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Have You Heard the Northstar CD Combo?

WOW! I just bought a Northstar Transport and the Extremo DAC. I can't believe how good this sounds. It blows away my Sony scd-1 in stock mode, and even betters it with the mods that I had in the Sony. I never thought I could get this excited about a piece of digital equipment. I also love the size. Very small compared the the scd-1 beast. That thing almost broke my back! It is still not the equal of my analog system, but I can go from listening to LP's to CD's and not feel the need shut the digital off and fire up the TT right away.
slowhand

Showing 5 responses by clio09

clio09
3,343 posts
 
I have the 192 combo after having owned the transport for a while and using it with a Monarchy M24 dac. When I bought the 192 dac to go with the transport there was a subtle improvement, but things really got interesting when I started using the I2S interface. I ordered a Revelation Audio Lab I2S cable and never looked back.

Alas though, the 192 transport went on the fritz and so now I eagerly await its return. I didn't realize I would miss digital this much even though in the interim I get to listen to more vinyl.
clio09
3,343 posts
 
I am using Acoustic Dreams DeadBall Isolators under the DAC and in between the DAC and transport FIM bearing isolators. I have also used Herbies Isocups with the Gabon Ebony ball between the DAC and transport as well.

I've gone back and forth on the modifications for these units. I do like what I have read about the Pace Car that Steve Nugent has designed. as well as his mods. Anthony Padilla at Aberdeen Components is repairing my transport and he does mods as well. So far though mine are still stock.
clio09
3,343 posts
 
My understanding from the importer is that the upgraded cable North Star offers is $1200. I wasn't aware Anthony had one. I may have to look into that further.

Steve - are you still doing North Star mods, but just not on the Extremo DAC?
clio09
3,343 posts
 
Recently I've been using the Stealth M5000 on the transport and Stealth Dream Digital on the DAC. Previously I have also tried these combinations:

1. Acoustic Revive Power Max II power cords on both units
simultaneously.
2. PAD Dominus on the DAC and and Virtual Dynamics Nite II
on the transport.
3. Virtual Dynamics Master on the DAC and Nite II on the
transport.
4. Virtual Dynamics Master on the DAC and Oyaide Tunami GPX
on the transport.

I've pretty much settled on the Stealth but when I get the transport back I'm going to give the Acoustic Revive PCs another listen and maybe try an Acoustic Revive and Stealth combo.
clio09
3,343 posts
 
My combo has no trouble reading CDs, CDRs, etc. You can select the input on the front panel. There are 4 options: 2 coaxial RCA, 1 toslink, and 1 I2S.
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