Have You Heard the Northstar CD Combo?

I am using the I2S Rev Audio cable too. The only thing I had lying around for isolation was some Black Diamond cones, but a friend loaned me 2 sets of Symposium roller block Jr.'s. I put one set under the dac (the transport is on top of the dac). WOW! more low mid range and weight to the music. Big improvement over the bdr cones. I plan on putting the other set between the transport and dac tomorrow to see if it gets any better. I am using SRA VR3 bases under my preamp and power amp. What are you guys using under your Northstar's?

Steve, I have a friend that is using a modified Northstar transport into a Tact preamp. Killer sound! He said he would bring the transport over so we can compare my stock to his modded unit. Not sure when he will get over to my house, but I will post our impressions.

What I really love about this player is it's ability to put every instrument in it's own space in the sound field and each instrument is very clear and distinctive (even if it is far back in the mix).

My rack is custom made, but is similar to the Mapleshade racks with maple shelves. The uprights are threaded to allow for infinite adjustment of the shelves. The rack is spiked to the floor with carpet piercing spikes. the floor is concrete slab with wall to wall carpet. I am using three roller blocks (one in front, two in back). I just put a second set under the transport (between the dac and transport) as they are stacked. So far I don't hear much improvement over just one set under the dac. I believe you would benefit from soome form of isolation other than the stock feet.

After putting the second set of Rollerblock Jr's between the transport and dac, I find that I definitely like the sound better with just one set under the dac. The second set seems to cause a loss of dynamics.

What power cords do you guys like best with your Northstars, and do you use the same kind on both the dac and transport?

Gammajo,

I am using a Supratek Cortese tube preamp and a Berning ZH270 tube power amp with my Northstar/Extremo DAC combo. This is the best cd sound I have ever achieved in my system. Beats the Sony scd-1 player I had (and it had the VSEI mods). I am using Gallo Reference 2 speakers (90 db efficiency).

Thanks Gammajo,

I am very happy with this setup. After returning from the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October, I fired up my system and I was completely happy with the sound. I had no desire to make any changes (even after hearing so much great equipment at the show).