FCC Notice “Declaration of Conformity Information”
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or reloc
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING: Only peripherals complying with the FCC class B limits may be attached to this equipment.
Changes or modifications made to this equipment, not expressly approved by us or parties authorized by us
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
ate the receiving antenna.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
There are two categories of Safety Instructions included in this manual:
•Product Warnings, (i.e., what must never be done to assure avoiding those hazards that could cause
bodily injury or property damage); and
•User Directions (i.e., what must always be done to assure the safe use of your device).
The Safety Instructions contained in this manual have been categorized in accordance with the seriousness
of the potential hazards through the use of Signal Words. Those Signal Words, and their intended meanings,
are as follows:
DANGER: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in death or catastrophic
bodily injury.
WARNING: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in serious bodily injury.
CAUTION: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in minor bodily injury or
property damage.
NOTE: Designates important information that relates to activities and/or conditions that might result in loss
of data and/or damage to your device.
Safe Use and Operation of Your Device
This equipment emits stray RF energy and will interfere with the reception of signals by airborne electronic
navigational devices or medical devices. Do not operate this equipment near any sensitive medical devices.
WARNING: Use only grounded AC power cords.
Always immediately disconnect the power to the equipment in the event the device emits an unusual odor or
sound or generates smoke.
WARNING: Never attempt to disassemble, repair or make any modification to your device. Disassembly,
modification or any attempt at repair could cause bodily injury or property damage, as well as damage to
the device itself.
WARNING: Your device is not a toy. Never allow children to play with your device. Misuse, rough or
improper handling of your device by children could result in serious bodily injury for any of the enumerated
safety warnings in this manual. In addition, always keep all accessories and components out of the reach of
small children as small parts might present a choking hazard. Seek immediate medical attention if choking
occurs or if any small part has been swallowed.
CAUTION: Never raise the sound volume level too high when using your device with earphones. An
excessive sound volume level could cause damage to your hearing.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to moisture or water.
Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is exposed to moisture, or a foreign object
gets into the enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take the unit to a qualified
service person for inspection and necessary repairs.
Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the component.
Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instructions.
Heed all warnings and safety information in these instructions and on the product itself. Follow all operating
instructions.
Do not use this unit near water.
You must allow a minimum 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed clearance around the unit. Do not place the
unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block the ventilation openings. If the unit is placed in a
bookcase or cabinet, there must be ventilation of the cabinet to allow proper cooling. Keep the component
away from radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other appliance that produces heat.
The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type and voltage specified on the rear panel.
Connect the component to the power outlet only with the supplied power supply cable or an exact
equivalent. Do not modify the supplied cable.
Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent, exposed to heat, or damaged in any
way. Pay particular attention to the power cord at the plug and where the cord exits the back of the unit.
The power cord should be unplugged from the wall outlet during a lightning storm or if the unit is to be left
unused for a long period of time.
Immediately stop using the component and have it inspected and/or serviced by a qualified service agency
if:
• The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
• Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
• The unit has been exposed to rain.
• The unit shows signs of improper operation.
• The unit has been dropped or damaged in any way.
Operating from a technology platform that has won NuForce numerous awards and rave reviews, NuForce’s
Second-Generation Icon is an audiophile-quality integrated desktop audio amplifier featuring two 24-watt
outputs, a 3.5mm stereo input for connecting to an iPod or similar portable device, a USB port for operation
with a PC or Mac, and standard RCA inputs for employing the Icon as the heart of a conventional audio
system. For the headphone enthusiast, the Icon also features a high-performance headphone output. Of
particular interest to the computer user, the Icon’s line-out functions as a PC or MAC USB-to-analog audio
converter. This feature also operates as the connection to a subwoofer.
The NuForce Icon’s Applications:
•As the core of a desktop audio system, the Icon connects to an Ipod, CD player, PC or Mac. To
fully utilize the Icon’s sonic capabilities, we recommend high-quality monitor speakers with a
sensitivity of 87dB or higher.
•Via the best, jitter-free USB technology, the Icon operates as a USB DAC for converting a PC or
Mac’s audio signal to high-quality analog sound.
•For optimal headphone performance, the Icon includes a discrete, high-performance headphone
amplifier.
•For operation as an audiophile-grade preamplifier, the Icon’s linestage can be connected to a
power amp or active speakers.
•As a high-quality auxiliary power amp in a surround-sound setup, the Icon can be used to drive
tweeters or rear-channel speakers.
Off – Fully anti-clockwise position. Turn until you feel a click.
On – Turn the knob clockwise. When you feel a click the Icon-2’s LED will light up.
