Benefits of adding a 10MHz Master Clock to a digital system


As a long time DCS stack owner (first Paganini, currently Vivaldi V2) I’ve been a convert to the value of dedicated clocking systems. In the context of a DCS setup this means including a dedicated clock unit that provides a combination of 44.1KHz and 48KHz signals to each of the other units in the system (the transport, DAC and up-sampler in the case of a full four box stack).

The DCS clocks are pretty darn expensive boxes and while they (like all DCS gear) benefit greatly from upgrading power cords, 75 ohm interconnects and feet I had never really thought that adding a further reference clock would bring any benefit. However piqued by the following recent review of the Vivaldi One in which the addition of both the Vivaldi clock and a Cybershaft 10MHz reference brought great benefit I wondered if I’d been mistaken and if an external 10MHz reference could add even more to my system.

Some on line research quickly made it clear that the Cybershaft OCXO clock used in the review is unobtanium so the question is who else makes a good clock? Online commentators seemed to think quite highly of the Ref10 from Mutec so that’s what I opted for from an Amazon seller. The Ref10 is a solidly made but very utilitarian box. It provides up to 8 outputs all on BNC, a mix of 6 at 75Ohm and 2 at 50Ohm so will match with whatever you have.

The DCS is 75Ohm so as soon as I had the Ref10 I installed it using a generic 75OHM BNC and the stock power cord. Notwithstanding recommendations to leave it on for 48 hours to stabilize the first impressions were very favorable. With the addition of the reference clock I was hearing further into the recording and also appreciating a surprisingly large increase in rhythmic consistency and bass realism (i.e. bass seemed crisper and less boomy with the elimination of a sense of overhang in the 80-120Hz range that had plagued my system before)

What then amazed me was how much further improvement upgrading the power cord (to Marigo Iridium V2) and BNC (to Marigo Apparition Extreme 75Ohm) brought - even more air and clarity. The final icing was optimizing the support under the Ref 10 with Marigo RHZ feet on a Marigo platform. I've now had the Ref10 in my system for several weeks and frankly it's probably the first time I'm really beginning to believe that digital can give my analog setup a real challenge -- with how I have it now I feel as if I'm hearing two increasingly similar takes on the same absolute -- digital converging on all the best in terms of space and realism I've found in analog, while the latter (with the recent addition of Ron Heydrich's latest power cord on my turntable PSU) getting the speed stability and rhythmic integrity that digital can do so well.

Overall in the context of a megabuck DCS setup it was surprising how much benefit a relatively modestly priced ($3595) professional grade add on brought. That I then added nearly $9K of tweaks to it probably speaks more to my obsessive nature (and budget I guess) but overall consider me a full convert to the benefits of 10MHz master clocking in any attempt to scale the heights of digital reproduction.
128x128folkfreak
riaa,


If you are so wealthy why are you not on a beach somewhere instead of instilling your wisdom?  Your call to authority is laughable as is your personal attack to deflect from the fact you have no idea how this stuff works.


Because you have no idea how this stuff works,  you never consider confirmation bias.  Perhaps you picked up some words in recording work about master clocks, but the reason for those in studio work is much different, it is for synchronization, not quality. I don't think there is a studio ADC that has better performance with an external clock than with it.  This may be a surprise to you, but having money does not confer any expertise except at making money.


I have retired a few times. It does not suit me. I like work, but work on what I want.  Like many I am bored now due to Covid, and since I work how and when I want, I can post as I see wish. Also the benefit of not needed to sleep as much as most.  Most of those 20 posts were made between midnight and 3am when I was somewhat winding down ... then again, you have no idea what time zone I am in. The world does not revolve around you.
Could care less how anything works. My EARS tell me the difference when something is added/subtracted to the equation. The fact is you have ZERO Experience with any of the brands/components mentioned above so your completely clueless as to the benefits provided. All you have is your theories.   You get the Audiogon award for doing the best Charles Emerson Winchester impersonation strewn across a countless number of topics. Telling everybody that you are the absolute truth and they are nothing more than knuckleheads (including Industry Vets who write reviews for the trades)

I am not on a beach because I run a private homeless animal shelter and that requires me to be available 24/7/365.  Boredom and vacations are not possible. There's a thought for you.....instead of trashing everybody with your free time why dont you actually do something positive for somebody else? It does wonders for the soul. Your boredom and self hatred is obviously causing you to unleash all this pent up venom inside of you. Go help an old lady cross the street or something.


No your ears don't tell you anything. Your brain does, and your brain is susceptible to mood and bias. I don't have theories, I have knowledge coupled with experience. I understand that offends some people. It negates their feelings of being special.


In addition to running my company, I sit on the boards of 2 charities and I am active in a local food bank including leading our donations teams. Unlike you, I don't do it just so I can make myself look good on an audio website or to drop that in social conversations. I mean really dude. Call to authority. Special pleading. Call to sympathy.  You really are pulling out all the stops except dealing with the topic. 
You are in SERIOUS need of professional help. Nobody is pleading for anything. I dont take donations and sympathy for what?? Could care less what ANYBODY thinks...most of all a pompous a** like yourself.

You have ZERO experience as previously stated WITH the subject matter and brands discussed. Appears to me that somebody that makes 240+ posts in 10 days is trying REALLY hard to impress others with his "knowledge". If anybody appears to be seeking recognition and/or notoriety its most certainly you. 22 Posts today with 9 hours to go....your gonna break your own record. We are all SOOOO fortunate to be basking in all this wealth of knowledge and experience you provide.  LOL


@dies_irae What was your final decision? It seems that you got the Cybershaft OP21 and immediately moved on to the PERF10. Is that your final destination or have you moved on? Where did you find the Kronos1? It is an amazing piece of machinery. I am intrigued. I added it to my research list. Does it have any competitors?