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Which USB Re Clocker

I have been very happy with my Innuos Zenith Mk 2 for several years. The sound  is excellent and ripping is child's play. I have been interested in adding the Phoenix Re Clocker for a couple of years, but for various reasons, haven't been able to get a demo yet. One of the selling points of the Phoenix by Innuos, is that it can be used between any source and USB DAC.

 Well it also means that any re clocker should work between an Innuos Server and DAC. The one drawback to me is that the Phoenix isn't cheap, at least as far as my budget in retirement is concerned. The Company claims that the Phoenix is more than a Re Clocker, with improved power supplies and other improvements. I don't suppose many of you guys have had the chance to compare the Phoenix with other units. Still any suggestions about other, cheaper Re Clocker units to consider? Particularly if you have had the chance to use it with an Innuos Server, but not much chance of that either. Still any advice is welcome, thanks.

david12
jaybe
732 posts
 
SOtM txUSBultra works great in my system
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
The Innous is basically a small format computer board with a standard computer motherboard USB output.  That being said, it does have a very excellent linear power supply (which definitely helps!!).

The stock Wyred 4 Sound Recovery "usb reclocker" might help.  I could not guess on how much it would help.  The Wyred 4 Sound device would definitely be better if you get an linear power supply upgrade.  The stock version just has a  wal-wart switching power supply adapter.  There are definitely better USB reclockers.

The Innous Pheonix is likely the absolute best USB reclocker with a high end linear power supply with extensive filtering/regulation and a OCXO (oven controlled) clock.  Whether it's worth $3k to you is another question.  I haven't directly tested these types of devices, but the general consensus is the better USB signal feed results in better sound quality. 

I have always used S/PDIF coax as the better result.  In my system, S/PDIF coax from either an Asus Xonar Essence card or my (discontinued) Digital Musiland S/PDIF card has resulted in better sound quality than the USB output from my computer motherboard.  I even have a reference high quality USB cable.  That being said, the JCAT USB card is on my list of things to try.

The USB reclockers can definitely help things, but in my opinion, they are like a bandaid for a flawed source.  In my opinion, it's always best to have the signal clocked properly from the source instead of "fixing it along the way".  That pretty much means a different music server. 

I have found that the Innous music servers actually are not fully transparent to the audio data.  Even the music servers will alter the waveforms with their DSP logic.  If you like this altered/smoothed sound, then that's great.  It's all about personal preference. 

The USB receiver in your DAC may or may not be high end.  Can you tell us what your DAC is?  Depending on what you say, it could be that a really good USB-to-SPDIF converter might end up being a better choice.  Something such as the Singxer SU-6 with a linear power supply.  If you do DSD, you can still support DSD output through i2s if you have an i2s compatible DAC.
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 

I use a Metrum Acoustics Octave Mk 2, which I like, but realise it is not state of the art. I also have an Ayre QB9, but that had the ridiculous problem with the Innuos, that the USB cable had to be pulled out and reconnected, to trigger the DAC out of standby.

I should say, I am quite happy with digital reproduction and the convenience of a server, which allows me to store 2000+ CDs in the basement.

Thanks for the helpful comments to date.

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 
The Ideon 3R Mastertime Blackstar is fantastic unit. Several owners have compared it directly to the Phoenix and preferred the Ideon. I own the Ideon with an Innuos Zen 3 and the combo is stellar. I have owned several USB reclockers from SOTM and others selling for $1000 and under ..... and the Ideon is in a different league. Not cheap however. $3200 retail. But can be purchased for far less with the right dealer.

I had to decide between the Phoenix and Ideon. I wanted to buy the Phoenix as I own the Innuos server, but after much research decided on the Ideon. Both are said to be top tier USB reclockers and you can’t go wrong with either.

I must be honest and share that my past experience with Innuos service has not been good. It took them 2 months, and several of my persistent emails, to respond to a question/issue I was having with my Zen. When they finally responded it was with a short and condescending comment of no help from one of the principles. Not good. That soured me a tad and most likely influenced my decision to buy the Ideon.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Your Metrum Octave does not support DSD files.  The Metrum has a decent USB receiver, but probably not quite as good as those DACS with the latest version of Amanero USB receiver.

If you wanted to improve things, I would go with the Singxer SU-6 with an external linear power supply upgrade.  Both the Singxer and the Metrum Octave DAC have a true BNC connector (which is highly superior to normal RCA digital connectors). You can then get an amazing S/PDIF cable to drive the Metrum.  I use a 2-meter Nordost Heimdall II digital coax.  I have not found anything better.  Though, some of the Black Cat digital cables may also be excellent.

The Singxer SU-6 and linear power supply upgrade won't be a wasted investment.  You can always upgrade your DAC in the future.  The Singxer is really there to make the Innous a lot better. 
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