AfterDark. Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Technical information about the Mutec MC-3 + Smart Clock USB The MC-3+ Smart Clock USB is setting a new benchmark for clocking technology and the reproduction of digital audio by uniquely combining an audiophile USB interface with an audio re-clocker in perfection! Particularly designed for the demands of high-end consumer audio, the device expands a new sonic universe with increased musicality, clarity, and precision. As such, the MC‑3+USB will prove its worth in many audiophile listening rooms around the world. Jitter elimination, the simple approach on Mutec MC-3 Jitter is a problem common to every digital streamer on the market. Although it is not limited to digital streamer, it is the most common source (Jitter can be caused by the cable connecting the DAC to the digital streamer, the receiver in the DAC, power supplies etc.) Jitter is a phenomenon characteristic of the digital audio appearing (in time) where we do not expect them to appear. Streaming Music Services such as Tidal, Qobuz requires a high degree of timing accuracy. Each bit (a bit is a single on and off transition) must begin and end at a prescribed place in time. The digital bits occur at these precise time interval because of a crystal controlled oscillator known as clock. This clock has different performance and types: TCXO, FETMO, OCXO. The art of retrieving the information off the digital streaming, synchronizing the internal clock of the DAC with the recorded clock on the music streaming records from the Qobuz, all conspire to cause jitter in the music streamer's output signal. For example, USB, Digital Coaxial, AES output signals. When the DAC receives the jittered signal, it causes more jitter when it tries to separate the clock from the music. Therefore, the Re-Clock function on Mutec MC-3 will help help to solve this problems on jitter. The Re-Clock function on Mutec MC-3 is quite unique, it provide the bit-transparent without conventional sample rate conversation for best sound quality. This function is very impressive and convenient when customer using the very best DAC, it can Re-Clock the digital signal on USB interface. USB interfaces are the most commonly utilised devices for digital audio transmission in a CAS. It is no secret that even the best D/A convertors are not capable of reproducing and converting audio via USB at the highest possible level, which is why using digital inputs such as AES3 or SPDIF Coaxial Digital yields significant better results and is generally good sounding. Mutec have invest research to uncover the underlying principles and the root of the problem with high-end audio via USB. In a nutshell, electromagnetic interference of any kind, but particularly those caused by audio computers will induce noise and seriously disturb the audio transmission. In order to eliminate these disturbances and avoid their damaging effect on the conversion process as much as possible we have developed a new signal-isolating, asynchronous USB interface for the MC-3+ Smart Clock USB. The USB interface is galvanically isolated from the other parts of the circuitry and employs its own ultra-low noise audio oscillators that once again are autonomous and isolated from the other processes. In combination with Ultra high-speed isolators we have achieved exceptional reduction of the impact of noise interference within the USB data stream yielding a USB interface that’s virtually immune to any interference problems caused by PCs, laptops or music servers. At the same time, there are no limitations regarding the possible clock rates for playback from your music library with the MC‑3+USB supporting all rates possible up to high-speed USB as well as DSD/DoP streams up to DSD/DoP256. 10M Master Reference Clock Ready for Word Clock outputs While the MC‑3+USB is playing back your precious music via the digital audio outputs, the four Word Clock outputs simultaneously provide phase-coherent clock signals. Since those are derived from the internal re-clocking process they have the same ultra-low jitter qualities as the basic clock signal embedded in the audio signals. Furthermore, the clock outputs may be independently switched in pairs to scale to clock rates of up to FS1 x 512, coming out to 22.5792 MHz or 24.576 MHz respectively making the Word Clock signals of MC‑3+USB are ideally suited to clock a wide range of studio equipment and high-end DACs, CD players, and audio interfaces from manufacturers such as Esoteric, dCS and CH Swiss. Audiophile 10M Master Reference Clock for High-resolution Re-Clocking It is widely known that a master clock improves the sound quality of digital audio devices such as CD players and music streamers or mixing desks and DAWs more or less. But carving out finest details in audio recordings to reproduce individual instruments as clearly and with the best spatial resolution as possible is best achieved with high-resolution re-clocking of the audio material. This is what MUTEC’s proprietary re-clocking algorithm paired with the 1G-Clock technology provides at the highest level! Mutec MC-3+ Smart Clock already impressed critics and users around the world, and the MC‑3+USB now marks the next generation of re-clocking by MUTEC. Extreme oversampling of incoming data allows the audio to be recombined and merged with a newly generated ultra-low jitter clock signal at ultimate precision, enhancing the re-clocked audio with unparalleled richness of details, spatiality, and musicality. Measuring the Jitter Spectrum of a DAC With the Mutec MC-3 + USB , the Jitter Spectrum of a DAC is eliminated. It is worth to try 10M Master Clock? The world-renowned 1G-Clock technology that we introduced with the popular MC-3+ Smart Clock by MUTEC has been setting new standards for the generation of nearly jitter-free clock signals. Our engineers have derived a reference clock rate for our DDS (direct digital synthesis) process through extensive lab testing, which reduces jitter and noise artifacts present in all other DDS algorithms to their absolute minimum. Building on these