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).

To optimize the S-1's bass, position the speakers close to some manner of back panel: hanging on a wall, for example, or on a stand close to a wall. However, the wall should not be too far from the sitting position.

Many desktop speakers provide decent sound. What they don't offer is the S-1's finesse, resolution, clarity and lifelike midrange. With an uncompressed source, e.g., a high-bit-rate file, you can push the S-1 / Icon system remarkably far into audiophile sound. Try listening to some good vocal, piano, saxophone or stringed instruments and you'll discover what I mean.

We regard the S-1 as a high-fidelity component. As with most hi-fi equipment, if your source is mediocre, the S-1 probably won't sound better than other desktop speakers. It's the old story: garbage in, garbage out. On the other hand -- and to say it again -- if you're listening to a high-quality source, you'll be delighted with the S-1's performance.

If you like to watch movies on your PC or Mac, adding a sub-woofer will give you the bass you're looking for. Some desktop speakers may offer deeper -- though rarely better-quality -- bass than the S-1. We much prefer to provide the consumer with a solid 100Hz, which can be somewhat enhanced by wall placement, than an ill-defined and muddy 80Hz.

NuForce S-1

MSRP $249/pair
Available Color (Cabinet/Wave-guide):
Black/Black
Black/Red
Black/Silver
Silver/Blue

Specifications:

• 3.5" Titanium full-range driver
• Neodymium magnet
• Impedance: 8 Ohm
• Sensitivity 87dB 1W/1m
• Frequency Response: 80 Hz to 20 kHz
• Maximum power input: 30W
• Dimension: 9.5" x 6" x 4.75"
• Weight: 5.5 lb each
  

If W-1 sub woofer is used with S-1, the crossover frequency of the W-1 should be set to 80Hz.