yes, the RCAs are outputs.  If we're discussing the Icon 2, the RCAs are inputs.  

 
The DAC section of the HDP for the money is pretty good.  I did, however, find that it has its best synergy with the built in headphone amp (but I suppose that would be expected).  Then again, the only separate headphone amp I've tried it with is Little Dot MKIII, and I didn't think it was the best match.  That said, I think the amp and phones you're using it with will ultimately decide your end result...

 

[Nick01]

Thanks for the clarification johnzz4