fundamentals, we were able to further improve clocking algorithms in the MC‑3+USB based on our 1G-Clock technology. The reduction of power supply noise has been taken to yet another level by employing the latest cutting-edge components. All of these measures combined yield an additional, clearly audible improvement in transparency, spatiality, and musicality of the re-clocked audio as our distinguished beta-testers can attest. The new MC-3+ Smart Clock USB serves not only as a generator, but also as a clock distributor. Unlike other products, the MC‑3+USB effectively regenerates incoming clock signals to higher precision as the signal source. This helps to stabilize existing clock systems and improves the level of sound reproduction quality in the studio environment. In cases when the MC‑3+USB’s digitally compensated clock accuracy is not sufficient, it is possible to lock the system to AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock, raising the timing accuracy to the highest possible level. How much can a 10M Master Clock improve with Mutec MC3 + Smart Clock? The first impression when we connect Mutec with the external 10M Master Reference Clock, we simply a jaw dropping experience for us. The music is just right, huge soundstage, details is located in the right positions, very smooth sounding and make me smiles when we listened to music. This improvement is more obvious when you play classical and Jazz. The performer just give you there in a right position and timing. So, the digital harsh due to jitter will be eliminated. Finally the music is so organic with any digital music playback. "Thank you for your wonderful Masterclock development. All of your claims have become true. Sound is more analogue, more detailed, more micro details, more depth, more body... just wonderful. I am absolutely in love with this nice piece of equipment. Thank you for your work" by M. The Listening Impression with Giesemann Clock Confused 1 Amp: Goldmund 27+ EVO Preamp, Goldmund 29M Power Amp, Goldmund AC-Curator DAC: CH Precision C1.1 Digital Convertor, Studer D19 DAC, Wadia 2000 DAC Digital: Mutec MC3-USB, AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock Giesemann EVA Playback: Goldmund PH3 Phono Amp, Linn LP12, Studer A807 VU MKII Open Reel Network Switch: AFTERDARK. PROJECT CLAYX BUFFALO BS-GS2016 CASCADE X GIESEMANN OCXO BLACK MODERNIZE EDITION x Farad Super3 LPS Dealer: UpTone Audio, Gustard, Farad Power Supply, Cybershaft, Thixar, DELA Link to comment
Cazzesman Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 @AfterDark. Hello @AfterDark , I currently run a Mutec mc3 +usb which has the 75 ohm inputs. I believe the Mutec handles both square and sine waves. Others may confirm this fact or fiction. From your Master Clock range of Units, which ones are the most suitable to use with Mutec using the 75 ohm BNC. Also which Unit is most suitable for the Mutec re the Square vs Sine wave issue. I am interested in the Emperor Double Crown with the Afterdark LPS unit. Regards Cazzesman. Link to comment
AfterDark. Posted April 9, 2021 Author Share Posted April 9, 2021 4 hours ago, Cazzesman said: @AfterDark. Hello @AfterDark , I currently run a Mutec mc3 +usb which has the 75 ohm inputs. I believe the Mutec handles both square and sine waves. Others may confirm this fact or fiction. From your Master Clock range of Units, which ones are the most suitable to use with Mutec using the 75 ohm BNC. Also which Unit is most suitable for the Mutec re the Square vs Sine wave issue. I am interested in the Emperor Double Crown with the Afterdark LPS unit. Regards Cazzesman. Hello Cazzesman, Thanks for your questions. The Mutec will accepts both sine waves and square waves. We recommend to choose Emperor Signature or above for Mutec. The soundstage is much wider and music is so smooth that you will be impressive with the improvement after using Giesemann 10M Master Clock with it. The LPS is a special designed with Giesemann Clock rated at 12V 2A We prefers sine wave, as this is more natural sounding when compared. Have a nice day. Best Regards, Adrian AfterDark. Cazzesman 1 Amp: Goldmund 27+ EVO Preamp, Goldmund 29M Power Amp, Goldmund AC-Curator DAC: CH Precision C1.1 Digital Convertor, Studer D19 DAC, Wadia 2000 DAC Digital: Mutec MC3-USB, AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock Giesemann EVA Playback: Goldmund PH3 Phono Amp, Linn LP12, Studer A807 VU MKII Open Reel Network Switch: AFTERDARK. PROJECT CLAYX BUFFALO BS-GS2016 CASCADE X GIESEMANN OCXO BLACK MODERNIZE EDITION x Farad Super3 LPS Dealer: UpTone Audio, Gustard, Farad Power Supply, Cybershaft, Thixar, DELA Link to comment
Cazzesman Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 @AfterDark.Thank you Adrian, I have sent you some further questions about a purchase, to your email address at '[email protected]' Regards Cazzesman Link to comment
AfterDark. Posted April 10, 2021 Author Share Posted April 10, 2021 19 hours ago, Cazzesman said: @AfterDark.Thank you Adrian, I have sent you some further questions about a purchase, to your email address at '[email protected]' Regards Cazzesman Hello Cazzesman, Thanks for your purchase. We do not receive your email, could you please resend again. Thanks and have a nice weekend. Best Regards, Adrian AfterDark. Amp: Goldmund 27+ EVO Preamp, Goldmund 29M Power Amp, Goldmund AC-Curator DAC: CH Precision C1.1 Digital Convertor, Studer D19 DAC, Wadia 2000 DAC Digital: Mutec MC3-USB, AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock Giesemann EVA Playback: Goldmund PH3 Phono Amp, Linn LP12, Studer A807 VU MKII Open Reel Network Switch: AFTERDARK. PROJECT CLAYX BUFFALO BS-GS2016 CASCADE X GIESEMANN OCXO BLACK MODERNIZE EDITION x Farad Super3 LPS Dealer: UpTone Audio, Gustard, Farad Power Supply, Cybershaft, Thixar, DELA Link to comment
Cazzesman Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 @AfterDark. Email sent again to '[email protected]' Please let me know if it doesn't arrive. Regards Cazzesman Link to comment
