NuForce Icon uDAC-2 Black + Philips SHO7205BK The CONSTRUCT

This amp makes a big difference

I actually was using this on some Sony headphones I have had for about 8 years when I first got it. For 8 years I listened to these headphones and never thought twice about them. When I had the amp hooked up, I heard EVERYTHING I was missing, including alot of the sound. I replaced the Sony with the AKG K240 Studios Right before they started making them in China (luckily on my part, because the new ones suck). I LOOOOVE them. but when I try them without the amp there is still alot missing. They are closer to my Sonys. I guess the iPhone isnt the best way to play music anyways, but I feel I am becoming more and more attached to certain recordings. I have a much better appreciation for the artists that spend the time to really lay down some amazing tracks. its worth it to me. I just bought a Pair of the Westone UM series, the one with 2 drivers. I have yet to receive them, but I read a review about them from the same guy that convinced me to buy this amp. He has steered me into the AKG and this so far, so he is 2 for 2 in my book. Sonics tracking said I will have them on Monday so I will review them once I have had some time. But this amp is a great choice! Great music reproduction!

Quality Built AMP! A MUST have!!!

I like the NuForce amp better than the Fiio amp. I think it is a better build, and its not much more money. I had the Fiio E7, and it was good, but I wanted something a little nicer. I just got the Akg Q701, and I wanted a nice amp that would go with it on my desk, and now I have the E7 to take with me to the gym, or when I am commuting. Its a great amp, sounds very clear, and the construction on it is brilliant. Great buy.

Good for the price

I got this for work, so I can listen to music properly. I basically use it for headphones only.
The sound isn't bad (though my Cowon D2 has better sound), but it's way better than the onboard crap my computer here has, plus it's nice to be able to reach high volumes without losing quality.
In short, I'd say it's an OK device with mediocre sound quality, but for the price I don't think one could/should expect much more.
I'd buy it again.

Magnificent

I decided to go with this amp for a few reasons. First, the price point was very good. I was very hesitant to fork out an extra hundred something for the ICon iDo.It has more power and seems like a good unit, but I figured this would be a safe bet. Second, the reviews I have read on these items confirm that this was the product I wanted. It appeared to be flawless. Third, I wanted it to be small enough to take and move around, but not small like the E5 or anything. Fourth, Everyone I have chat with and talked to with real nice Audio equipment has been stunned when they ask me what kind of headphones I use, and they find out I dont have an amplifier for them. (I have a pair of AKG, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic)

After getting the product I am still excited every time I play a song again on one of my headphones and use the amp. I have always enjoyed quality audio (as my headphone collection shows) and the amp has really brought the best in them. They are able to perform so much better now. I am finally maximizing the very products i spent a fortune to get in the first place.

The overall build is great. It feels sturdy, and has had no issues while performing. I am very happy with my purchase. But now I have begun to think about the Icon iDo. I might get it and keep it as my home amp, and then use this at work. But the bottom line is, Great product and a fair price. It has only made me want to further my pursuit to perfeection

Not bad for the price, but could be better

I have owned this for about a month and must say that sound wise, it is not much better than that of my iMac, but better. My only real complaint is the volume knob. This thing is horrible. Not very smooth and at low volumes will cut off one speaker and create an imbalance between the speakers until it reaches sufficient volume. I did expect better sound then this, but I have heard that the new iMacs have a pretty good sound card already. The amp section is quiet and quite nice.

Good Value, Nice Sound

24-bit/96kHz specs very impressive for the price, especially the heavily discounted one offered by this seller.

Sounds great right out of the box after appropriate sound card adjustments are made, and over the past few weeks it sounds as it it's warmed up considerably after some burn-in as well.

Good cables make a difference, I'm running a Blue Jeans Cable co. 35mm. or 1/8th Y-cable from the front-mounted headphone out to the back of my vintage Wintec R1120 receiver, in turn driving Ohm Walsh 2 speakers.

Additionally, it's well-built out of anodized aluminum, has nice switch feel, and has attractive, inconspicuous, modern design.

Great sounding

I was in between this and the fiio and went with this because I like the fact that when subs are on, it turns off the speakers. Sound quality is very good!

The Apple of Amps

I think I have secretly always loved NuForce because of how simple they are. They are a sharp looking brand, with a great reputation, and I knew eventually I would have mine. I use to have the FiiO-E5 which I still use when Im out or traveling somewhere, but my new pride and joy is right here. I have my AKGs hooked up to these, and peace! The sound is just as good as everyone has said. A natural warmth to it, with little to no distortion at ALL volume levels. Its small enough to tuck behind the phone at home or work on my desk, No complaints. It is simply the best affordable amp for headphones

This Little Box !!

As I posted on the vendors 'Feed-Back' page of e-bay ; "I ain't no 'Audio-Phile' but I know butter when I hear it " ... 'This little box' (I mean little / smaller than a pack of cigarettes) Cleans up the audio signal so well compared to what comes out of the 'Headphone Jack' on your computer ,, It's Amazing to me : 'Nano' electronics works ... :: CAVEAT ,, it does disable my head phone jack on my computer & also my external speakers that run through a mini amp plugged into the back of the machine via computer speakers jack ;; to solve this I leave the unit (NuForce) on my desk ,, when not in use I just unplug it (USB jack) on the back of the little box .. Minor Issue to me :

Philips O' Neill SHO7205BK The Construct - Black

Phenomenal sound! The bass is powerful, maybe too powerful sometimes, but I played baritone horn in a concert band and really like the huge bass. I would definitely recommend these headphones, although I am using them only for an ancient Memorex CD player. Old or not, the sound with these earphones is great!