Importance of clocking

@greg_f

I am merely sharing my views based on responses here and other threads. It was not my intention to offend or isolate anyone. @antigrunge2 and my experience with an external clock are nothing but exemplary. I must admit, implementation and choice of components (including clock cables) are the key when pursuing such ultra high resolution endeavors. For most folks, internal DAC clock would be sufficient and provide plenty of thrills. Also, whether one can hear the differences with a master clock synchronizing multiple components such as DAC, Streamer and Switches would largely depends on the downstream components.

You don’t need to take my word for it, just study the systems that are using high quality external master clock. Peace!

Someone will figure it out sooner or later. 

@lalitk

No problems, thanks for clarifying. I love it that people are so passionate about this hobby over here. In my engineering mind an external clock in the home environment could cause more trouble ie introduce jitter, impedance mismatch, etc BUT lots of things don't make engineering sense in our hobby but do work... like cables. So I hear you. I have tried a very good clock source from work in my system at home and the result was inconclusive, to be honest I don't think I could hear a difference. As you say it could depend on implementation and system specifics. I am glad both you and @antigrunge2 have improved your systems with an external clock source and you are enjoying them more.

As you can see, you have two kinds of posters here. One that have tried and implemented an external clock to a greater benefit. And then those, who have been peddling their ideas based on ‘documentation’ i.e. no direct experience 🙄 

There are also posters in this thread that have added a clock and heard no noticeable difference and were willing to admit that.  And those that achieved significant improvements by upgrading their DAC, rather than trying to wring some small improvement out of their existing DAC by adding a clock.

Which isn't to say that adding a clock might not be an improvement with some DACs.  If you hear a difference and the cost was worthwhile to you, then it was a good investment.

Just buy a good DAC and life is good.  
 

Keep it simple is often the best policy.