AfterDark. Posted April 10, 2021 Author Share Posted April 10, 2021 1 hour ago, Cazzesman said: @AfterDark. Email sent again to '[email protected]' Please let me know if it doesn't arrive. Regards Cazzesman Hello Cazzesman, Thanks for your email, we well received your email. We believe you will be impressed with the improvement it can made when connecting Giesemann Clock - Emperor Signature to Mutec MC3-USB. Have a nice weekend. Best Regards, Adrian AfterDark. Amp: Goldmund 27+ EVO Preamp, Goldmund 29M Power Amp, Goldmund AC-Curator DAC: CH Precision C1.1 Digital Convertor, Studer D19 DAC, Wadia 2000 DAC Digital: Mutec MC3-USB, AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock Giesemann EVA Playback: Goldmund PH3 Phono Amp, Linn LP12, Studer A807 VU MKII Open Reel Network Switch: AFTERDARK. PROJECT CLAYX BUFFALO BS-GS2016 CASCADE X GIESEMANN OCXO BLACK MODERNIZE EDITION x Farad Super3 LPS Dealer: UpTone Audio, Gustard, Farad Power Supply, Cybershaft, Thixar, DELA Link to comment
Ziggy47 Posted April 14, 2021 Share Posted April 14, 2021 Hi Adrian Im using the Mutec MC 3 USB and am looking for a master clock, I see you produce a three outlet one too. Is this the same audiophile standard as the single output? Thanks... Link to comment
AfterDark. Posted April 15, 2021 Author Share Posted April 15, 2021 Hi! Ziggy47, Thanks for your interested. The Giesemann Clock will improve the sounding for Mutec MC3-USB, the music will flow much smoother, and soundstage is wider. We have some good feedback with the comments below: The quality of three outlet one is the same as single output. Have a nice day. Best Regards, Adrian AfterDark. Amp: Goldmund 27+ EVO Preamp, Goldmund 29M Power Amp, Goldmund AC-Curator DAC: CH Precision C1.1 Digital Convertor, Studer D19 DAC, Wadia 2000 DAC Digital: Mutec MC3-USB, AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock Giesemann EVA Playback: Goldmund PH3 Phono Amp, Linn LP12, Studer A807 VU MKII Open Reel Network Switch: AFTERDARK. PROJECT CLAYX BUFFALO BS-GS2016 CASCADE X GIESEMANN OCXO BLACK MODERNIZE EDITION x Farad Super3 LPS Dealer: UpTone Audio, Gustard, Farad Power Supply, Cybershaft, Thixar, DELA Link to comment
MartinT Posted April 19, 2021 Share Posted April 19, 2021 I have decided to take the plunge and try a Project ClayX GIESEMANN 75Ω King level sinewave clock. I was interested in the Triple clock but it is not available without power supply, and I already have a top quality Coherent 12V supercap LPSU. This will feed both my EtherREGEN and Mutec MC-3+ USB reclockers. So the question is, what is the best splitter to use for sending the clock to both components? I have been looking at this one. Can anyone comment or suggest an alternative? Mini-Circuits TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
MartinT Posted April 19, 2021 Share Posted April 19, 2021 8 hours ago, MartinT said: I have been looking at this one. Can anyone comment or suggest an alternative? Mini-Circuits @AfterDark. would you be able to answer this? I need to place an order for a 75 ohm splitter soon. TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
AfterDark. Posted April 20, 2021 Author Share Posted April 20, 2021 19 hours ago, MartinT said: @AfterDark. would you be able to answer this? I need to place an order for a 75 ohm splitter soon. Hello! Martin, This adapter may not work for this application. It is for video application. Thanks and have a nice day. Best Regards, Adrian AfterDark. Amp: Goldmund 27+ EVO Preamp, Goldmund 29M Power Amp, Goldmund AC-Curator DAC: CH Precision C1.1 Digital Convertor, Studer D19 DAC, Wadia 2000 DAC Digital: Mutec MC3-USB, AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock Giesemann EVA Playback: Goldmund PH3 Phono Amp, Linn LP12, Studer A807 VU MKII Open Reel Network Switch: AFTERDARK. PROJECT CLAYX BUFFALO BS-GS2016 CASCADE X GIESEMANN OCXO BLACK MODERNIZE EDITION x Farad Super3 LPS Dealer: UpTone Audio, Gustard, Farad Power Supply, Cybershaft, Thixar, DELA Link to comment
MartinT Posted April 20, 2021 Share Posted April 20, 2021 56 minutes ago, AfterDark. said: This adapter may not work for this application. It is for video application. Ok, is there a 75 ohm splitter that you do recommend? TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
Popular Post Iving Posted April 20, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 20, 2021 Browsing the AS Activity Stream of late, it’s been hard to avoid being bitten by the “Clock your EtherRegen” bug! Acknowledging all the helpful input from Uptone – and also intelligent bloggers such as the evidently estimable @MartinT, I’ve scratched the itch and bought a Triple Output Emperor Double Crown 75Ω Square Wave Clock with integrated R-Core Power Supply. Like Martin I intend to Clock the ER and a MUTEC MC-3+ USB. Mine is a strictly offline ethernet-based system PC > ER > RedNet D16 AES > DAC. Obviously the Clock is coming from @AfterDark. in Hong Kong. The MUTEC is coming from Coherent in the UK. I contacted them because somewhere in Martin’s comments I read that they mod the MUTEC for LPS. I’ll get that done later, assuming I ever do. (Ordering the MUTEC I ended up having an extremely pleasant, informative and very long! conversation with someone whom I discovered to be a Forum member here. What a thrill to speak in person with folks you know otherwise only as Forum identities.) The MUTEC will reclock AES between D16 and DAC. I make my own AES cables from Duelund silver ribbon/foil 1.0. I look forward to registering listening impressions in the appropriate Thread(s). My Clock Order followed a lengthy interrogation of Adrian which I hope he will forgive. As I read things, Martin didn’t get a Triple Output because these are integrated power only, and he already has a preferred power supply. I hope Martin gets his adapter problem resolved. (It seems our mutual friend at Coherent may be able to help.) All the AfterDark Triples are Square Wave. I had bought two Mini-Circuit filters before I’d decided on the Clock and cancelled the order. The Seller was very good about it. I’m assuming the Triple Emperor Double Crown will be a *good* Square Wave Clock and, as long as I impedance-match and use decent, short cables, I shan’t run into trouble. AfterDark. and soares 2 Link to comment
