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Showing 1 of 50 conversations about:
NuForce Icon HDP DAC/Amp
GetJeff1
14
Sep 1, 2019
The description says the only way to get 192kHz/24-bit processing is with a coaxial-in cable. I'll be running this of my Apple MacBook Pro. I have USB, Thunderbolt, and HDMI connections. Is there any way to connect my computer to this device with a coaxial cable?
Thunder240
8
Sep 1, 2019
GetJeff1nuForce offers a product called the U192S (possibly discontinues) which is a high quality USB to SPIDF converter that works with 192/24 resolution. I use it with my MacBook Pro -> Icon HDP setup and have been very happy with it. There are several other USB to SPIDF converters on the market as well. The only one I have used besides the U192S is Preachtree’s
X1. I couldnt hear the difference in my system, and the U192S has an advantage in that it displays the freq of the USB input.
GetJeff1
14
Sep 1, 2019
Thunder240Thank you! Do you have any thoughts on how this amp/dac would perform on low-impedance headphones ( Audioquest Nighthawks, rated 25 Ohm)? Most reviewers seem to say it works great but someone on this forum said it’s no good for headphones under 100 Ohm impedance.
Thunder240
8
Sep 1, 2019
GetJeff1I don’t have any personal experience using low impedance headphones, sorry.
However, you should google “impedance matching audio components” and read one of the dozens of articles that come up, which range from physics or electronics tutorials to professional reviewer editorials to company white papers and other quasi-technical advertising material. Most of what you’ll find will advise you to ensure that the ratio of input impedance of component 2 to the output impedance of component 1 is > 10. Since the output impedance of the Icon HDP is 10 ohms, this rule would have you use headphones whose impedance is > 100 ohms. However, this rule of thumb is really about ensuring that the gain applied across the frequency band is as close to flat as possible. Just because gain is flat doesn’t necessarily mean you will be happy with the sound. Regarding what sounds good, YMMV. I use my Icon HDP with Shure SRH 1840 cans, and I love the pairing. The Shures have an impedance that’s in the high double digits, definitely less than 100. I may not be getting flat gain, but I like the sound, so who cares? That said, if there is a way that you can try out the Icon HDP with your own cans before you buy, that’s the only way to be safe. Good luck!
GetJeff1
14
Sep 2, 2019
Thunder240Thanks again. A very helpful answer!
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