Dear Pal and Agnes,
My icOn 5 balanced pre-amp has been in my system for two months now. Clarity is the one-word description that returns. Two sessions close, listening after a long break on a trip, at my 13ft (4m) listening position in the room upstairs, or acting as a large radio for background downstairs.
Passive and active are both enjoyable. I run a server from local drive through balanced 4V DAC output, but appreciate that the active is there if I ever add a 2V source or a turntable.
The manual and setup were easy. I like to keep the icON quiet while turning on the power amp. This preamp shines, as well, at low volume settings.
Best Regards
Chip
South Carolina USA