Popular Post MartinT Posted April 20, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 20, 2021 3 minutes ago, Iving said: I look forward to registering listening impressions in the appropriate Thread(s). Excellent. Yes, @Clockmeister is very knowledgeable and a damned fine chap. We have had a great many conversations about reclockers, clocks, DACs etc. You will find the Mutec to be a superb bit of kit. It's definitely worth getting it adapted for 5V DC power. I was looking at the After Dark triple clock but did not want a built-in PSU as I have a superb Coherent PSU and have no more outlets in my power regenerator. I've decided to buy a single-output model to listen to how much difference there is from my current BG7TBL. I'm looking for a splitter that will give me isolation between ER and Mutec. Looking forward to your report when you receive yours. soares and Superdad 1 1 TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
soares Posted April 20, 2021 Share Posted April 20, 2021 7 hours ago, MartinT said: Ok, is there a 75 ohm splitter that you do recommend? I have looked extensively and didn’t find. I might consider selling my 75Ohms EG clock to buy a 50Ohms version... 🥸 Jensen VRD-iFF>Router>Rj45>opticalModule> SFP>Buffalo2016>SFP>opticalModule >Rj45> IZen Mk3>Rj45> Delock62619>Rj45> etherRegen (Master Clock+ Mini-Circuits BLP)>SFP>opticalRendu>USB>IsoRegen> USB>Phoenix>USB>OPPO 205 (Modded)>HMS “the Perfect Match”>Proac Tablette Reference 8 Signature. Link to comment
MartinT Posted April 20, 2021 Share Posted April 20, 2021 This looks appropriate, good insertion loss, frequency range and isolation. Mini-Circuits TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
Popular Post Cazzesman Posted April 22, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 22, 2021 Hi Adrian, AfterDark gear arrived today. Emperor Double Crown and the AfterDark LPS. 10 days from order to arrival is not bad. Neat and tidy boxes. Very discrete at the back of my cabinet. As soon as I found a suitable Australian power cable from my cable supply box we were plugged in and good to go. Fired up instantly once the Mutec World Clock buttons selected. Sade - Love Deluxe out and firing. Now for the settle in period. Will let you know how it is progressing. Thanks again for your help and advice. Regards Cazzesman PS. Phase Noise Certificate states 1Hz -118 and 10hz -141 for those tech heads nichino and AfterDark. 2 Link to comment
Popular Post MartinT Posted April 26, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 26, 2021 My AfterDark clock has arrived today, just 8 days after ordering it. Amazing work, Adrian! It was beautifully packed, as others have observed, and looks good in its extruded casing with CF end plates. I have powered it up with my 12V Coherent QP-1 supercap LPSU and will have a first proper listen later. The certificate came with it and all looks very well. I shall be patient during the long burn-in but, based on what I heard, it's already well ahead of the BG7TBL. Iving, AfterDark., ambre and 1 other 4 TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
Popular Post MartinT Posted April 27, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 27, 2021 24 Hours On I am specifically comparing the current versus previous setup: Previous: BG7TBL sinewave driving both EtherREGEN and Mutec via Belden 4694R cables and Mini-Circuits BLP-10.7-75+ filters Current: AfterDark Giesemann King sinewave driving Mutec via Belden 4694R cable, EtherREGEN reverted to internal clock The Management Summary Music is exploding from my speakers in quite eye-popping vividness and reality. The Detail This is going to be difficult as there are only so many ways of saying it, but everything sounds better. The timing is even more shockingly tight, bass is more potent with greater texture, midrange allows vocals to soar seemingly without limit and the treble - oh, the treble! Cymbals shimmer, strikes are properly metallic and the decay is wonderful. Things pop from the speakers, detail that was previously missed now brought to the fore. There is more soundstage depth, more space and air, and the dynamics on certain singers like Van Morrison, Chris Isaak and Cat Stevens utterly compelling. These guys have lungs! Meanwhile, female vocals from as wide a spread as Jewel, Nelly Furtado and Sharon van Etten all get a little extra liquidity and flow. Sibilance is down and harshness has been eradicated with a very natural tonal balance. Ok, the above is not really doing it justice. Let's try again: my hi-fi system is no longer a hi-fi system. The AfterDark clock has messed with its DNA overnight and transformed it into a machine that projects real music into my room. That's better. Note that I was going to give you a long list of performances I've listened to, but it won't necessarily mean anything to anyone else so I'll spare you. If you can detect my excitement by now, it's because this little box cost less than half a grand (GBP) and has given me possibly the best system uplift since I started down the streaming road a couple of years ago. If there is more improvement to come (is that possible?), I will keep reporting back. nichino, Johnnydev, ambre and 4 others 1 6 TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
AfterDark. Posted April 30, 2021 Author Share Posted April 30, 2021 We have more Mutec MC3-USB customer enjoying the Giesemann Clock like we do. Have a nice weekend. Amp: Goldmund 27+ EVO Preamp, Goldmund 29M Power Amp, Goldmund AC-Curator DAC: CH Precision C1.1 Digital Convertor, Studer D19 DAC, Wadia 2000 DAC Digital: Mutec MC3-USB, AfterDark. Giesemann OCXO 10M Master Clock Giesemann EVA Playback: Goldmund PH3 Phono Amp, Linn LP12, Studer A807 VU MKII Open Reel Network Switch: AFTERDARK. PROJECT CLAYX BUFFALO BS-GS2016 CASCADE X GIESEMANN OCXO BLACK MODERNIZE EDITION x Farad Super3 LPS Dealer: UpTone Audio, Gustard, Farad Power Supply, Cybershaft, Thixar, DELA Link to comment
