I have very kindly been loaned a Rega Isis CD player for a while by a fellow audiophile.
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...1046129C3B.jpg
It's not immediately impressive but it is hard to turn off...hhhmmmm :scratch:
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I have very kindly been loaned a Rega Isis CD player for a while by a fellow audiophile.
http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/...1046129C3B.jpg
It's not immediately impressive but it is hard to turn off...hhhmmmm :scratch:
Lucky you, nice Cd player, the valve version is very nice.
That’s how I found my Rega dac to be...
Just so listenable, but in the background.
Maybe it’s confusing out hifi brains with it’s musicality?
That is a friend, I have never had the pleasure of listening to the Rega ISIS, supposed to be very special from all the reviews, surprised they are subtle at first listen.
Is the presentation very smooth or is it lively / holographic? I am considering a high end CD at the moment with my options down to Rega / Lector/ Audionote for service and musicality.
I got a pair of Sennheiser HD800'S this year and it took almost 3 months before my Brain / Ears came to terms with what they could do, I am glad I persisted with them and happy with the result, I was not overwhelmed when I listened to them at first coming from a pair of HD650'S.
I've now gone back to concentrating on CD as my primary source. If you're looking for a true high end, high quality, piece of kit then you should take a look at what I went for; the GATO CDD1. This uses the best and most relaible CD transport of all time, IMO, the Philips Pro2LF (these remain available, by the way. I checked and GATO has plenty in stock). You also get access to the DAC via USB or coaxial. Worth getting a liten or homw dem, if poss.
My one:
https://i.postimg.cc/vTC8Kj4g/fullsizeoutput-5bc.jpg
I've lived happily with the Isis Valve for 8 years now. I agree about it not being immediately impressive, John, but it's well worth persisting. I've had audiophiles listen to mine for a couple of tracks and be rather underwhelmed ... presumably they were expecting some hyper-real sonic firworks, or something? I took it to one dealer to hear against a Naim 555, and he clearly thought the Naim was streets ahead. I thought the Naim sounded like a very good CD player, whereas the Rega sounded like real music. Admittedly, if you're used to typical CD players and DACs, the Isis Valve's presentation can seem rather different, and seems to leave new listeners a bit nonplussed at first. Each to their own, I guess, but the Isis Valve is, overall, the most satisfying source I've ever had ... certainly I've spent a small fortune trying, and failing, to get my vinyl rig up to the same standard. Vinyl, it seems to me, is swings and roundabouts, whereas the Rega pretty much gives it all ... as far as my needs go, anyway :)
The Isis is excellent.
Had an Isis SS for years before the much more expensive TAD persuaded me to move on
It’s interesting what has been said about the Rega. I find that. While some hifi equipment can sound initially impressive long term it can become a little grating while some hifi just seems mor satisfying over the long term.