|
Highly recommend this combination to anyone who wants a small system near a computer. If you are using the Icon in a large room or you want to enjoy your music from further away, you might need more powerful speakers. The only downside I can think of is the included speaker cables for hooking up speakers other then the S-1 is a bit too short(the Icon output sound using a RJ-45 ethernet port). The Nuforce Icon is a great desktop system, especially when hooked up to the usb port from a computer. I haven't try any other speaker, but the S-1 speakers specifically designed for the Icon are GREAT. Since I am using the S-1, that is not a problem for me because the S-1 connect to the Icon via a regular ethernet cable, but beware if you plan to connect the Icon with other speakers.
Since it receives its signal through USB, only an audio card, built into most computers, is necessary. It could also be set up as a portable P.A. It can also serve as a preamplifier for a traditional stereo. I am impressed by how cool the box is after several hours of playing. Adding a powered sub-woofer is also possible. A class D digital amplifier uses almost no power, and the cool operating temperatures show it. I am using ITunes through a Macintosh.
I listen mostly to acoustic and classical music. This amplifier is for computer users who want to turn their desktop computer into a music player for a high quality stereo, a stereo system that is small and compact, but better quality than you get from desktop audio speakers that are built for gamers and multimedia. Use this amplifier for a two channel configuration with small high-efficiency speakers. system with a laptop, to amplify a presentation for a small to medium size room and audience. A digital-to-analog converter is necessary for good audio performance if you are playing music directly off a computer.
The Icon's sound is fast and responsive with clarity, detail, and natural character, and it handles a variety of speaker systems with ease. simply don't.
No aspect of the audio spectrum is neglected- every note is in place from top to bottom. Anyone who has enjoyed low-power switching amplifiers like the Tends TA-10.1, Sonic Impact T-amp, or KingRex T20 will find that the Icon sings with a wider variety of speakers and has all the low-frequency solidity and realism that these other amps (no matter how much we'd like them to).
From beautiful industrial design to truly sweet sound, the Nuforce Icon is not only an amazing value, it is a great piece of gear in its own right. I LOVE the Icon- hats off to Nuforce for providing such a tasty audio treat for the rest of us.
Every music lover should have one. Or one in every room in the house, at this price.
Oh yea- definitely invest in the 42W upgraded power supply- it allows the Icon to become even more dynamic and enjoyable to hear in action.
The thing sounds great in combination with the S1 speakers.I have been using it through an USB connection stream.wav files and I couldn't be happier.It is of course not comparable to larger systems, and is a tad bright, but still brillant associated to a Mac (or PC).Functionwise, I would have loved it to have an optical in so as to be able to connect to the optical output of an airport express.Cheers,Bernard
|
