[Demix500]

Thought this thread might spark some interest in the headphone amp section rather than the cable/speaker section since this is head-fi after all

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http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/nu...e-jack-282735/

review
http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/in...5337#msg385337

The release date is april 25th.

 

[darrenho]

Anyone ever used the NuForce Icon with high impedance (>=300ohms) headphones?

 

[sunneebear]

Used it with my HD600. I think it sounds very good but to me it made music too airy. Reminded me of early model Stax. Seems to make all my cans sound airy.

 

[jojoarmani]

Your airy comment is the first bad thing i've read on the nuforce icon. I was pretty much sold but i am still searching out other models...

 

[sunneebear]

Thats just my impression. Most of my high end cans are open cause I like the sound. The icon makes them sound almost electrostatic. Thats just how it sounds to me but it may be pleasing to others. Its not a bad character, just not a character I like.

 

[jojoarmani]

Well, not a problem because i was only hearing positive comments on the Icon and began asking myself What are its problems. Apparently, it also pops when being turned on.
Yours do this?

 

[sunneebear]

To tell you the truth I really don't know about the turn on pop. I make it a habit not to have my headphones plugged in when I turn on equipment. I ran my Icon for ten days straight with my headphone before deciding the sound was not my style. It is now all packed up waiting to be sold so I cannot test if it does pop.

 

[jojoarmani]

Let us know if the new amp is better... I found it practical because it had the DAC and Amp in one.

 

[blippster]

The Icon does pop when turned on, though so far it only seems to be on the speaker amp circuit (the headphone amp is a separate circuit iirc).

I think it presents pretty good value for the price, my main peeve with it is the built in DAC, which sounded too muddy for my taste. Been running a separate DAC now, which while not on the top of the pile presents the sound with greater clarity. My diyMod 5G sounded better than both, though I rarely do that due to the inconvenience.

 

[sunneebear]

I bought the Icon for the very convenience of all in one DAC/headphone amp. As it turned out, the sound was not my taste and being externaly powered made it more of a inconvience. I am sticking with the D2 and Headstage for now.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I primarily feed my NuForce Icon from my Apogee mini-DAC, and then use it to drive my Stax SRD-7 Pro bias electrostat speaker adapter with HE60 Baby Orpheus. The sound is heavenly, etherial, perfect.

 

[jojoarmani]

Hey, why run the Nuforce with built-in DAC into Apogee mini-DAC?

All reviews I read on the Icon gave it high praise but another person has mentioned it sounded kind of airy. Any negatives you care to mention on this Amp/DAC unit?

I don't know if this because this unit relatively new, but there isn't much talk on the forum about this baby. Outside reviews give it high points.

 

[qib]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunneebear /img/forum/go_quote.gif I bought the Icon for the very convenience of all in one DAC/headphone amp. As it turned out, the sound was not my taste and being externaly powered made it more of a inconvience. I am sticking with the D2 and Headstage for now.

What kind of sound did it produce that did you did not like?

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojoarmani /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey, why run the Nuforce with built-in DAC into Apogee mini-DAC? All reviews I read on the Icon gave it high praise but another person has mentioned it sounded kind of airy. Any negatives you care to mention on this Amp/DAC unit? I don't know if this because this unit relatively new, but there isn't much talk on the forum about this baby. Outside reviews give it high points.

Maybe because the NuForce doesn't have coax or optical input for my CD player? Also, my Macbook optical out to Apogee mini-DAC is better than any USB DAC, including my Pico.

I haven't found any negatives except the Nuforce with SRD-7 Pro lacks synergy with my SR-003 electrostatic IEM, but it is great with my Lambda Signature and HE60 Baby Orpheus.

 

[jojoarmani]

Thx.

I don't know why i have to be so skeptical with the Nuforce; nothing but good vibes! Has me worried is all.