I have very kindly been loaned a Rega Isis CD player for a while by a fellow audiophile.
It's not immediately impressive but it is hard to turn off...hhhmmmm
I have very kindly been loaned a Rega Isis CD player for a while by a fellow audiophile.
It's not immediately impressive but it is hard to turn off...hhhmmmm
Lucky you, nice Cd player, the valve version is very nice.
Regards Neil
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?
AC POWER
Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
AMPS
Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
SPEAKERS
Wharfedale Evo 4.4
DAC
PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
TURNTABLE
Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
PHONOSTAGE
Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
DIGITAL
OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
MUSIC PLAYBACK
Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
Ipad Roon Remote.
Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
SPEAKER CABLES
Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
INTERCONNECTS
All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables
Location: Ireland
Posts: 29
I'm colum.
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:
Lindemann Network Bridge > McIntosh MHA150 > Shahinian Larc speakers
Location: Ireland
Posts: 29
I'm colum.
Simon, thanks for the heads up on that player, I never even heard of the Gato player before, searched for some reviews but no descriptions regarding sound presentation, again serious money but pre loved prices are at the top end of my budget.
No chance to demo one over here In Ireland I think, I should Have gone to Munich show, best place to see uber players like this and REGA / Audionote
Location: Ireland
Posts: 29
I'm colum.
Yes, it's the anniversary model. Interesting move by Gato. Not sure it'll succeed to be honest. Taking the dealer out means no trade ins, for a start. No home dems. OK, they offer trial periods but you've got to stump up first. Plus Gato will have to do all their own brand promotion. They say they will compensate buyers over the past 24 months, but no specific details. I bought at a good price though; even st the new pricing these are EUR4k. Not cheap, but end game for me. I'm thinking about an Amp 150 to go with it. Hmmmmm
Lindemann Network Bridge > McIntosh MHA150 > Shahinian Larc speakers