Popular Post Iving Posted May 2, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted May 2, 2021 Adrian’s tracking ref. show that my Triple EDC is now in France having flown via the Philippines. Since I’m in the UK, it’s getting me pretty excited. Honestly – probably I’d wait until I’d installed the Clock and let it “burn” for a while before reporting any listening impression. But I thought I’d write a note or two regards the baseline for any SQ delta. You know how we (well I do anyway) improve our systems in fits and starts – for whatever reason. If no other – in my case – because there are other aspects to my life. That includes music appreciation – which I regard almost as a separate hobby: in the sense that its meaningfulness doesn’t depend on how Hi the Hi-Fi. I spend a lot of time tagging my flac Library because it helps me siphon music (using fb2k filters/algorithms) from my ripping PC to my listening PC which has a limited capacity Optane drive. It also helps me enjoy aspects of music such as evolution within a genre (Rockabilly!) and its biographic meaning to me (Desert Island Discs kind of thing). I say this, about fits and starts, because I rarely just make one change when I have a fit. That makes evaluation of a single component or alteration difficult/impossible. The problem is exacerbated for me because my system is highly engineered. The whole room is a loudspeaker and I sit inside it! (You could ask the neighbours who pass along the pavement/sidewalk a few yards from the window I face when listening – really I don’t bother them that much.) The furniture is bespoke and exact. Cables are fixed. Things are designed mostly for anchorage (coupling), less so for isolation (decoupling) - and to keep cable distances short. It’s difficult to even reach things “under the bonnet” to swap them about. Anyway – the point is - that this season of improvements is all but done bar the AD Clock and, so, it’s going to be relatively easy to report on its effect alone. I had become pretty happy with my system. I have never looked back since I abandoned USB for RedNet. The battle against digititis was effectively won. I could listen to music without distraction or annoyance. The system had mojo – and tbh that is all I care about. It’s about the music – the goose bumps – and the relish. Invoking Occam’s Razor (but see System if any interest) in PC > EtherRegen > RedNet D16 AES > DAC in the past few days I have: 1. Changed the ethernet cable feeding the ER A-Side from a (shielded up) AQ Cinnamon to a 2020 Sablon; 2. Changed the DAC-D16 AES WC cable from a Canare LV-61S to a Belden 4694R; 3. Added a Mutec MC-3+ USB as re-clocker between D16 AES and DAC; 4. As the result of 3., made up two new AES cables from Neotech NEMOI-1220 which, like the Duelund Silver Foil 1.0 it replaces, is flat silver ribbon. I chose this cable because, as far as I can tell, I have come close to making up Audio Sensibility AES cables. Coincidentally my CMOS battery died about this time and I had to attend to BIOS settings repeatedly. Generally (as in Windows) I Disable everything I Can. My first impressions after only 24-48 hrs of burn in were of cleanliness across the frequency range, “tightness” and enhanced 3-dimensionality. I don’t doubt that much of this has to do with the Mutec (well – I know because the first thing I did was fix it with a couple of make-do Mogamis just to learn its settings). These impressions were gained with only partial BIOS re-establishment. During this time I found the bass actually a bit variable. And I noticed that the 3-dimensionality collapsed somewhat when I got my BIOS settings fully restored. I have no doubt that this is because noise/HF can create an artificial sense of detail/Hi-Fi etc which, in the end, is nuisance not benefit. Last night the system was sounding pretty good. I felt that if I just left it alone I wouldn’t want to fiddle anymore and I could just await the Clock. When I came down this morning – I was nothing short of gob-smacked. It’s like I’ve had my power amps replaced with a set 75% meatier. Aside from a very slight upper graininess or something (could be detail I'm not used to) the whole frequency range is excellent - open with nothing to fault. Amazing rendition of human voices. All the 3-dimensionality I could want. Slam and inoffensive detail everywhere. I love my Snell Type A III - and they were as delighted as me. (I know this because I am in a relationship with them.) In-your-face, pleasing-as-pie somatic music. Just superb. There will be increments of burn effect to come. So there we are. The AD Clock should arrive soon. Going by the limited number of AD Clock reports I have read, all point to enhancement. I’ll be hooking mine up to the ER and the Mutec. I’ll also see whether I can make the Mutec Master WC instead of the DAC. In anticipation, already I have a nice batch of variable-length Belden 4694Rs. Great hobby. Great Forum. I have learned so much reading here. Lots of nice people. Thanks and hats off (with an additional nod to johnjen at Head-Fi for a conducive conversation). Edit: I haven't forgotten the ER's B-Side. I'm going to try out Adrian's custom 4-wire 100mb Cable hoping to avoid resorting to another Sablon. AfterDark., dylanesque and Superdad 1 2 Link to comment
