Source recommendation

Lawrie no typo £4200, The north star dac in my system is just nice and rounded with detail and a some flow, may be just a synergy thing, I can't say with the 860, I wasn't there.
But they are plenty more digital gear out there now that is very good also, and keenly priced too, I however still haven't found anything much that makes me want to go wow, that is some thing else, but thats just me, to be honest Lawrie I've just upgraded myself, to another Wadia, strange how things work out, had a bit of greif with the voltage conversion too, but all sussed now, If I was buy a Wadia CDP I'd buy a Wadia 16i and fit the SE transport (If I did mod them).
Anyway when does the Trivista and dac 64 arrive for you appraiseal ?, Also try the AA dac, can be had for about £1700 shipped, that may also tickle your fancy, it's good at what it does too. WM

 

Yep, I can confirm FOUR thousand two hundred smackers

And for me, the setup in the Chord room with the Blue and Dac64, was one of the least inspiring efforts I heard Dull as dishwater to my ears, but to be fair, it may have been the Chord amps.

My vote for the best sounding CD player at the show would have to the Audio Research CD3:band:

 

WM

So it wasn't a typing error – the Chord transport does indeed cost GBP 4,200.00 Yikes!! The world has truly gone mad! I guess it would appeal to those audiophiles who like gizmos and to the lifestyle equipment buyers who would like to complete their Chord Choral range set-up.

The Trivista 21 DAC and the DAC 64 should be available or appraisal during the second week in October. I am more curious about the sound of the DAC 64 than I am the Trivista 21 as the DAC 64 does appear to polarize opinions so much. Jimmy Hughes also made some interesting comments about the DAC 64 in the latest HiFi+ mag. I will also check out the AA DAC, the Prima, I think it is called, which I am certain can be had for less than GBP 1700.00 in these parts. I have also decided to add one-box players into the mix so just like Bifcake, I will soon be drawing up a shortlist of red-book CDP contenders as SACD does not interest me right now although I have a Pioneer universal player (used primarily as a DVD-video player) and a handful of SACDs.

Merlin – so the ARC CD3 provided the best sound at the show did it? Well, I am not surprised as it is a superb CDP so I wonder what the 45 changes that ARC have added to the MkII version entail. Shame that it is a top-loader though as I'm not too keen on them. The Goodwin's website reads:Audio Research CD-3 Mk II. With better resolution, lower distortion, and a nicer remote control, this extensive revision include 45 parts changes and additions. Existing units may be upgraded for about $1K or buy a new one for $5,595.



Enjoy the music,

Lawrie

 

Don't know about the upgrade Lawrie. I guess AR just need some more money

Certainly the most engaging CD player I heard at the show yes. Shame you don't like toploaders Rather limits you performance wise. I can't think of a front loader (Wadia excepted) that does it for me, Audio Aero, Sim Eclipse, CD3 all using the excellent Phillips CD Pro2 mech.