Nuforce Icon DAC and headphone amp arrives for Android, Mac and PC for $325
NuForce has been pumping out high end audio gear for the digitally inclined for years, and its latest effort is the Icon DAC and amp for Android, Mac and PC. It shares the same aluminum construction as the Icon iDo amp aimed at iDevice owners that was released in 2011. However, the latest Icon adds a few new features. While it still has analog RCA and digital coax output, the new model offers RCA and 3.5mm analog input as well as a USB connection for pulling in audio. Additionally, it can drive 600-ohm headphones thanks to its 8V output amp, and its DAC supports sampling rates up to 96kHz, 32 bits of resolution and direct stream digital decoding. It's available now for $325 for folks with Windows 7 or 8 PCs, Macs and Android devices running 4.1.1 or higher.
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NuForce Introduces Audiophile-Grade Digital Audio Converter and Headphone Amplifier for Android Devices, Mac and PC
Icon DAC extracts audio data in its original digital form from Android mobile devices, Mac and/or PC to deliver bit-perfect, low-jitter, audiophile-quality music file playback
Fremont, Calif. – July 29, 2013 –NuForce, Inc., a leader in professional and consumer audio gear, announces the release of its Icon DAC digital audio converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier. NuForce Icon DAC delivers the latest in mobile device connectivity by supporting USB audio for Android (4.1* and beyond with OTG), Mac and PC (with advanced PCM and DSD). It also features a very high-powered headphone amplifier, linear volume control and genuine audiophile construction.
"With the advent of Smartphones and their enormous storage capabilities, a great many audio enthusiasts have been longing for a quality DAC/headphone amp they can simply plug directly into in order to experience their favorite music delivered with vivid clarity," said Jason Lim, NuForce CEO. "We've created a solution for Android users that we believe is comprehensive and fills the void."
Icon DAC is a diverse device that can be used in the home or office. The Icon DAC can be used as a DAC, a headphone amp or a preamp utilizing the secondary analog input for stereo signals from most home-audio and mobile sources. The DAC is packed with the latest technology and accepts PCM sample rates up to 96kHz. This 32-bit DAC supports 24-bit asynchronous operation while also providing Direct-Stream Digital (DSD) decoding capability.
The discriminating headphone listener is also bound to be satisfied as the Icon DAC includes a proprietary headphone amp stage that drives the most demanding 600-Ohm headphones with ease. Comprising of a linear up-conversion topology, the Icon DAC delivers an incredible 24V rail-to-rail supply voltage to the amplifier circuits resulting in ultra-fast transient reproduction and uncompromised peak dynamic performance.
As a control center/preamplifier for use with external amplifier and speaker arrangements, audiophile-grade circuit design and parts ensure that the Icon DAC always delivers the ultimate in clarity to its stereo RCA outputs. A coaxial S/PDIF output is included for added system flexibility.
The innovative design goes several steps further to include a linear power supply that provides only pure DC power to all circuits, a TOCOS high-resolution linear volume control for accurate rendering of critical low-level information, and quality construction throughout.
Specs & Features:
• High-precision 32-bit DAC
• Supports Windows 7, 8, Mac OSX, Android 4.1.1*
• USB Input from Android devices**
• Supports PCM and DSD over USB playback (DSD support on PC only)
• Powerful 8V output headphone amplifier
• 6.3 mm headphone output jack
• 3.5 mm analog input and RCA analog output
• Audiophile TOCOS volume pot
• Multiple stage filtering and regulated up-converted 24V rail power supply
• High-quality aluminum chassis
The Icon DAC is available now for $325 from several online stores and Nuforce dealers. For more information on this or any other NuForce products, contact PR representative Jessica Darrican at 305-374-4404, extension 116.
*Android compatibility is limited to smart phones running Android 4.1.1 that enables support for USB OTG Audio features.
**HTC ONE X and newer version, Samsung S3 and newer version, SONY Xperia Z and newer version, and other mobile devices.
