Aurender and MSB DAC Synergy

The Aurender models N20 and above have Word Clock input that allows an external clock to drive the Aurender. The Aurender gives up control of its internal clock and slaves to the external clock. The MSB DACs  have a word clock output. I used this on my MSB DAC to connect to the Word clock input on my Aurender N20 via a BNC cable. 
 

After listening and enjoying my new streamer and DAC for two days I was scanning through the Aurender Conductor app on my iPad. On one page I hadn’t scrolled down enough. I found a software ware switch that had to be set to on to allow the Aurender clock to sync with an external clock. So I had been listening without the external clock. So I set it to on 

The difference  in sound was startling. Everything improved. Bass, midrange, treble  The treble especially really smoothed out and extended. The soundstage widened and displayed more depth. I was shocked how much of an improvement the external clock delivered. I never would have thought this much of a positive difference would have been possible. The Aurender has an expensive internal clock but apparently the MSB DAC has a better one. 
 

I have to thank Vince from MSB who advised me to get a Streamer that accepts word clock input as the Femto clock in the MSB is superior and also for MSB to use the AES XLR SPDIF connection to the streamer as that is the preferred connection. I’m glad I listened to him and moved up to the N20.