I have the ISIS valve cdp/DAC.
my take:
(1) the ISIS valve model fully sold me in terms of its performance: well worth the extra cash outlay over the non-valve model.
(2) the Saturn-R is a fine unit, but the ISIS valve cdp/DAC takes it to a whole new performance level.
(3) My matched OSIRIS integrated amp with its XLR interconnect inputs from the ISIS was the next intuitive performance link upgrade. The OSIRIS and ISIS as a matched set have a unique "je ne sais quoi" special symbiotic performance synergy, that is not subtle ...FWIW.
((4) If you do migrate up to the ISIS, do not scrimp on cheap ICs.... go invest in quality build XLR ICs. The RCA REGA Couple ICs that come with the ISIS spinner are good performers in their own right (I use them in my B system) ; BUT .... they can be improved upon significantly when you take the step up.
I did extensive A-B bake offs in my system with a plethora of contenders and pretenders. I settled on an all-NORDOST Frey XLR IC and matched FREY shotgunned speaker cable loom. They are a brilliant match to the REGA OSIRIS / ISIS valve system . Again, both the audio performance and satisfaction improvement quotient was not subtle.
Quality XLR ICs are a necessary and worthy step up IMO to max out its performance capabilities..... full stop.
(5) The ISIS considerable high-end audio performance and resolution strengths also have a noteworthy caution: it WILL definitely reveal all the warts in your system and it will graphically reveal all poor quality recordings.
Happy hunting .
my take:
(1) the ISIS valve model fully sold me in terms of its performance: well worth the extra cash outlay over the non-valve model.
(2) the Saturn-R is a fine unit, but the ISIS valve cdp/DAC takes it to a whole new performance level.
(3) My matched OSIRIS integrated amp with its XLR interconnect inputs from the ISIS was the next intuitive performance link upgrade. The OSIRIS and ISIS as a matched set have a unique "je ne sais quoi" special symbiotic performance synergy, that is not subtle ...FWIW.
((4) If you do migrate up to the ISIS, do not scrimp on cheap ICs.... go invest in quality build XLR ICs. The RCA REGA Couple ICs that come with the ISIS spinner are good performers in their own right (I use them in my B system) ; BUT .... they can be improved upon significantly when you take the step up.
I did extensive A-B bake offs in my system with a plethora of contenders and pretenders. I settled on an all-NORDOST Frey XLR IC and matched FREY shotgunned speaker cable loom. They are a brilliant match to the REGA OSIRIS / ISIS valve system . Again, both the audio performance and satisfaction improvement quotient was not subtle.
Quality XLR ICs are a necessary and worthy step up IMO to max out its performance capabilities..... full stop.
(5) The ISIS considerable high-end audio performance and resolution strengths also have a noteworthy caution: it WILL definitely reveal all the warts in your system and it will graphically reveal all poor quality recordings.
Happy hunting .