Volume – Turning clockwise increases the volume. With the Icon-2 in its upright position, the optimal
volume setting should be somewhere between the 12 and 3 o’clock positions.
Selector – Turn this knob to select among the 3.5mm jack (“o”), RCA (“oo”), or USB (“ooo”) inputs.
Connecting to an audio device
•If the audio device comes with a 3.5mm stereo plug, connect it to the 3.5mm stereo jack on the
back (marked ‘o’).
•If the audio device comes with two RCA connectors, connect them to the RCA inputs (marked
‘oo’).
Connecting to PC
• Install the cables in the Icon-2’s correct connectors before connecting to the PC.
• Turn the power ON.
• Turn the Selector to USB (“ooo”)
• Insert the USB connector into the PC or Mac. Recent-model PCs running Windows XP or higher,
or Macintosh computers running OS 9.1 or higher, automatically recognize the USB as a “Generic
USB Sound Device” and will load the proper driver.
•If the driver cannot be found, you may need to use your Windows installation CD. Nuforce does
not support older Windows versions. In those rare cases where Windows does not automatically
register the USB audio driver, unplug the USB cable from the PC, wait a minute, and re-connect.
Using the Nuforce Icon-2 as a headphone amp
Insert headphones equipped with a 3.5mm plug directly to the headphone output jack in the front panel
below the LED. The headphone plug, once inserted, will automatically cut off the speakers.
Using the Line Out
The Line Out can be connected to an additional power amp or amps. In this mode, the Nuforce Icon-2 can
be used as an USB DAC or preamp. As a necessary precaution, turn on the Icon-2 with the volume at
minimum before turning on the power amp or amps. Similarly, turn off the power amp or amps before
turning off the Icon-2.
IMPORTANT! If you intend to employ the Icon-2 as a preamp without speakers having been connected,
use the Headphone Output on the front panel instead of Line Out on the back panel. Using Line Out without
speaker connection could damage an internal filter.
Amplifier
The Icon-2’s amplifiers are designed to work with an 8-ohm speaker load. They are not recommended for 4ohm loads.
Under normal use, the Icon-2 runs warm to the touch. If the chassis becomes excessively hot, check for a
faulty condition such as a short circuit or damaged speaker cable. Be sure to correct the faulty condition
before restarting the Icon-2.
A built-in protection system may shut down the amp if it detects a faulty condition, e.g., excessive current,
excessive heat, short circuit or power surge. If the Icon-2 shuts down, make sure that the chassis is no more
than warm to the touch before attempting to restart. For restarting under these circumstances, remove and
reconnect the power cord.
Section 0.Warranty coverage. Refer to “Nuforce Limited Warranty” section.
Scope. These terms and conditions of sale (these “Terms”) apply to all sales of products (the “Products”) by Nuforce Inc.
(“NuForce”), a California corporation, to buyer of the Products ("Buyer"). These Terms (along with the specific terms of the attached
purchase order) constitute the complete and entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersede
any and all prior and contemporaneous other terms or conditions, whether oral or written, including negotiations, prior quotations and
purchase orders between the parties. These Terms may be modified only by a writing signed and approved by an authorized
representative of NuForce. NuForce’ failure to object to any term or condition contained in any communication from Buyer
(including in any purchase order) shall not be deemed a waiver or modification of these Terms. These Terms shall not be modified,
supplemented, qualified or interpreted by any trade usage or prior course of dealing.
Orders. Subject to Section 0, a contract between NuForce and Buyer shall be formed only upon NuForce’ written acceptance of
Buyer’s order or shipment of Products to Buyer pursuant to Buyer’s written purchase order. If NuForce accepts by shipment, then the
acceptance shall only be for the quantity shipped.
Title and Delivery.
Title and Risk of Loss. Delivery is F.O.B. NuForce’ point of shipment (“Delivery”). NuForce may exercise NuForce’ own discretion
in selecting the method of shipment. The risk of loss passes to Buyer upon delivery to the carrier at NuForce’ point of shipment.
NuForce retains title to the Products until NuForce has received payment in full of all sums due in connection with the sale of
Products to Buyer. NuForce hereby reserves and Buyer hereby grants to NuForce a purchase money security interest in the Products
sold and the proceeds thereof, including accounts receivable, until Buyer pays NuForce the purchase price in full.
Shipment and Delivery. Any scheduled ship date quoted is approximate and not the essence of the contract. Claims of late delivery
are barred unless made prior to receipt of Products. Buyer’s sole remedy for delay in or failure to deliver shall be cancellation of the
applicable order.
