A product that you don’t have to make any compromises or excuses just because it is affordable. Physically it looks superbly gorgeous and built like a tank. Feel the weight of this DAC and it tells you what you are paying for are inside. Whichever way you look at it, it gives outstanding value and pride of ownership to the owner and the sound system being used.

Click here to view the TNT Audio review

The North Star Design latest model - the M192 DAC is the BEST VALUE digital-to-analogue converter you can buy at the moment.
Curtosy Cris Report - 5/31/2001

M192 CD-Transport - $2500.00

Introduction

The Model192 CD-Transport is born to reach the maximum results in CD reproduction; coupled with Model192 DAC via I2S connection it allows the transmission of the digital signal without jitter error.

Listening experience:
The balance among all the frequencies of the audio spectrum is perfect, the dynamic performance is like the better analogue systems and the 3D soundstage is so realistic that your room will be literally embedded into a fully live musical experience.

The Model 192 CD-transport is a Top Loading transport based on a Philips CD-PRO2 mechanism, used in hi-end CD-Player. This metal mechanism is decoupled from CD frame by a heavy duty suspension. The digital signal read from CD go into a double anti-jitter circuitry with on-board high precision re-clocking and it is upsampled until 192kHz-24bit on I2S digital output
The CD-transport have a S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2S digital outputs; but only the I2S digital connection allow to separate clocks and data in the transmission between Transport and Dac without clock reconstruction problems.

Dynamic Range: 100dB
S/N Ratio: 100dB
Outputs: 1 S/PDIF on RCA (75 Ohm ), 1 AES/EBU on XLR balanced (110 Ohm), 1 I2S (RJ45)
Mains/Power Consumption: 230/115V 50/60Hz 20VA
Chassis size: 43,3 x 17 x 7.5 cm
Weight: (with envelope) 6,5 Kg

Model 192 D/A Converter $2500.00
The Model 192 represents a technologically more advanced DAC, born for the future. A two channel converter its circuit is designed for insertion into a multichannel conversion system, rendering it a long-lasting investment in the future.

The Model 192 is a classic two channel digital-to-analog converter that allows the conversion of digital signals until 192kHz-24bit according to the DVD-Audio standard. The input signals from a CD, DAT, DAB, DVD-Video are directly (at the same input frequency) converted or upsampled to 192kHz-24bit before the conversion.

But its flexibility does not end here. In fact the Model192 have a RJ45 input in I2S standard that allows to convert a 192kHz-24bit stereo digital signal. This will concur in the future to listen in simple way the multichannel codified music.

The digital receiver and upsampler until 96kHz-24bit is a Crystal CS8420-CS; the second upsampling until 192kHz-24bit is made by NPC SM5849AF. The Crystal CS4396-KS a 192kHz-24bit is the DAC.
The jitter in the input data is lowering by a oscillator circuit wich re-clock the input data.

The analog stage is DC coupled with the DAC, without capacitor on signal path, only with discrete and selected (gain matched) components (no OP AMP). Low negative feedback.

The power supply is separated for analog and digital with two toroidal transformers; all voltages are double regulated.

The M192 have a I2S input on RJ45 connector; this connection allow to convert an input signal until 192kHz-24bit. This connection is supported by the North Star Design CD-transport. On I2S connection the digital signal is directly transferred to the DAC without jitter; digital audio data and clocks are separetly transmitted to the DAC and no mixed in a sigle signal like S/PDIF or AES/EBU; this avoid any jitter problem in clock reconstruction.

Input sampling rates: 32 kHz - 192 kHz
Resolution: 8, 16, 20, 24 bit
Upsampling: Until 192 kHz
Clock Recovery: Double antijitter with reference clock

Dynamic Range: 117 dB
THD+Noise: -100 dB
Max. Output: Voltage 2 Vrms
Output Impedance: < 50 Ohm
Output Sockets" Gold plated RCA posts
Inputs: S/PDIF (2 RCA coax and Toslink optical), AES/EBU (XLR balanced) I2S (RJ45)
Mains/Power Consumption: 240/110V 50/60Hz 15VA
Chassis Size: 17 x 6.7 x 1.95 in, 43,3 x 17 x 5 cm
Weight (with envelope): 11.9 lbs,5,4 Kg

Monoblock Amplifier - $5000.00

Introduction

The North Star Design is proud to present the Monoblock Amplifier, a milestone of music reproduction, thought and built in order to reach the maximum sonic performances.

The jewel-like beauty of the Monoblock Amplifier is the result of an harmonic integration of design and functionality; the linearity of appearance makes the Monoblock Amplifier a very fascinating object. With the silver, silver and black or black aluminium front panel finishes the Monoblock Amplifier is blending well into any system.

Features

All connectors are Neutrik and WBT for input and output with hook-up cables in copper Litz.

The heart of the Monoblock Amplifier is a refined solid state Fet-Bipolar circuit that allows to obtain a powerful and smooth sound.
The high current output section allows to drive correctly loudspeakers with a very low impedance.
The generous power supply section with a 500 VA toroidal transformer and 80.000uF of filter capacitance ensures a current reserve for very fast peak and transient.

OUTPUT POWER
CONTINUOUS RMS WATTS100 WATTS @ 8 OHMS
200 WATTS @ 4 OHMS
BANDWIDTH - 0.1 Hz to 120 kHz, -3 dBTHD AND NOISE - less than 0.05% at rated powerDAMPING FACTOR - greater than 100, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 ohms
OVERALL GAIN & SENSITIVITY - 26dBINPUT IMPEDANCE
47k BALANCED
36k UNBALANCED
ABSOLUTE PHASE normal
POWER CONSUMPTION
50 watts standby
500 watts maximumINPUTS
user selectable on back panel
1 per channel (XLR)
1 per channel (RCA)
OUTPUTS
1 pair binding posts DIMENSIONS - 8.5 in (W) x 21.2 in (D) x 4.7 in (H)
WEIGHT - 40 lbs. (18 Kg)

Linestage Preamplifier - $2500.00

Introduction

Linestage is unquestionably one of the world's finest audio preamplifier. With its combination of features, precision electronic circuitry and accurately machined chassis components throughout, the Linestage Preamplifier will offer you many years of musically satisfying enjoyment.

The Preamplifier is the connection between the source and the power amp, a simple wire with volume control. To obtain this goal the Preamp need to be transparent, pure and delicate.
The circuit of Linestage is a Fet-Bipolar two stage preamplifier with remote controlled volume; only discrete and matched solid state components are used inside. The power supply is separate for digital and analog section with a double toroidal transformer and more than 30.000uF.of filter capacitance.

The Linestage have five unbalanced inputs and one balanced input.
The output are balanced and unbalanced with passive bi-amp possibility.

The Linestage can control a pair of "linked" Monoblock Amplifier ; you can control the amplification system directly from the preamp or the remote control.