Have You Heard the Northstar CD Combo?

There are those that dont believe in I2S, but this is what makes this combo so good. Unfortunately, there is a lot of filtering on the I2S interface in order to get it to pass FCC/CISPR emissions testing, so this adds quit a bit of jitter. This is a fairly easy mod to remove these and speed-up the interface, lowering the jitter.

The upsampler chip used to get 24/192 is the best on the market IMO, really great sounding. The transport can even be used in a master-slave fashion with a Pace-Car reclocker to get the jitter really-really low.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

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).

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.

Slowhand - Interested in your experience with the roller blocks. Are you using three or four blocks? What kind of shelf do you have and is your rack also isolated? Right now I am using nothing but the stock feet on a oak shelf in cabinet directly on the maple floor

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.