Pricing. NuForce reserves the right to increase prices for any unshipped Products if the cost to NuForce for supplies, raw materials,
labor or services is materially increased. The prices quoted on the attached purchase order shall be valid only for the period of time
there indicated. All prices are exclusive of transportation, insurance, taxes, duties and other charges related thereto; unless NuForce
receives a certified tax exemption from Buyer prior to shipment. Buyer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold NuForce harmless from
any loss or expense arising out of or related to NuForce’ reliance on any tax exemption provided by Buyer.
Payment. Except as otherwise specifically designated on the invoice, payment shall be due and payable within 30 days from the date
of the invoice. NuForce reserves the right at any time to modify or withdraw any credit extended to Buyer. If in NuForce’ sole
discretion, NuForce may require full or partial payment in advance of any shipment of Product. If Buyer becomes delinquent in any
payment to NuForce, NuForce has the right to suspend performance until such delinquency is corrected. Regardless of any statement
appearing on a check in payment for Product, NuForce’ acceptance of such check shall not constitute a waiver of NuForce’ right to
pursue the collection of any remaining balance. NuForce reserves the right to charge a late fee on late payments at the lesser of one
and 1.5% per month or the maximum rate allowable by law, together with NuForce’ costs of collections including attorneys’ fees.
Acceptance. Use of the Products by Buyer or its agents, or the failure by Buyer to reject the Products within 5 days following Buyer’s
delivery of such Products shall constitute acceptance by the Buyer.
NuForce’ Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liabilities.
Full Refund Period. For a period of 30 days after shipment (the “Refund Period”), Buyer may return the Products to NuForce for a
full refund. To qualify for this refund, the Products must be returned in their original packaging and a 15% restocking fee will apply
to damaged (including blemish on product’s surface) Products.
Limited Warranty. For a period (as specified in the Warranty Coverage section) after conclusion of the Refund Period, NuForce
warrants (i) this product against defects in materials and workmanship, and (ii) that each Product, unmodified and under normal use
and conditions, will substantially comply with NuForce’ applicable written technical documentation for the Product. NuForce
reserves the right to make substitutions and modifications from time to time in the specifications of Products sold by NuForce,
provided that such substitutions or modifications do not materially affect overall Product performance.
Limitations. EXCEPT FOR NUFORCE’ LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH IN SECTION 0 ABOVE, NUFORCE
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OF MERCHANTABILITY AND AGAINST
INFRINGEMENT. THE EXPRESS WARRANTY IN SECTION 0 ABOVE SHALL EXTEND TO BUYER ONLY AND NOT TO
BUYER’S CUSTOMERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF NUFORCE CONCERNING THE PRODUCTS OTHER THAN THE LIMITED
WARRANTY EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN SECTION 0. BUYER WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WILL
INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD HARMLESS NUFORCE FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES,
DAMAGES, COSTS AND EXPENSES RELATED TO ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS OTHER
THAN THOSE SET FORTH IN SECTION 0 OR ANY USE OF THE PRODUCTS OR RESALE OF THE PRODUCTS.
Liability. With respect to any claims asserting breach of the limited warranty set forth in Section 0, NuForce’ exclusive liability and
Buyer’s sole remedy, is at NuForce’ option, to replace or repair the defective Product or to issue credit to Buyer for the purchase price
of the Product (without interest), provided that prior to any replacement, repair or credit the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) NuForce is promptly notified in writing by Buyer upon discovery of any such default; (ii) the defective Product is returned to
NuForce, transportation charges prepaid by Buyer, accompanied by a brief statement explaining the alleged defect; and (iii) NuForce’
examination of such Product shall disclose to NuForce’ satisfaction that such failures did not arise as a result of misuse, abuse,
improper installation or application, repair, alteration, or accident, or negligence in use, storage, transportation or handling by anyone
other than NuForce. Any replacement Product will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or 30 days,
whichever is longer. NuForce shall in no event be responsible for any labor costs, or otherwise, incurred by Buyer incident to the
replacement of any defective Product. If NuForce determines that the returned Product conformed to the warranties, NuForce will
return the Product to Buyer at Buyer’s expense.
NUFORCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES
OF ANY NATURE INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LOSS OF PROFIT, PROMOTIONAL OR MANUFACTURING
EXPENSES, OVERHEAD, DATA, INJURY TO REPUTATION OR LOSS TO CUSTOMERS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE, SALE, USE, PERFORMANCE OR FAILURE OF THE PRODUCTS, WHETHER SUCH
LIABILITY ARISES UNDER CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT PRODUCT LIABILITY OR
OTHERWISE, EVEN IF NUFORCE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR IF SUCH
DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN REASONABLY FORESEEN. IN NO EVENT WILL NUFORCE’ LIABILITY TO BUYER
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID TO
NUFORCE BY BUYER FOR THE PRODUCT THAT GIVES RISE TO THE CLAIM.
