[Axonn]

Hello everybody ::- ).
 
The NuForce Icon HDP is within my price range for my first headphones DAC+Amp.
 
I've heard good things about it here on this Forum. Has the situation remained the same?
 
Would you recommend something more expensive? Note that I don't want 2 separate devices. I'm only interested in DAC+Amp combos.
 
Thank you in advance! ::- ).

 

[Chris_Himself]

NFB-12 has more power to be honest, but the HDP is an excellent piece of equipment marketed and shipped by an American company.
 
I suspect the power output ratings of the HDP are grossly underrated though, it says 380mw but mine powered my HE-5LE's

 

[TwoEars]

I think there are better options out there.
 
Take a look at the Yulong D100 II.
 
Project86 is very keen on it.

 

[Axonn]

Darn. Can't find either of those here in Sweden where I live.

 

[Calypso]

Quote:

I suspect the power output ratings of the HDP are grossly underrated though, it says 380mw but mine powered my HE-5LE's

Yeah, I´m running my HE-500 from a HDP with a battery pack right now, and the sound is really impressive on low/normal volume. When you crank it up, it looses a bit of control, but that is not surprising. With normal dynamic headphones there´s plenty of power. But the standard cheap switchmode psu should really be replaced ASAP, to unleash the true potential of the HDP

.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/622274/he500-nuforce-icon-hdp#post_8604518
 
PS: the Audio GD products are being imported in Denmark by ClausDK (http://hoved-grej.dk/). He also runs this site: http://hoved-fi.dk/

 

[TwoEars]

Quote:

Darn. Can't find either of those here in Sweden where I live.

 
http://www.pc-hifi-shop.com/index.php/da-wandler/yulong-d100-ii-da-wandler.html
 
In stock in germany - within the EU, no import tax.

 

[Axonn]

@TwoEars: The Yulong is listed as 130mW rms @ 300 Ohm whereas the Icon HDP has 152, but are these mW really so important, or is sound quality?
 
@Chris_Himself: Audio GD have a really dubious-looking website ::- D. Not saying that this is super-meaningful, but it does paint an image of uncertainty about the product's quality and the company's ability to support it (warranty, etc).
 
@Calypso: thanks for the link for Audio GD. He doesn't seem to have the NFB-12 though.

 

[Calypso]

Quote:

@TwoEars: The Yulong is listed as 130mW rms @ 300 Ohm whereas the Icon HDP has 152, but are these mW really so important, or is sound quality?
 
Always go for the sound quality! People are way to obsessed by the power specifications.
 
@Calypso: thanks for the link for Audio GD. He doesn't seem to have the NFB-12 though.
 
He can get it home in a couple of weeks: http://hoved-fi.dk/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=1919

 

[madbull]

What headphones will you be using?

 

[Axonn]

@Calypso: and you think that dubious Chinese website accounts for a good brand? Does NFB have a good image around this Forum? I highly value the opinions from this Forum (and its members) which is why I am asking about Audio GD's image. I searched a bit and didn't come up with too many relevant threads on it. Seems like a niche product.
 
Don't get me wrong, I am not somebody who thinks that if Fiio have the greatest sales then it means that they're the greatest product. There's more to it than that.
 
Besides, even NuForce Icon HDP and many other amps are also Chinese. The fact that they have better websites don't necessarily mean they have better products. Unfortunately, it does mean that the company behind the product probably has better budget and better support. And support MATTERS.
 
@madbull: I got Sennheiser HD 598 (50 Ohm) and Sony MDR XB 1000 (24 Ohm). In the future, I intend to get Sennheiser HD 800.
 

 

[hodgjy]

The NuForce Icon HD is a good amp.  No doubts about it.  Several reviewers raved about it.  Check out the 6moons review.
 

 

[Calypso]

Quote:

@Calypso: and you think that dubious Chinese website accounts for a good brand? 

Sorry, I have no personal experience with Audio-GD products.
As for dubious websites take a look at http://www.meier-audio.homepage.t-online.de/. Jan Meier is a great guy with great products, and has been in the head-fi business for a lot of years. But you can´t really tell from his homepage (sorry, no offence Jan, if you are reading this

).

 

[TwoEars]

Well... I'm only a +100 head-fier so my vote doesn't count much against 6moons but I've owned the HDP and since sold it on.
 
I didn't really feel that it was anything special, equal or worse than the direct out from the internal Ti-HD sound card I have in my computer.
 
It's not bad for the money and a good entry level product but nothing to wow a reasonably seasoned head-fier, and definitely not good enough for the HD800.

 

[HeatFan12]

Dubious Chinese website?  You should have seen A-GD's site about three years ago.  It has greatly been improved.  Kingwa is great in dealing with and his products are solid.
 
I believe the NFB-15.1 would be up your alley.  Middle one on the right hand side of pic.
 

 

[madbull]

OP, forget about driving hd800 with hdp. I don't know if it's a matter of power, but it doesn't sound good. The soundstage is gone on them. The hd650 otherwise, sounds pretty decent. Never heard the 598, so I can't opine about it.