Popular Post Iving Posted May 8, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted May 8, 2021 The baseline for my report on assimilating (i) an AfterDark clock (Triple Emperor Double Crown) and (ii) EtherRegen B-Side cable ("Constellation Network Cable Special Edition for UpTone EtherREGEN") into my system was presented just recently in this Thread. A parsimonious snapshot of my ethernet (RedNet)-based (but strictly internet-offline) system is this: PC > ER > RedNet D16 AES > Mutec MC3+ USB > DAC. Details can be accessed through the Signature line below. Pre-purchase, I saw value in the AfterDark Triple since it would allow me to: - Clock the ER externally as has been discussed at length on Audiophile Style recently; - Simultaneously clock the Mutec MC3+ USB externally – which I hoped would improve its performance as an AES Re-Clocker; - Make the Mutec MC3+ USB WC Master instead of my DAC. [My Convert-2 is a great DAC. I love it. It’s better as Master WC than my RedNet box. afaik the Mutec MC3+ USB will not Re-Clock (its primary purpose in my system) and WC at the same time without detecting 10 MHz input.] To me, the AfterDark Triple Emperor Double Crown is not exactly inexpensive. It sits between the “cheapo” 10 MHz clocks commonly available for around only 100 GBP/USD (where the properties of the clock itself are variable - something of a lottery - DAPUs being as easily found as hen’s teeth now) and the Mutec REF10 which, to be explicitly fair, is twice the price of the AfterDark Triple Emperor Double Crown. Clearly the phase noise and other specs of the graded AfterDark clocks are another consideration. Whether marginal phase noise increments really make a great deal of difference to the listening experience is ultimately an empirical question (i.e. one answered only through comparative listening tests). We have seen credible theoretical arguments about this from technicians far more knowledgeable than I. The Emperor Double Crown a priori criterion is -141 dBc/Hz and -117 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz and 1 Hz respectively. My AfterDark certificate boasts -143 (Emperor Giesemann equivalent) and -118 (Emperor Triple Crown equivalent). So thank you Adrian for sending me an over-spec. instance! [I know I’m not the only beneficiary of Adrian’s largesse in this respect.] My EtherRegen is the standard 75 Ω issue. May I just slip in the fact that I was one of the first purchasers – waiting online at launch hoping to be a lucky buyer. I recall the burn-in being audible (for Audiophile Style blogging purposes) through 1-2 weeks. But I could hear its Hi-Fi potential instantly – notwithstanding the subsequent firmware switch that followed. [I was reluctant about the firmware update initially given my conviction about the immediate ER advantage.] The Mutec is also a 75 Ω device – and, so, naturally I ordered the 75 Ω (not the 50 Ω) AfterDark Triple. I bought the Triple riding on the crest of an AS wave extolling the virtue of the Mini-Circuits low pass filter (for removal of Sine harmonics) as a hedge for those in doubt about the Square credentials of their clocks. All AfterDark Triples are Square wave. I was more than happy about this. I’d rather have hoped that the AfterDark Triple was a good Square wave clock than spent this sort of money adding a fudge or a fix (even if others attest to it being a fitting and/or advantageous one). Whether a good call I shall never be able to say since – once again – I would only ever know through comparative listening and I just don’t have (or want) the alternative equipment. Having not long bought a short Sablon 2020 ethernet cable for the EtherRegen’s A-Side, I was perched ready to try the AfterDark Constellation cable. I do not feel pernicious, nor do I mean to be troublesome, when I say that cutting through the AfterDark promo material about this cable was tough – but I realise that most of this is to do with the language barrier. imho Adrian would do well to recruit a technically competent translator to make sure his technical arguments are easily digested by the English-speaking buyer. [After all – AS is an English-speaking web site.] In increasing order of commercial pull on me, the AfterDark product description talks of insulation credentials, grounding arrangement and use of 4 wires (2 pairs) only since the ER B-Side is 100mbps vs. 1G. My clock-landing experience is similar to others I have read here on Audiophile Style. The FedEx shipment was pretty quick and uncomplicated. The clock and cable arrived in a “Baxter” box (an alternative brand – whether recycled I don’t know - I hope Adrian can fettle a custom AfterDark box by and by since I’m sure it would add to his reputation). Several bolts etc were loose in and around the case – in fact one had fallen away completely from the bottom of the clock and I found it only later - hiding within Baxter. The build quality is not impressive to me. My system comprises mainly Streacom cases, Pro Audio gear and British Linn/Quad elements. The case of the Clock was definitely flimsy by comparison and the loose bolts etc only reinforced mild disappointment. I don’t want to overstate what I am saying – I realise that the AfterDark Clock is half the price of a REF10. [I realise also that others may be of the opinion that the AfterDark carbon fibre case is fetching and that its physical integrity more than suffices.] Moving on – like others I notice there is no indication that the clock is on or working except the responsivity of receiving devices. I’m not complaining about this. This seems an appropriate juncture to show the Clock in situ in my system. Mine is a built system – and it is not easy to change things once fully assembled. Having rendered my system to “bench test” mode to fix boxes and cables in position, check everything was working and learn Mutec MC3+ USB settings – I needed to know in short order which way to orientate the Constellation cable on the B-Side of the EtherRegen - a very narrow “critical path” element in re-establishing my system permanently. