2. digital
  3. 1223325483

DACs with word clock output??

I am currently using an EMM DCC2se together with a Slim Devices Transporter. The Transporter has the capability to accept an external word clock, and the EMM dac has a word clock output. The minor hang-up lies in the fact that the EMM dac is limited to 16 bit data, e.g., it cannot see 24/96 files or HDCD files. BTW, the Transporter dac can see these files.

I'd like to find an alternative outboard dac that has (i) word clock output, and (ii) dacs that will read 24/96 files. The closest I find are Esoteric and DCS units that have word sync functions for use with an external clock. So, before I give up, I'm hoping that some of our Audiogon members with encyclopedic knowledge of the dac market can point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

Doug
der
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Shadorne - actually I believe most pro-audio gear uses global master clocks to synchronize the digital streams in lock-step for post-record processing, not real-time playback. It is not jitter that they are dealing with, it is synchronization of the data packets between separate gear. This can be done with a single clock that fans-out to all of the gear. Not optimum at all for playback where the clock needs to originate close to the D/A.

They usually do have a good master clock inside the A/D. This is critical.

Steve N.
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Steve thanks

the clock needs to originate close to the D/A.

Then this seems to be the prevailing consensus/wisdom for playback these days.
der OP
38 posts
 
Shadorne, to be clear, I'm looking for a 24 bit dac that has a word clock output, like the EMM. Both the Esoteric and the dcs dacs have this function. I had not recognized this at the outset; rather I had assumed that those dacs were set up to function solely as you describe in your approach #1 above.

Steve, thanks for the PM. Your thoughts might be very cost effective for me, and I'll get back to you later today.
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Doug,

Hey - no problem. You are in contact with an expert and in good hands now. Actually I just tried to chime in simply because nobody was helping you. I don't have personal experience in trying to achieve what you want.
kyomi_audio's avatar
kyomi_audio
63 posts
 
Doug, All current Esoteric DACs (D-05, D-03, D-01) have word Sync out to be used in Master mode and they all accept 24/96. The clock accuracy is 3ppm. You can achieve even better accuracy with the outboard clocks (G-03, G-0rb). Let me know if you need more detailed info.

George V.

Dealer disclosure.
More to discover