Default. If Buyer becomes insolvent, bankrupt, makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors or is otherwise unable to meet
Buyer’s obligations as they come due, NuForce may decline to make further shipments without in any way affecting NuForce’ rights
under these Terms. If, NuForce elects to continue to make shipments, NuForce’ action shall not constitute a waiver of any default by
Buyer or in any way affect NuForce’ legal remedies of any such default.
Assignment. Buyer shall not assign Buyer’s order or any interest in or any rights hereunder without the prior written consent of
NuForce.
Confidentiality. Buyer acknowledges that Buyer may gain access to trade secrets and confidential information of NuForce. At all
times Buyer agrees not to disclose NuForce’ trade secrets or confidential information to any third party without the express written
consent of NuForce. Buyer further agrees to undertake all steps necessary to maintain the secrecy of NuForce’ trade secrets and
confidential information.
Miscellaneous. All notices, authorizations, and requests shall be deemed given on receipt. These Terms shall be governed by the
laws of the State of California without reference to that state’s choice of law provisions. The California state courts of Santa Clara
County, California or the United States District Court for the Northern District of California shall have exclusive jurisdiction and
venue over any dispute arising out of this Agreement, and each party hereby consents to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts.
All waivers of the exercise any remedy or option provided herein, or to require any performance by Buyer must be in a writing signed
by NuForce. If any provision of these Terms is declared invalid, illegal or unenforceable, all remaining provisions shall continue in
full force and effect. Nonperformance of either party, except for the making of payments, shall be excused to the extent that
performance is delayed or rendered impossible by any reason where failure to perform is beyond the reasonable control of the nonperforming party.
Nuforce’s warranty is specified in NuForce Terms and Conditions of Sale. If a defect exists, at its option Nuforce will (1) repair the
product at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement parts, (2) exchange the product with a product that is new or which has
been manufactured from new or serviceable used parts and is at least functionally equivalent to the original product, or (3) refund the
purchase price of the product. A replacement product/part assumes the remaining warranty of the original product or ninety (90) days
from the date of replacement or repair, whichever provides longer coverage for you. When a product or part is exchanged, any
replacement item becomes your property and the replaced item becomes Nuforce's property. When a refund is given, your product
becomes Nuforce's property.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE
If you purchased the product in the U.S., deliver the product, at your expense, to any Nuforce Service Center located in the U.S. If
you purchased the product outside of the U.S., deliver the product to any Nuforce Authorized Importer in the country where you
purchased the product. Be aware, however, that not all countries have Nuforce Authorized Service Providers and not all Authorized
Service Providers outside the country of purchase have all parts or replacement units for the product. If the product cannot be repaired
or replaced in the country it is in, it may need to be sent to a different country or returned to the country of purchase at your expense
for repair or replacement. You can always deliver the product to NuForce’s U.S. main service center for obtaining warranty service.
EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
This Limited Warranty applies only to hardware products manufactured by or for Nuforce that can be identified by the "Nuforce"
trademark, trade name, or logo affixed to them. The Limited Warranty does not apply to any non-Nuforce hardware products or any
accessories, even if packaged or sold with Nuforce hardware. Non-Nuforce manufacturers, suppliers, may provide their own
warranties. Other accessories distributed by Nuforce under the Nuforce brand name are not covered under this Limited Warranty.
This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, misapplication, or non-Nuforce products; (b) to
damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not an Nuforce Authorized Service Provider; (c) to a product or a part that has
been modified without the written permission of Nuforce; or (d) if any Nuforce serial number has been removed or defaced.
THIS WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
REMEDIES AND CONDITIONS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. NUFORCE SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF NUFORCE CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM
IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, ALL SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION
OF THIS WARRANTY. No Nuforce reseller, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification, extension, or addition to
this warranty.
NUFORCE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING
FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE TO OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND
PROPERTY, ANY COSTS OF RECOVERING, REPROGRAMMING, OR REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA
STORED IN OR USED WITH NUFORCE PRODUCTS, AND ANY FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF
DATA STORED ON THE PRODUCT. NUFORCE SPECIFICALLY DOES NOT REPRESENT THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO
REPAIR ANY PRODUCT UNDER THIS WARRANTY OR MAKE A PRODUCT EXCHANGE WITHOUT RISK TO OR LOSS
OF PROGRAMS OR DATA.
Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or exclusions or limitations
on the duration of implied warranties or conditions, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary by state or province.
(c) 2008 Nuforce, Inc. All rights reserved. NuForce and the Nuforce logo are trademarks of Nuforce Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.