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure it out with confidence enough to re-assemble my system starting under the bonnet/hood. Eventually I got an answer from Adrian which enabled me to make a decision, but I couldn’t - and still do not - understand the rationale for it. The most obvious thing about the cable suggesting it is directional is that the ground wire emerges from one end. Having re-read the product description, I understood that the ground wire was likely tied to the plug. I understood that the shield braid had been terminated at least one end (maybe both?) with 3M tape. If only one end, I didn’t know which. I couldn’t be sure whether the ground wire was routed beyond the plug and if so how – considering also the fact that Cat 7 twisted pairs have their own shield. I just couldn’t translate Adrian’s’ grounding argument into my own understanding. There were no direction indicators on the cable. I am used to the convention that any lettering on the cable reads in the same direction as signal travel. One end of this cable has AFTERDARK visible – reading such (according to this convention) that the plug with the ground wire would be inserted efferent wrt the EtherRegen. But the shrink at the same end had print running in the reverse direction. The answer I eventually got from Adrian - that the wired plug mates the ER B-Side and that AFTERDARK reads counter-directional to signal travel at the other end of the cable - confused me additionally because it referred to a “ground pole” on the ER – which to the extent that is true I know to be on the A-Side. Now I don’t doubt for a minute that Adrian is far more technically adept than I am. I’m sure he knows what he is doing. It is quite possibly that others may not have struggled as I did. Anyway – once again - the language barrier may account for most of if not all misunderstandings. With my system in test bench mode, I determined that everything worked as it should. The ER was happy re-booting with the external clock. Same with the Mutec. Mutec settings were pretty much a doddle. Re-Clocking much the same in terms of Mutec front panel indicators - and I had “lots” of nice blue lights (lock to external Clock on the one hand and 176.4 kHz signal on the other). Given the 10 MHz input, the Mutec was happily Master WC. All set! This has been a particularly challenging burn-in experience for me. I’ve read sceptics on burn-in (you know – it doesn’t exist). I have zero doubt in my own mind about the subjective reality of burn-in. If there is any kind of “usual” – it is (such as with the ER) that the system sounds “disappointing” at first. There are subtractions. There may be a loss of clarity. Or bass. One has to be patient for fruit. But you can hear the *promise* of the change you have made more or less straightaway. Other parts of my system only recently introduced (see Baseline report supra) were still no doubt “cooking” but their Hi-Fi advantage was readily apparent - and they weren’t getting in the way. In the first hour or two following system reassembly, with the AfterDark products now integral, my system sounded dreadful. Muddy. At this time, I could hear some kind of “tightness” (that I presumed a clock advantage). But bass was gone. There was no vigour. Worst of all there was a Lo-Fi “veil”. It was as if my system had reverted to something resembling the old pre-ER days! The veil was the most unsettling aspect. I have never heard a veil like this except in relation to inferior equipment. It was reminiscent to me of the difference between a really good phono stage and a lesser one. It was this aspect that I feared burn-in might not shake off at all. And anyway – why was it there. After all, external clocks are not directly in the signal path. Yes - the Constellation cable was new – but a virgin component never made me feel this uncomfortable. After a few hours, maybe things had gotten better and maybe they hadn’t. Perhaps voices were improved. Perhaps there was a “quietness” or contrast now present. Perhaps there was more detail. But that darned veil. I knew I could never live with my system if that veil remained. Day 2 - I came down in the morning and took another listen. Things were better. I thought now that I could begin to say that the mid-range was becoming a lot more resolved. But not OK. Like through a curtain. I could still hear that veil. The bass was still light. Could it be that the bass had just tightened up? No – I didn’t believe that. Usually my system is transparent - and moving air/bass is its forte. I was loathe to try out analytics because they would involve disturbing and re-building the system – again ☹. Part of me knew I should just wait and let the system settle. Part of me was itching to see whether a particular feature was responsible for the veil. If I could discover which it was, I could resolve the issue and let burn-in take its course. Was it that pesky “directional” cable. Was it that I had made the Mutec Master WC – or even that WC cables to RedNet box and DAC weren’t the same length! Would the Triple be better serving only one of ER and Mutec etc. So early morning Day 2 here’s what I did: - Removed the AfterDark cable from the ER B-Side and re-established the custom-shielded AQ Cinnamon. To my surprise the effect was a clear deterioration. The AQ sounded pallid. After only 24 hours’ break-in the AfterDark cable was better. It’s only a guesstimate/pov but the Constellation is probably better than a Vodka - and then some. - Leaving the AfterDark Triple EDC as MC to both ER and Mutec, I reverted to DAC as Master WC by removing the WC cables from the Mutec and re-hooking DAC and RedNet D16 AES. No dice! I thought I heard maybe some clarity back (cf. veil) – but the sound was a lot thinner. And the bass had not returned. The differential [externally-clocked Mutec as WC Master better than DAC] was surprisingly large. - Switching the Mutec from “Ext. + Re-Clock” to “Int. + Re-Clock” can be done more or less on the fly. In other words it’s possible to evaluate the effect of the 10 MHz clock readily. There was no doubt that Ext. was better. There was more space in the soundstage. There was more fullness to the overall sound. My head was spinning trying to understand. It still seemed as if the system was waiting for bad weather to clear – and it felt like it might never. [Please remember I live in the UK.] - Switching the ER from Ext. to Int. and back had a similar effect. Not the same – but externally clocked there was a similar admixture of fullness and resolution – especially mid-range – combined with this awful sense of veil. Particularly distressing was that none of my reversion manipulations restored the comfortable, thundering familiarity of my system as I once knew and loved it! What medieval spells had been loosened into my ears? Maybe I just needed a check-up from the neck-up. Meantime Day 2 I had a Zoom call booked with my Head-Fi chum johnjen. 