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NuForce S-1 Speaker (1 pair, black/silver) for Icon Systems | 
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| Brand: NuForce
Category: CE
This item is no longer available
Avg. Customer Rating:  1 reviews
Sales Rank: 14752
Shipping Weight (lbs): 5.5
Dimensions (in): 4.8 x 6 x 9.5
Dimension: 9.5" x 6" x 4.75" (single speaker)
Weight: 5.5 lb each
Model: S-1
UPC: 895029002186
EAN: 0895029002186
ASIN: B001BPYA9U
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| Features:
| • | 3.5" Titanium full-range driver | | • | Impedance: 8 Ohm | | • | Sensitivity 87dB 1W/1m | | • | Frequency Response: 80 Hz to 20 kH | | • | Maximum power input: 30W |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The S-1 is a desktop speaker designed to coordinate with the Nuforce Icon. Specifically, a standard RJ-45 Cat 5 cable signals the Icon's equalizer to optimize the S-1's response characteristics. The tight integration with Icon and unique design enable S-1 to achieve sonic performance equivalent to speakers costing several times its price. The S-1's full-range, Nuforce-engineered driver utilizes a lightweight yet rigid titanium cone, a die-cast basket with a vented voice coil, and a neodymium motor structure, all of which contribute to the speaker's excellent linearity and power-handling capabilities. A waveguide feature similar to that of NuForce's top-of-the-line S-9 loudspeaker accounts for the S-1's exemplary midrange gain, dispersion pattern and eradication of diffraction artifacts. There are three basic benefits to the waveguide: 1. It controls dispersion thereby reducing the effect of nearby reflective surfaces. 2. It reduces speaker cone excursion and therefore distortion, while increasing dynamic headroom. 3. It reduces power demand from the amplifier and therefore lowers distortion while increasing dynamic headroom. The S-1's well-damped enclosure consists of audio-grade MDF (medium-density fiberboard). *** S-1 is only sold in pair and it can only works with NuForce Icon systems. ***
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| Customer Reviews:
A new standard for home computer audio August 2, 2008
After trying several different makes/models of speakers for use with my home computer, and not especially caring for any of them (no matter what they cost), I was willing to take a chance and preorder these speakers from NuForce without ever hearing them, or even reading so much as three words of positive feedback from anybody. It was a chance but that chance paid off!
I had worked part-time recently in a well known specialty electronics store, and in that time I every speaker I tried was a letdown. I could easily find fault with all of them. However, the S-1 has no obvious faults. It can only be used with NuForce's Icon amp, which needs to be purchased separately. Unlike most other computer speakers the S-1 is not "active"...it does not plug directly into the computer itself. The Icon does that, and I will write a review for that product as well. Short version...having the Icon handle the grunt work is a very, very good thing.
The single-driver waveguide of the S-1 gives it a very cohesive, well-dispersed sound. Even in a very nearfield position (< 3 feet), they image superbly. Instead of sound being pushed at your from two sides like most other speakers, the sound just "appears" from the S-1...it will sound as if there is a mini-stage in front of you with the musicians lined up in midair. This is a quality normally only found in quality conventional stereo equipment, and not in front of a computer. While their rated low-end extension is a "mere" 80Hz, the quality of the bass is far better than other, "louder" speakers. No, it won't rattle your desk as much as other more well-known models will do, but the clean output the S-1 provides allows for a good amount of detail, and I consider that a more than fair trade. Different bass notes are easily heard, as opposed to a constant "thub thub thub" that is all too common. Also given the fact that the Icon amp has a line-output for a subwoofer (which I have to assume is in the works) it becomes a moot point in the extension/slam department.
I can't overstate how clear these speakers make music...they truly perform at a high level. They will not touch the dynamics of a full-range floorstanding speaker, but they are still very dynamic...crank up the volume of the Icon for classical music and it will impress you. They also do a fabulous job with plucked bass in jazz music...on other speakers they are a soft, mumbly mess. Not here.
Like any well-made loudspeaker, the S-1 will really let you hear the quality of what you put into it. If your music collection consists of low-bitrate MP3's of modern pop music, then the qualities of this system will not be fully realized. Not trying to pass judgment, its just the way it is. If you never thought there was a reason to store music in a lossless format, you might now. But at the same, I found the S-1 enjoyable on more "regular" audio tasks, such as watching news clips. Their clarity helps with dialog quite a bit. Even games benefit from these speakers, as their precision helps with localized sounds (such as in BioShock or Mass Effect).
As you might imagine I'm extremely pleased with these speakers. I took a chance and it worked...if you are looking for better sound on your home computer (or office, or bedroom, or anywhere...the Icon does not need to be chained to a computer at all!), then you need look no further.
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