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dCS to launch a reference USB to SPDIF converter

Just talked with the dCS ppl during the show in Munich, and learned that dCS is about to launch two reference USB to SPDIF converters / clocks.

They will be vey much like their Puccini U-Clock, but will be based on Scarlatti and Paganini clocks. They will both do 24/192 and DSD over USB, and will be run from the dual crystal oscilators calibrated to 0.1ppm precision.

(regular VCXO that you can see in most if not all USB/SPDIF converters are calibrated to 10-20ppm).

The Scarlatti and Puccini U-Clocks will come with both SPDIF RCA and AES/EBU outputs, plus the host regular of BNC clock outs.

Current Scarlatti and Paganini clocks can be factory upgraded to the latest U-Clock status.

Forgot to ask about the prices, but since the Scarlatti clock is now $14k or thereabouts, the new model will be even more expensive.
128x128elberoth2
edorr
714 posts
 
Jfrech,

I'm not holding my breath on downloadable DSD. I don;t think many studios are set up to master in DSD and since the mass market is all encoded PCM, which gives you as much resolution as you'll ever need, what's the point? - I do have all my 2 channel SACD's ripped though (MCH SACD I still spin).
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I haven't spent much time with hi rez pcm, why I am a little curious on the new clock from dCS. I keep reading great things...

Are u happy with hi rez pcm in your set up? Vs redbook, 24/96? I still seem to like a spinning disc best, but maybe that's my vinyl side peeking through...
edorr
714 posts
 
If you want to hear for yourself, get this Blu Ray Music / SACD 2 disc set. The Blu Ray has 96/24 and a 192/24 PCM track, and the SACD has 2 channel and MCH of the exact same source material. You can do your own shootout. In slightly prefer the SACD, but this could very well be placebo effect, and I'm not sure I could tell the difference in blind shootout. The first track is also downloadable as high rez flac, so you can even do a three way shootout.

http://www.2l.musiconline.no/shop/displayAlbum.asp?id=34188

I am personally not too hung up on resolution anymore. Recording quality trumps resolution any day of the week in my experience. I can happily live with a well recorded recording in 44/16.

A much bigger regret is the lack of MCH content. Native MCH really takes things to a different level for me, but sadly MCH is all but dead except for classical SACD, and the odd good concert BR.
I only spin MCH SACD - some classical, some jazz.
edorr
714 posts
 
Forgot to post the link to the BR / SACD set:

http://www.2l.musiconline.no/shop/displayAlbum.asp?id=34188
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Elberoth, maybe I should ask, is the clock performance the same as the current scarlatti/paganini? So just adding hi rez via usb?
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