Helium 410 – Nuforce Icon 2 system was
introduced at expos and showrooms as an optimized solution for inexperienced
user desiring a compact system.
The
system includes Amphion Helium 410 speakers, Nuforce Icon 2 amp and iPad.
Audio world is odd place where vague titles
called audiophile and hi-end seem deceiving collector. People always find ways to
upgrade and combine devices by linking inappropriate cables, build cramped
rooms which are carelessly designed and locking themselves in without thinking
that sound is just life’s embellishment. When most hi-end manufacturers are
working with complicity to seduce users into such a world, there’s one whose
mission is to create really loveable speakers which are easily joined,
reasonable priced and able to deliver hi-fi quality to the public. That is Anssi
Hyvoenen, the Amphion brand-owner from Finland. He did ally with Nuforce, an
audio manufacturer having similar ambition, to develop excellent products.
Amphion Helium 410 speakers
Helium
410 speakers are Amphion’s smallest models of entry-level series.
The Finnish is known as quiet and reticent
one. This characteristic may partly affect Anssi’s sense of design. He said
speakers devoted to music didn’t need to sound loud but have good appearance. For
music quality, the company first aimed at making real “near field” speakers,
capable of reproducing fully detailed sound in quite low volume. For design, he
concentrated on creating elegant and modern models which are suitable for any
space, easily connected, able to be put in any position with no consideration
about processing the rooms. Those points have been represented during the design
and manufacture of Amphion’s bookshelf speakers.
Helium 410 are the smallest vented speakers
and of Amphion’s entry-level series. It is a two-way model plus 4.5inch paper
mid/woofer and 1inch titanium tweeter. The vented box is made of composite and
well processed in the surface. Besides, its narrow width occupies little space but
the depth is increased and there is one rear air outlet for enhancing bass
performance. Despite small size (26x13x22cm), thanks to composite finish, these
speakers feel sturdy and fit. Treble is placed in a funnel-shaped structure which
is invented by Amphion to guide sound. This funnel functions improving sound
dispersion in treble range and the speaker’s independence on particular rooms,
it also prevents treble and mid/woofer against dephasing. Both speakers are
distanced by replaceable metal grills. The completed product comes in 2 colors
(white or black) yet it provides various choices for color of the grills,
according to user’s preference as well as room’s décor.
Helium 410 owns low sensitivity – 86dB.
However, it is a near-field model thus this problem doesn’t matter much. It
also features 60Hz – 20,000Hz (+/- 3dB) frequency response.
Nuforce Icon 2 Amplifier
Icon
2 shares the same style with Nuforce’s audio devices.
Nuforce is an American manufacturer whose
headquarter is in California. Appearing pocket-sized, this product is
versatile, including class-D amp with remarkable output power, 24W x 2 (4 Ohm)
and 18W x 2 (8 Ohm), DAC USB and amp for headphone. The device is powered by external
energy via an AC adaptor.
Apparently, Icon 2 shares the same style
with Nuforce’s audio devices we mentioned earlier. It showed a compact
structure in black metal finish plus simply rounded corners. Beside the concave
brand name, there’s no special spot in the surface. In the front lie two
control keys, one of which is to select input while another is to adjust volume
and to turn power on/off. Headphone output is situated in a front corner. In
the back lie inputs for USB and RCD jacks, speakers and lineout connectors for
sub-woofer. Speaker output is RJ45-typed; coming with Nuforce’s specific lines whose
have one RJ45 head and one banana head.
Nuforce Icon 2’s interior is quite complex,
with 3 main parts: DAC circuit, headphone amp and class-D amp for loudspeaker.
DAC circuit is well processed with Sabrre’s
latest 32bit encoder. A 12Mz impulsive clock is responsible for synchronizing
data and reducing jitter which has been a chronic issue on PC platform. DAC
circuit is separated from main board to prevent noise.
Class-D amp occupies most space. Components
are made by Audio Grade to ensure audio quality. All essential capacitors are polypropylene-made
with good parameters.
Headphone amp looks simple and Nuforce
seemed deciding that the device didn’t aim at headphone’s quality. The
circuit’s important part is a pair of NE5532 amps.
Like Nuforce’s previous products, Icon 2
has its circuits and components well arranged to ensure audio quality.
Sound quality
By looking at parameters, inexperienced
users may doubt about the compatibility of two devices because speaker system has
low sensitivity while Nuforce amp’s power is quite small. Though, it is when
the system is played that all suspicion will come into light. Setting volume at
13%, this system delivered an extremely vibrant musical space in such a
20-meter-square area. Next, we lowered the volume but audio quality was still fully
sharp and clear. This proved that Anssi’s confirmation about these near field
speakers were no exaggeration.
The system’s audio quality may be
influenced by Helium 410 speakers. It was clear that mid-range was very warm
and appealing, making music seductive and enormous. We did feel the appearance
of artists as well as bands clearly.
Acoustic of this system is an upside. Amphion’s
funnel-shaped design directing sound became useful for creating spacious music.
Treble was wide-spread and not too sharp, like that on titanium speakers. However,
bass was remarkably a downside of this compact system. Though, bass was thick,
it wasn’t deep enough.
Trying the configuration in various
conditions, we did notice that the system was very versatile and independent of
specific spaces. Nonetheless, a two-span distance from wall was most suitable for
placing speakers as well as enhancing bass. Additionally, two speakers
shouldn’t be too separated from each other because surround sound effect might
decrease.
This
audio system suits small rooms.
Amphion Helium 410 and Nuforce Icon 2 make
a compact and stylized system. It may suit an honest office or an elegant bed
rooms and living rooms that bear modern décors. Besides, it can go with convenient
kitchen and inspire housewives to make delicious dishes.
RRPs for Amphion Helium 410 speakers and
Nuforce Icon 2 amp are $1,050 and $350, respectively.
