[kenta]

Dear head-Fier,

I am considering purchasing a USB/DAC-based headphone amp. Due to living in Germany, the choices like BENCHMARK DAC1 USB are not quite interesting because of the the inappropriate $ to € direct price conversion. It makes many decent headphone amps too much to reach on this land. However, I manage to find some supplier which provide a NuForce icon-1 with a reasonable price.

I know Meier-Audio for its excellent reputation of headphone-amp maker. I admit that Meier-audio was the first and only choice I decided to purchase, until I learned about NuForce icon.

There are 2 models from Meier-Audio which I intended to buy, CORDA 3MOVE and CORDA CANTATE.2. Both are attractive and I feel that the prices are ok. I never have an experience with any of Meier-Audio's product but from its high regard, I believe they can't go wrong.

However, NuForce icon is not bad in many reviews I found. Plus, it can fulfill as a integrated amp as well, which I consider it is a nice add to have. I don't know much about the sound quality of this icon-1 in term of headphone output. If anyone would provide me some, I would be extremely appreciated.

I intend to use one of these amp with Shure SE530 and Etymotic ER-4P. I like natural sound with bright sound stage, airy but well defy with decent amount of bass (but not hip-hop boom boom, of course)

Thanks in advance, guys !

Kenta

 

[swayne]

Hi,

The Corda 3Move is a portable amp and runs on battery, the Cantate and NuForce icon-1 are desktop amps and are plugged into the power supply.

As both the 'phones you mention are the in-ear type would you really want a desktop amp?

In case you missed it, the Nuforce portable amp is called the "NuForce Icon Mobile"

Sorry I can't help you choose but I've never heard any Nuforce amps.

Steven.

 

[kenta]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swayne /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi, The Corda 3Move is a portable amp and runs on battery, the Cantate and NuForce icon-1 are desktop amps and are plugged into the power supply. As both the 'phones you mention are the in-ear type would you really want a desktop amp? In case you missed it, the Nuforce portable amp is called the "NuForce Icon Mobile" Sorry I can't help you choose but I've never heard any Nuforce amps. Steven.

Hi Steven,

Thanks for the post. Yes, I aware of the difference between desktop amp and the portable amp. I do not intend to carry a portable amp while out-going, it is a bit inconvenient for me. I intend to use one of these amps as a desktop amp. Yes, the NuForce icon mobile looks interesting as well, since it is also a USB/DAC.

regards,
Kenta

 

[swayne]

Quote:

Yes, I aware of the difference between desktop amp and the portable amp. I do not intend to carry a portable amp while out-going, it is a bit inconvenient for me. I intend to use one of these amps as a desktop amp.

Then I would suggest that you get a portable amp. I plugged my Triple.Fi earphones into my Arietta desktop amp and almost blew my head off.

Very little touch on the volume control and it was too loud to use.

Steven.

 

[kenta]

Any idea of headphone output of NuForce icon?

 

[swayne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenta /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any idea of headphone output of NuForce icon-1 ?

I can't find an Icon-1 on their web page, but they have one of these:
Nuforce Icon

Headphone Output:
* Maximum output @32 ohm Load: 31.25mW
* THD (20Hz ~ 20KHz) : < 0.03%
* Frequenc Fresponse (20Hz ~ 20KHz) : < -1dB

Steven.

 

[kenta]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swayne /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can't find an Icon-1 on their web page, but they have one of these: Nuforce Icon Headphone Output: * Maximum output @32 ohm Load: 31.25mW * THD (20Hz ~ 20KHz) : < 0.03% * Frequenc Fresponse (20Hz ~ 20KHz) : < -1dB Steven.

Yes, ... you are right again. How could I type icon-1. Maybe my brain was blurred yesterday. Thanks a lot Steven!