Replacement for NuForce Icon

[DavidJames]

My NuForce Icon has died. I'm working with support, waiting to see if they will fix it, but in the meantime I'm starting to look for alternatives.

The Icon is a small amp (17 watts/channel?) with USB DAC.

The Icon cost me ~$200 and I don't want to spend more if can help it.

The Gizmo is one obvious option with it's sub output as I've got ELT525's and an x-Sub. I'd connect it to the headphone output (can I even do that?). I may be happy and not need a DAC if I'm not happy I'll look for one ~$100.

Thoughts?

[Mep]

I have by gizmo hooked up the the line out in my computers. Works well enough. Maybe an external DAC would be cleaner, but the DAC on my motherboard does a nice enough job.

[DavidJames]

I have by gizmo hooked up the the line out in my computers. Works well enough. Maybe an external DAC would be cleaner, but the DAC on my motherboard does a nice enough job.

Thanks Mep, that may be the route I go then. We'll see if NuForce will replace my Icon.

[dvenardos]

$200 is pretty tough, you are really in DIY territory for something high quality.
Hey, maybe django would be in interested in selling his BillnChristy amp, he has been itching to upgrade. :idea:

[DavidJames]

I just thought I'd up to close this issue.

NuForce decided the internal board should be replaced. They sent me a new one and all is well. I've owned it for 2 years, I'm impressed.

In some respects it would have been nice to get some new equipment but I like the zero dollar solution, plus the Icon has a very small footprint which is important on my already crowded desk.