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North star Intenso, should I be surprised?

afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
edited March 2018 in Going Digital
This thing just kind of blew away my ifi Micro BL, well not kindda it did. Things really opened up with this DAC Improved imaging and a comparatively huge soundstage. I really can't hear anything that this DAC is not doing right, vocals are more realistic and the bass leads me to withdraw the question of adding a sub. To be fair the Micro is hooked up with the supplied USB cable and BJC LC-1's IC's and the Inteso is running on and ifi Mercury USB cable and Wireworld Oasis IC's. This was my first opportunity to A/B them at all and I am curious to do a more apples to apples comparison but I am gonna listen to this Inteso for a while. I do think this Inteso would sound better if it was black, shiny slivery things give me seizures :#
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Comments

  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    I forgot to say that the ifi is a significant improvement over the Aries mini’s DAC which isn’t bad. I got the Micro for a headphone amp and hooked it up as a DAC because I could.
  • voltzvoltz Posts: 5,048
    I pick up that MP-D2 DAC to use with the Aries Mini and just use the mini as sort of a transport since it has a 1TB SSD in it with all my music.

    That why I keeping the Mini :) got my Ipad to control my music from it. and easy to hook a better DAC up to it.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,865
    I've zero experience with any of your equipment, except the Intenso.
    If it's relatively new (not fully run-in) well, expect a different and much better sounding DAC in a hundred plus hours.

    Vocals are especially enjoyable.
    Very realistic SQ. Very life-like (live performance) with a wide sound stage . . .

    Liked it so much, I went up the food chain. Deep rabbit hole, man. No regrets!!
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 205
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    GlennDog wrote: »
    I've zero experience with any of your equipment, except the Intenso.
    If it's relatively new (not fully run-in) well, expect a different and much better sounding DAC in a hundred plus hours.

    Vocals are especially enjoyable.
    Very realistic SQ. Very life-like (live performance) with a wide sound stage . . .

    Liked it so much, I went up the food chain. Deep rabbit hole, man. No regrets!!

    It has been playing for a spell now. I didn't really listen to it till it had some time on it. What did you move up to?
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,865
    If the rest of your system is of fair (or hopefully better) quality, you will be impressed and pleased with the dollars you’ve spent…

    NSD is no slouch my friend, as I’m sure you’re finding out, day after day

    The Intenso (and Supremo) are very fine instruments !

    Happy listening!
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 205
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    GlennDog wrote: »
    If the rest of your system is of fair (or hopefully better) quality, you will be impressed and pleased with the dollars you’ve spent…

    NSD is no slouch my friend, as I’m sure you’re finding out, day after day

    The Intenso (and Supremo) are very fine instruments !

    Happy listening!

    So you have the Supremo now?
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 15,580
    He does. The Intenso got him hooked and he moved up quickly to the Supremo. I don't think he has regretted that decision either. I'll let him confirm.

    The main thing NSD has going against them is that there are so many 'sexy' DAC's in the market and NSD doesn't focus on that - they focus on the sound. Their DAC's are pieces you need to hear in order to fall in love with.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    It would be sexier if it was black. Does anyone know where to get black paint?
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    Just an observation: I didn't hear a difference between the Steely Dan Aja original and the 1999 remaster until I ran this DAC. Now the difference is obvious.
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 15,580
    You are in luck as it's available in black.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • ClipdatClipdat Posts: 6,229
    Yeah it looks great in black:

    3951266671.jpg

    Nice looking rack with Wireworld cabling, I wonder who's setup this is? ;)

    205-Audio-Thesis-pic-31.jpg
    • "Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    edited March 2018
    DSkip wrote: »
    You are in luck as it's available in black.

    I found some black paint but it did come out so good. I want to return this one for a real black one. :#
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,865
    edited March 2018
    afterburnt wrote: »
    GlennDog wrote: »
    So you have the Supremo now?

    Yes, for about 4 months now and she continues to surprise me every few days.
    Long run-in time, but well worth it

    If you take the plunge, I'm quite confident you'll be more than pleased
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 205
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,865
    ^^sorry ... Long day^^

    afterburnert wrote
    So you have the Supremo now?

