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Northstar Model 192 DAC

post #1 of 12
7/5/07 at 1:36pm
Thread Starter 
hi,

for those who are familar with Northstar Model 192 DAC, since their introduction in 2001, anyone knows the M192 had went through how many version or revisions? what are the major changes? and how to differentiate between the different versions?

thank you
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post #2 of 12
7/5/07 at 3:46pm
I spoke to the US distributor before buying mine. From what I gathered there have been no major revision changes through the years (or none that were documented). The serial number might be indicative of age, but I'm not sure what information can be gained from that.
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post #3 of 12
7/5/07 at 9:34pm
I've seen a number of them over the last year and they are all identical.

STeve N.
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post #4 of 12
7/5/07 at 10:48pm
Are there any owners or people here that have heard this particular DAC?

It would be interesting to hear their opinions. This forum is over dosed with opinions on the Benchmark DAC1. I'm sure it's a fine DAC. Variety is a fine idea as well.
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post #5 of 12
7/6/07 at 1:37am
Audioengr mods them and Jpak owns one so I'm sure they both have solid opinions

While I am sure its a great sounding dac, I personally am not interested as most of my amps/headphones are balanced and I believe this is single ended?
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post #6 of 12
7/6/07 at 1:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Icarium View Post
Audioengr mods them and Jpak owns one so I'm sure they both have solid opinions

While I am sure its a great sounding dac, I personally am not interested as most of my amps/headphones are balanced and I believe this is single ended?
The Northstar Extremo is balanced. I have modded one of these and it is great. Unfortunately it is a pain to mod, almost 100 capacitors to add and lots of board fixes etc..., so I will not be doing them. The stock 192 beats the Extremo IMO.

STeve N.
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post #7 of 12
7/6/07 at 1:53am
Oh it is eh. Damn. Well you aren't modding them anyways
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post #8 of 12
7/6/07 at 1:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr.Love View Post
Are there any owners or people here that have heard this particular DAC?

It would be interesting to hear their opinions. This forum is over dosed with opinions on the Benchmark DAC1. I'm sure it's a fine DAC. Variety is a fine idea as well.
The 192 Northstar DAC is mentioned in these two reviews:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/e...l/offramp.html

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/e...2/spoiler.html

The reviewer like it better than my Spoiler. Hard to believe
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post #9 of 12
7/9/07 at 1:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Icarium View Post
Audioengr mods them and Jpak owns one so I'm sure they both have solid opinions

While I am sure its a great sounding dac, I personally am not interested as most of my amps/headphones are balanced and I believe this is single ended?
I posted my impressions in this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=240590

I am still very pleased with the unit, and it's not going anywhere in the near future.
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post #10 of 12
7/11/07 at 12:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by audioengr View Post
The 192 Northstar DAC is mentioned in these two reviews:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/e...l/offramp.html

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/e...2/spoiler.html

The reviewer like it better than my Spoiler. Hard to believe
To each they're own, it's nice that there is so much to choose from of high quality equipment, with different sounds, something for everyone!
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post #11 of 12
3/9/08 at 9:17pm
Somehow I missed this thread when it was first posted and the question when it was firsted posed. I have owned a black North Star M192 for 7 months or so. I upgraded it from a Benchmark Dac1. To me the M192 gives the detail of the Dac1 and more while retaining a smoother tube like sound. With the Benchmark I could never get use to the sound of piano's and strings in the treble range...too harsh and brittle for my tastes. With the North Star the sound stage is also slightly enlarged and with a bit more separation and instrumental placement. I love this dac to say the least. The Audio Horizon TP5.0n (fully maxed) was also added which is, I believe, the best tube buffer on the market currently. I compare it to the Decware zbox and Music Fidelity stand alone tube buffers. When these two units are combined the synergy is amazing running through my Fully Maxed Headroom Home amp. The only upgrade I am considering from here is to send my North Star to Steve and have him mod it for i2s using his Pace Car with my RWA Olive. With the modded Olive and the above equipment I have never once thought of a dedicated CDP. The North Star is a keeper. Contact Anthony on Audiogone for a great price on the M192 well below the retail price of $2500!
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post #12 of 12
3/11/08 at 1:06am
Thanks for the review! I had a feeling that was a very nice DAC.
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