Innuos Phoenix USB Reclocker - Sounds Worse?
I picked up a Phoenix USB Reclocker, mint condition store demo. I think this must be the first of many, many reports where the Phoenix does NOT seem to improve the sound. So many posts and review after review indicate positive results with this device added to systems. I’ve not seen one single account where the results weren’t clearly superior. Yet that seems to be the case for me, sadly!
My system:
Adding the reclocker makes the sound more constrained, tighter, with less separation, and is generally less engaging. This seems to be almost the opposite of 100% of everyone else’s experiences. I thought maybe the new USB cord needed to be broken in (it’s been 40 hours now) but I don’t think it could be this much worse prior to completing the breakin. And the Reclocker was a demo so in theory it should be broken in.
Some may theorize that my Gryphon DAC may be better and that the Reclocker is dragging my DAC down instead of elevating it. But that logic I don’t think makes sense, because the Phoenix reclocker tech is included in Innuos’ top Uber expensive Statement. I can’t imagine that the Statement in my system would sound worse than my Zenith Mk III which is less than half the cost!
Not sure what’s up… I will give it another few days and then contact Innuos to see if they have any thoughts.
@kingbarbuda , yes I’m considering upgrading to the Niagara 5000. I would guess that my 1200 is below the rest of my system, but I think it at least helps with my source components a bit. I’ve no idea what to expect with the 5000, conditioners are bit of a mystery from consumer perspectives. I’m going to try to get a demo to try. At least with cords, AudioQuest is very generous handing out demos. The trouble is I’ve heard that they are quite back-ordered on the conditioner front now. |
Been happy with my phoenix now for over a year...it definitely elevated my system and like you my source is Zenith Mk3. Have since upgraded my DAC to a Weiss and never thought to check - maybe my system will sound better without the phoenix. I will give that a try and let you know if there is improvement. |
@chcook, very interested to hear your results! |
An alternative way of getting Phoenix-like benefits is to use an Intona Isolator on the USB connection and an external 10m clock on the dac. That way has the additional benefit of allowing reclocking of the Etherregen or other ethernet switches providing that capability. N.B. the server typically doesn’t need reclocking when connected via USB since it is slaved to the dac’s clock. |
