NuForce Icon Mobile

rbaird1 -- Thu, 05/21/2009 - 11:08

I recently bough NuForce's Icon Mobile, a DAC/headphone amp. for IPod. Cost was about $100. After some break-in, I am impressed by the improved sound. I am using Etymotic 6i earbuds and the NuForce readily drives full size Sony MDR-V6 earphones. (It has an adjustable gain switch to toggle between earbuds and earphones.) This gadget is small, and straps onto an IPod (I have a 30 gig classic) with an included silicon strap. I am very pleased and think it represents a good value.

Gadgetman -- Sun, 06/14/2009 - 16:01

Chris Martens (AVGuide and Playback editor) also likes the NuForce. He loaned our test sample to me and I've enjoyed it on several trips, using the Klipsch Images. I think the sound is good (more on the clear/transparent side than the rich/warm side) and it is very easy to use.

AVGuide webmaster and general drudge

Frank I (not verified) -- Fri, 06/19/2009 - 16:55

How is the bass. I am looking into portable and there is some very good Chinese portables by Ibasso.com reviewed favorably on Head-FI

Gadgetman -- Fri, 06/19/2009 - 20:26

Bass on the nuforce is what I think most people would understand as neutral. It certainly isn't pumped up. But you have to consider that this can depend on the attached headphone and how easy it is to drive.

I haven't heard the iBasso, but I see that the T4 has a bass boost switch, which could be handy depending on your 'phones and their isolation/NR. On the other hand, it lacks the Icon Mobile's USB input.

AVGuide webmaster and general drudge

stew_n (not verified) -- Thu, 07/09/2009 - 11:09

I've had a sample of the Icon Mobile and the Icon for extended use and review (for a different site/publication). I agree that the Mobile offers what I consider to be incredible value, and essentially a well balanced, nuetral sound. The frequency extremes are a little taylored to headphone specific use, so use as a stand-a-lone DAC is flawed based on listening to a home hifi or desktop set-up through speaker. But it is not intended for this use. The sound remains the same, tonally,but the soundstaging becomes a little "spacey".
I am not a regular headphone user, but use MDR-V7 headphones to good effect and some cheap and cheerful Sennheiser MX160 earbuds. I think I need to try a better set of earbuds or in ear monitors. I'd also like to try a different set of cans, perhaps something built this century (the Sonys are about twenty years old!)

Fran (not verified) -- Sat, 08/22/2009 - 15:54

I bought the Icon Mobile for travel with my ipod and various phones including NuForce NE-8, abd Bose noise cancelling. The sound is not nearly as good as my Headrrom Total Airhead Amp at similar price, athough thr Icon Mobile is smaller and lighter.
The main design flaw with the Mobile is that the batteries are discharged if sitting for a day. It is dead as a doornail. I approached NuForce with what I thought was a bad battery issue and received the following reply:
"The Icon Mobile's battery protection/charging circuit is operating even when the headphone plug is not plugged in. This circuit self-discharges the battery so it will drain the battery after 60 hours even if the headphone is not plugged in. Therefore, always charge the Icon Mobile before use."
This is a MAJOR design flaw in my opinion. Seeing that it needs to be charged by USB and NuForce does not have an AC charger available. My ipod does not discharge over a couple days. why should this headamp.
I find the USB input to be far inferrior to the Icon desktop I use with my computer.
I'm throwing the Mobile in the trash, it's that useless to me.