Wadia 27ix Clock Synch w/ Transport-good thing?

The 270 is built like a tank, probably sounds good with any DAC especially the SE model. When I purchased my 27 I used a ML transport (270 was not yet available) connected by Illuminati D60 and it sounded excellent. When the 270 became available I had the 27 upgraded to "i" version and clocklinked using 2 fiber optic cables (Optimism). Very nice, I recommend it. 27i has now been upgraded with GNSC reference mod and 270 has been upgraded to SE and GNSC reference mod. Plan on having 27 statement mod done early 2005. Every stage has been sonically rewarding.

The clocklink system is a great feature but the Wadia transports and DACs are still top notch without it. The clocklink on the 270 accepts a 16.9344MHz clock on ST glass conenction. The 27 outputs this same signal. Most other clock distribution systems send/receive the wordclock and use standard coax cables with BNC connectors.

Jbrockmo has anticipated my next question and that is: does the 270 clock synch with DACs other than the Wadia. It seems the Wadia requires a ST glass connection for the clock synch and it uses a 16.9344 MHz clock while most others use the Coax connection and a wordclock. Very interesting. Still my experience proves Jbrockmo's observation: the 270 Transport is a versatile beast.

So far, I'm enjoying the 270 as the Transport to my ARC DAC2 (without clock synch), which leads nicely into an ARC preamp and ARC VT 200. And, I've got to say, there is significantly more detail--you here a string section and not just what seems to be one instrument playing loudly. And, when you hear the string section, it's 3 dimensional--you hear each instrument, its depth, its harmonic, and its echo.

I can now appreciate orchestral music because I can hear more of what the composer intended--the guitar echoed by the pizzacato of the violins...It's beautiful music.

My experience is also similar to Rtnl, Rja, and MeJames: I've just added powercords to the front end (not the Amp) and isolation cones to the lighter weight DAC and Preamp resting on a solid Billy Bags rack, and the sound is much cleaner. And, I've taken all the interconnect cables and separated them from any and all contact with power cables--wow, what a difference!

And, I never heard the difference before acquiring the Wadia 270.

Thank you all, and thank you Wadia.

One solution is to maker a device that uses a simple PLL to convert between Fs and 384*Fs and then provide the appropriate connector circuitry. Jitter wouldn't be too much of a problem because all you're trying to achieve is a rate lock "on the average." FIFO's take care of the finer details.

But anyway, I don't think the AR DAC-2 has clock output. It is also a relatively old DAC. Have you ever tried pairing your 270 with a 27? You could take advantage of the sync capabilty and also might be able to lose the preamp. There are a few 27s for sale now (you would need a minumum of 27i) and resale value stays pretty constant.

Disclaimer, I am a former Wadia engineer and currently consult for them.

JBrockmo, thank you very much for your expertise. The ARC2 DAC and Wadia 270 are "grooving" now that I have tweaked a few other things, including adding Transparent power cords and ganymede isolation footers to the amp.

One thing that perplexes us: I and another 270 owner both feel the ATT glass connection seems to be the best connection between the DAC and the Transport? Do you know why?

WM2001