3am Seattle time – 11am UK. The timing of this appointment wasn’t on my insistence – he is obviously a night owl! We’d booked it to discuss clocks generally – and treating the Mutec MC3+ USB as Re-Clocker with WC vs. MC input in particular. Our call lasted best part of 2 hours. We talked more about burn-in than clocking. Couldn’t help reminiscing about the ”magic” of the 70s. What a guy. Really, really great dude. Strong background in electronics and DIY champion. Way ahead of me on the technical curve. But I do cheekily say I reckon I won the Mutec WC/MC argument. Later Day 2, the system is sounding better. The veil is lifting. I am not completely easy about it. But I can listen to music with enjoyment. Bass better than earlier. I am beginning to feel optimistic. I tried a “blind” (but still pretty unscientific) test with the wife. I got her to toggle the Constellation cable’s wire on and off a little ground post on my analogue side. I can hear a difference, and I prefer the ground wire attached. There is slightly more body. I don’t know whether good or bad in audiophile terms because my system still sounds so rough. To my ears the effect is similar to grounding the ER’s A-Side (which I do with a wire on an empty UK plug’s earth pin on the digital side) – and that is a good effect I have made permanent. I am writing this on Day 3. It’s still early wrt break-in etc I know. But now the veil has all but lifted. Bass has returned. The trajectory is very much in my favour – and I don’t need to be concerned that everything will turn to worms. I am going to make a bold statement which is true for me and sums up most the benefit of the AfterDark clock. My system has become resolving and energetic in the mid-range like never before – and the improvement is substantial. This morning I can hear Jackson Browne’s voice as if I were having a conversation with him (in the 70s!) rather than listening to him on the radio. OK I’m taking journalistic licence now but I want to give credit where it’s due. There is space in the soundstage. I can hear instruments and guitars I haven’t noticed salient before when listening to e.g. Lucinda Williams. I can listen to Keith Richards’ outing on Ronnie Spector’s “All I Want” with a great deal more appreciation of his exquisite guitar work. I have a much better appreciation of all JD McPherson’s band members when they rock out “Dimes And Nickels” or “Your Love (All I’m Missing)”. No longer do I feel that the bass has gone walking and may never return. I use what I think is a re-mastered version of Jackie Lee Cochran’s “Hip Shakin’ Mama” off of a CD called “Rockabilly” for a snapshot evaluation of bass. [It’s an outrageous, audacious, recording or remastering where bass entertainment prevails.] The Strawbs’ track “Lay Down” captures the spirit/zeitgeist of that curiously peak year 1973 – in fact the whole decade – like no other (including DSOM and anything by Bowie or whomsoever you choose) – but it’s a muddy, crude mix – and now I can enjoy it a great deal more. Finally - I was anyway past the desperate digititis threshold in my system – and this new arrangement with AfterDark products takes me down quite a few pegs towards safety on the other side of that cardinal watershed. OK – so I’m sorry if this treatise has turned into a burn-in blog as much as a review of an AfterDark clock. But I make no apology really. It was Adrian who said, “Let the burn-in party begin!” – or something like that. And I reckon I’d have had a better emotional ride if I’d read a report like this before evaluating my own system. I’ve done my best not to mis-represent or judge unfairly. I’d hate that. I’m really not that sort of person. I can tell you I’m very happy indeed to recommend both of these AfterDark products. (The cable could be a surprising winner for sure.) I fear Adrian is hiding his light behind a language-barrier bushel. I have no doubt that better days are to come with my system’s new configuration. The settling-in process has only just passed that threshold where confidence in having made a good purchase has arrived. If you don’t hear from me to the contrary, please assume I am a highly satisfied AfterDark customer – and that my ears and heart are full of even more energetic rock ‘n’ roll for at least a few hours of every day. As well as wanting to thank everyone for honestly and generously blogging their experiences here on AS - especially those technically more proficient in electronics and IT - I wish Adrian and AfterDark every possible success. JayCee, nichino, AfterDark. and 1 other 2 2 Link to comment
MartinT Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 This is interesting. My experience was not at all similar as my system never took a backward step when connecting up the AfterDark King. It sounded immediately better and the Mutec clearly loves it. This despite switching the ER back to internal clock for the time being. Things have improved further but that initial experience lives on as a stunning uplift in sound quality. Mine is sinewave and that was deliberate. My experience with the BG7TBL told me that sinewave is preferred, for my setup at least. Of course, I wasn't burning in a clock cable as my Belden 4694R had already been run for a while and so had my Coherent QP-1 PSU. My King is indeed King. I wonder what the Emperor Triple Crown will do for me? It'll be here in a day or two so I'll find out soon. AfterDark. 1 TP-Link MR6400 4G router > Uptone EtherREGEN reclocker > Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer > Gustard U18 DDC > Gustard X26 Pro DAC > Belles SA-100 power amp > Usher Dancer Be-20 speakers. AfterDark clocks x 2. PS Audio P3 & P10 regenerators. https://theaudiostandard.net Link to comment
Iving Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 24 minutes ago, MartinT said: I wasn't burning in a clock cable as my Belden 4694R had already been run for a while and so had my Coherent QP-1 PSU. It's true that 3/4 if not 4/4 of my clock cables were virgins too. I should have mentioned that. Yes - the AfterDark Triple has an integrated power supply. Link to comment
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