    Yes, for about 4 months now and she continues to surprise me every few days.
    Long run-in time, but well worth it

    If you take the plunge, I'm quite confident you'll be more than pleased
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 205
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • ClipdatClipdat Posts: 6,229
    I wonder if a DAC can be "pre-burned in" after purchase, before shipping? Or would the benefit go away after it was powered down for a week in transit?

    My apartment is tiny and isn't conducive to burning things in with music. If music is on, it's gotta be listened to.
    • "Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 15,580
    Part of the experience of new gear is hearing that break-in period. Some manufacturers will do the burn-in, but I enjoy that first 200ish hours and how it settles in. For me, it gives me more appreciation to the product.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • ClipdatClipdat Posts: 6,229
    I'm not keeping specific track, but I'm not even at 50 with my Dayens.
    DSkip wrote: »
    Part of the experience of new gear is hearing that break-in period. Some manufacturers will do the burn-in, but I enjoy that first 200ish hours and how it settles in. For me, it gives me more appreciation to the product.

    • "Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
  • marvda1marvda1 Posts: 3,423
    Clipdat wrote: »
    I wonder if a DAC can be "pre-burned in" after purchase, before shipping? Or would the benefit go away after it was powered down for a week in transit?

    My apartment is tiny and isn't conducive to burning things in with music. If music is on, it's gotta be listened to.

    order from dskip and i will burn it in for you.
    Amplifiers: MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800, Usher R1.5
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Transport/Dac: Cayin Venus cd-100i, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkI
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra
    Speaker Cables: Analysis Plus Black Mesh Oval 9, Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme
    Interconnects: Analysis Plus Copper Oval-In Micro, MG Audio Design Planus Cu2,
    Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme
    Power Cables by: Cullen Cables, 6sons Audio, Swiss Cables
  • ClipdatClipdat Posts: 6,229
    Woot!
    marvda1 wrote: »
    order from dskip and i will burn it in for you.

    • "Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
  • txcoastal1txcoastal1 Posts: 10,265
    Clipdat wrote: »
    Woot!
    marvda1 wrote: »
    order from dskip and i will burn it in for you.

    Dingus prints included
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    DSkip wrote: »
    Part of the experience of new gear is hearing that break-in period. Some manufacturers will do the burn-in, but I enjoy that first 200ish hours and how it settles in. For me, it gives me more appreciation to the product.

    200 hours of "what's all the hubbub bub?" :#
  • voltzvoltz Posts: 5,048
    Clipdat wrote: »
    Yeah it looks great in black:

    3951266671.jpg

    Nice looking rack with Wireworld cabling, I wonder who's setup this is? ;)

    205-Audio-Thesis-pic-31.jpg

    I agree the black looks good, but up close the Classic finish is NICE! ;)
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,865
    voltz wrote: »
    I agree the black looks good, but up close the Classic finish is NICE! ;)

    The Classic is, well .... Classic and looks dang fine. Mine got shipped with "standard" . . . Thinking of upgrading
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 205
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    I actually do like the Silver, it just doesn't match the rest of my gear. I think the silver will be a nice conversation/statement piece. In a few days I will wonder why have a silver piece and I will have that conversation with myself.
  • voltzvoltz Posts: 5,048
    Well if your talking to yourself about Audio then that is Okay ;)
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    I have to talk to myself, no one else will.
  • afterburntafterburnt Posts: 5,275
    voltz wrote: »
    Clipdat wrote: »
    Yeah it looks great in black:

    3951266671.jpg

    Nice looking rack with Wireworld cabling, I wonder who's setup this is? ;)

    205-Audio-Thesis-pic-31.jpg

    I agree the black looks good, but up close the Classic finish is NICE! ;)

    Is that a "Magnifico" on the bottom? What's a "Magnifico"?
  • txcoastal1txcoastal1 Posts: 10,265
    You don't wanna know :)
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,865
    afterburnt wrote: »
    voltz wrote: »

    I agree the black looks good, but up close the Classic finish is NICE! ;)

    Is that a "Magnifico" on the bottom? What's a "Magnifico"?[/quote]

    CLASSIC IS NICE! the Intenso I demoed had it . . .

    What's Magnifico? . . . ANOTHER rabbit hole, my friend
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 205
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,865
    btw

    I think the Classic faceplate helps it blend-in with other "silver faced pieces" bc not all silver facades are the same hue

    @skip ^thoughts?^
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 205
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
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