NuForce Introduces Audiophile-Grade Digital Audio Conversion and Headphone Amp for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch

Maybe it’s me, but I don’t see a real need for something like this? Do you? I mean would you really want to carry something else around with you besides your iPod or iPhone? Maybe I could see this with your iPad but still you’d have to plug this in basically every time you want to listen to music right? I mean I can totally appreciate a good set of headphones or earbuds actually, I’ve got a few pairs that cost a couple hundred each and those seem good enough for my needs, much better than the ones that come with my devices.   I don’t know, maybe it’s me? What do you think, is something like this really worth it?

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NuForce, Inc., a leader in professional and consumer audio solutions, announces today its Icon iDo digital audio converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices.  The Icon iDo delivers audiophile-grade CD quality sound to digital music files stored on Apple® mobile digital devices. iDo is ideal for music enthusiasts and musicians alike who primarily listen to—and have their digital music libraries stored on—these devices.
“We’re thrilled to bring our knowledge and understanding of the high-end audio market direct to Apple enthusiasts,” said Jason Lim the CEO of NuForce.  “Apple products are becoming the hub of a person’s entire music and audio collection, so improving the audio quality produced by these devices is key. The Icon iDo delivers on that  at very affordable price point.”

A fast and easy connection for audiophile-grade sound.
Using the Icon iDo is simple.  Users can connect any Apple mobile device to the Icon iDo with the Apple® approved and included 30-pin sync/charging cable, attach the power supply, and then plug the Icon iDo into a home stereo system using RCA cables or a single coaxial.  Users can also plug in headphones directly into the Icon iDo for personal high quality sound playback in a manner the artist intended it to be heard.   
How iDo makes music stored on Apple devices sound even better?
Apple uses its own audio codec, Apple Lossless Encoder (ALE), to compress and store music files on its devices in original CD quality without loss. However, even ALE files only sound as good as the default DAC (digital-to-analog converter) found within the mobile digital device. Icon iDo bypasses the built-in DAC and extracts the audio data stored on the device in its original digital form in USB Host Mode.  It then converts the high-quality files for bit-perfect and low-jitter music playback.       
A portable power station for the ultimate headphone listening experience.
Icon iDo also offers a built-in headphone amplifier capable of powering power-hungry headsets, giving users a total audio experience.  By properly powering headphones, Icon iDo enhances the auditory performance of the headphones because optimal amperage is being delivered to them, allowing for greater audio clarity.

Product Specs:
Inputs:

• USB (from iPod, iPhone, iPad)
• Maximum sampling rate: 48kHz
• Resolution: 24-bits

Outputs:

• Analog RCA Output = 2Vrms
• Digital Output: coaxial RCA 75-ohm
• 3.5mm full-size headphone output jack drives headphones up to 300-Ohm (12 mW@300-Ohm)

Headphone power spec:

• 130mW rms @ 16 Ohm
• 88mW rms @ 30 Ohm
• 51mW rms @ 60 Ohm
• 28mW rms @ 120 Ohm
• 12mW rms @ 300 Ohm

More Features:

• IR Remote Receiver accepts Apple remote control IR signals for volume and playback adjustment on iOS device
• Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20kHz (-0.5dB)
• Dimensions: 6” x 4 ½” x 1”
• Includes DC Power Supply and 30-pin charge/sync USB Cable

*The maximum sample rate currently supported by Apple is 16-bit/44.1kHz or 24-bit/48kHz.
**Icon iDo is designed to work with Apple iTune and iPod software. Other applications may not work.
The Icon iDo is available now for $249 from several online stores and Nuforce dealers. It will be available at Magnolia Home Theater (of Best Buy) retail outlets in November 2011

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