Promising new portable headphone amp (Mobile Icon) from NuForce

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahamnp /img/forum/go_quote.gif How does the sound signature of the Icon Mobile compare to the iPhone 3G? I'm looking to pair this with the RE0 and I'm worried it might be too bright.

Very different - the iPhone 3G is more laid back and spacious, the Nuforce is more forward and brighter. I would not pair the Nuforce with the RE2 or RE3, but I have not heard an RE0. An iBasso T4 would make a better choice.

 

[grahamnp]

Thanks for the reply HeadphoneAddict. A forward sound seems like something I would like, I'm just worried about too much treble on the RE0. The iBasso T4 looks good but I want the Icon mainly because I can use it for both my laptop and iphone. I'll do some more research.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahamnp /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the reply HeadphoneAddict. A forward sound seems like something I would like, I'm just worried about too much treble on the RE0. The iBasso T4 looks good but I want the Icon mainly because I can use it for both my laptop and iphone. I'll do some more research.

The Practical Devices XM5 has good synergy with the head-direct RE2 and RE3 IEM, and the bass boost is a plus for them, as is the Burr Brown Japan PCM2702E USB DAC built-in. Plus, you can tune the sound with different opamps. Mine sounds best with AD8065 opamps, and BUF634 buffers.

The Nuforce does sound better, less forward and bright, when used with USB input than with analog input - so for the laptop it might be a viable option with the head-direct IEM.

 

[grahamnp]

Thanks for that, good news for me as the icon mobile is a lot cheaper.

 

[headfever]

[QUOTE=recephasan;4860243]looks like a p.o.s. in a fancy ipod-like box

probably $20 in amp, $20 in packaging, the rest in "design"[/QUOTE]

It is truth. the parts inside it maybe only worth USD20. If not, why FIIO E 3 is only several dollars?

 

[headfever]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, it more of an issue of pairing it with an amp that has the right frequency response to match the IE8, which often have boomy or excessive bass to my ears with the wrong amp.

there are a lot reports said that AMP3 is very perfect synergy with IE8. Please check to this thread:


http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/am...8/index51.html

 

[danne]

Bought this a month back, went 7 days before I returned it for repairation, due a glitch in the line in aswell as the mini-mini cable that was with it was broke.

Waited 3 weeks for them to repair it.

Got it back.
Still the same problem...

On monday I recive my ALO lod and it does really feel **** to return this amp yet again for a long time wait.

 

[ibis99]

Im thinking of pairing an Icon Mobile with a 2nd gen ipod touch,lod and Phonak PFE. Any thoughts?
its the Icon or the Total AirHead for me so which do you feel is best?

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibis99 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Im thinking of pairing an Icon Mobile with a 2nd gen ipod touch,lod and Phonak PFE. Any thoughts? its the Icon or the Total AirHead for me so which do you feel is best?

Well, I can't help a lot there, because I have only tried the 2G Touch headphone out, not the line out. And, I've never heard the Airhead.

In general I think the headphone out of the 2G Touch is a little bright like the 4G Nano. I also think the PFE are kinda bright when combined with the 2G Touch, 4G Nano or Nuforce. It sounds better with black filters in the PFE but it's not my first choice compared to the iPhone as source. But then the Nuforce is also just a little brighter with analog input vs USB. So, I have my doubts about the combo of the three. It might be fine, but the Senn IE8 would likely be a better choice with that combo of Touch and Nuforce.

 

[meemorize]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif [...]I also think the PFE are kinda bright when combined with the 2G Touch, 4G Nano or Nuforce. It sounds better with black filters in the PFE but it's not my first choice compared to the iPhone as source.[...]

Very interesting read.

I am trying to decide between the Phonak PFE 122 and the NuForce NE-7M (+Comply T400) currently to use (without amp) on my iphone 3gs. (Has to be a headset).

What are your thought about that?

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meemorize /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very interesting read. I am trying to decide between the Phonak PFE 122 and the NuForce NE-7M (+Comply T400) currently to use (without amp) on my iphone 3gs. (Has to be a headset). What are your thought about that?

On the 3G and 3GS they both sound good - the Nuforce is maybe more for if you like more bass and warm mids but without losing treble, the PFE if you like a slightly treble tilted IEM with more detail. I do not think the PFE are too bright with the iPhone 3G and GS, and they kinda remind me of my Livewires customs. The NE-7M are kinda like a Denon C700 but with better controlled bass and less edgy highs.

 

[meemorize]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif On the 3G and 3GS they both sound good - the Nuforce is maybe more for if you like more bass and warm mids but without losing treble, the PFE if you like a slightly treble tilted IEM with more detail. I do not think the PFE are too bright with the iPhone 3G and GS, and they kinda remind me of my Livewires customs. The NE-7M are kinda like a Denon C700 but with better controlled bass and less edgy highs.

Thank you! It looks to me that the Phonaks will suit my listening habbits much better then.
I shall be placing an order later on today.
Thanks.

 

[ibis99]

I'll keep searching.

 

[WithBadIntent]

This may turn out to be a silly question but I also use the Icon Mobile as a portable DAC with my Macbook Pro and senn hd595's as well as my iPod Touch and since I don't want to keep flicking the gain switch from low to high when switching between the iPod and the MacBook can I leave the icon mobile on high gain and use it with my sennheiser ie8's without causing any damage to the headphones

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WithBadIntent /img/forum/go_quote.gif This may turn out to be a silly question but I also use the Icon Mobile as a portable DAC with my Macbook Pro and senn hd595's as well as my iPod Touch and since I don't want to keep flicking the gain switch from low to high when switching between the iPod and the MacBook can I leave the icon mobile on high gain and use it with my sennheiser ie8's without causing any damage to the headphones

Probably.