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Esoteric Master Clock

Hello to all,

I'm new here and this is my first post. I've read older posts on this subject so I am interested in knowing if time has put things in perspective.
I own an Esoteric K-07Xs CDP and am considering adding a G-02x Master Clock to it; it's a considerable expense so I would love to know the impressions of those who have made the purchase. I am aware of all the possible caveats - the diminishing returns, the idea that a very special 50 ohm cable might be needed, the suggestion to spend the money on another amp or speakers or music, etc. - but what I am really interested in here are the opinions of those who are fully satisfied and why, as well as the objections of those who are not.

Thanks for any useful contribution,
Max
martinguitars
ramon74
25 posts
 
I have listened to the clock with the 07XS and with the N-05. From what I've heard, the clock is more noticeable with a player than with a streamer. I tried a classical SACD (Holst, The Planets) and the improvement with a large orchestra and with SACD was 25%. The instruments further apart, deeper stage and much more spacious. Then a jazz CD (Tee & Company, Sonnet) and a rock CD (The Who, Quadrophenia) and the difference was smaller, 10/15% at most. But always, always there was more separation of the instruments, more stage, more depth and more air in general. I did not try with bad or mediocre recordings, surely I should have forced. I liked it so much that it is more than possible that I will try a home demo, with my Esoteric. I do not know if being from the new range the clock  effect will feel more, less or the same.

Ah! By the way, the cable was cheap, 200 euros ;)
martinguitars OP
23 posts
 
Ramon,
thanks for your impressions. I have to say that they specifically match the other positive reactions I read, in terms of ‘where’ the clock added its alleged benefits. If it were an objective effect, supposing that objectiveness has a role in audio evaluating, it would raise a point: is it better to extract 100% of a ‘lesser’ player or enjoy 75% of a better one?
Because the whole matter can have a ‘philosophical’ side too, for those who are sensitive to such shades; sometimes we seem to look for peace of mind more than for peace of ears so to speak..
The whole thing of an external clock makes some sense to me in this respect; when I had all Naim gear I always added extra PSUs even though I was aware of the scarce power requirements of a preamp or a CDP.. But I also understand that being the disc the very first link in the chain and as such also the weakest link, adding costly parts to working systems may not be a good way of allocating money. It all
comes down to peace for mind it seems; I had to undergo a costly therapy for some time and I still wonder what if I had bought a very fine piece of equipment instead; I just wonder,,,
;-)
M
ramon74
25 posts
 
"is it better to extract 100% of a ‘lesser’ player or enjoy 75% of a better one?"

 Good point... Esoteric k03XD + clock, or K01XD alone?

martinguitars OP
23 posts
 
Ramon,

speaking exclusively out of my own experience and of my knowledge of myself I’d take the K-07Xs/G-02 path because I’d rather optimise the CDP I have than have a more expensive one that I ‘know’ is not working at its full potential; but that is just me. As I wrote I think that something else than convenience and cost-sensibility is in play here, and if one accepts that the price to pay is not completely performance-related (but when is it in audio world?), well that’s the path I’d take.

I anticipated that I was not after practical suggestions but just opinions; and this is my opinion only; as I’d just follow my instinct I think you should follow yours. I’ll be interested in knowing about your further impressions with either choice.

Best regards
M.
martinguitars OP
23 posts
 
Ramon,

any other impressions? A home demo?

thanks
M.
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