Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions › Help regarding premium clock upgrades.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Help regarding premium clock upgrades.

post #1 of 9
11/19/09 at 1:20pm
Thread Starter 
I've been looking at the possibility of replacing the crystal oscillators in my DAC. I've read everything I can find here and at diyaudio about the Audiocom Superclock, Ultraclock, et al.

What I'm not quite understanding is the distinction of these expensive units. For example, the Superclock4 has a rated accuracy of +/- 2ppm. Thats not bad but I can get an off the shelf TCXO thats specifies +/- 0.5ppm.

Is the unique quality of these premium clocks in their power supplies?
If so, being more familiar with analog circuits anyway, I can do that part myself.

Am I on the right track here or am I missing something?
Reply
post #2 of 9
11/19/09 at 1:28pm
Read from here down. It was explained to me quite well by those more in the know.

The importance of the clock has to do with jitter, not absolute frequency accuracy
Reply
post #3 of 9
11/19/09 at 2:02pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks!
Reply
post #4 of 9
11/19/09 at 7:46pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, that thread didnt actually help me at all. All I get from it is that the ppm designation doesnt really matter much in audio.

I'm still left with the question of what makes a premium clock better.
If the XO currently in my DAC is +/- 75ppm would it make any sense to replace it with one that is +/1ppm?
OR, would I actually benefit more by simply designing a quieter and more stable power supply for it?

Bottom line, what exactly is it that is making something on the order of an Audiocom Ultraclock any better than whats already in a piece of equipment?
Reply
post #5 of 9
11/19/09 at 8:25pm
Spend some time looking around over at DiyHiFi -all over there are strong advocates of a good clock.

From what I understand, not all low PPM clocks have low jitter numbers. Reducing jitter is what the goal is. So in part the clock itself is important.

In addition to that a clean supply is critical. Noise from the supply will affect the clock. So yes, putting a good supply in place will help the situation.

I've never tested any of this - it is all based upon what I have read.
Reply
post #6 of 9
11/19/09 at 8:54pm
I personally don't buy into the "premium" clocks such as DEXA, etc. I've never used any of them, but have used TentLabs XO (on a PinkFlea PCB/PSU), and was very satisfied with the difference. TentLabs also makes their own clock boards and supplies as well.
Low jitter clocks

The Kwak clock has a good reputation, as does Jim Hagerman's HagClock.
Reply
post #7 of 9
11/19/09 at 11:57pm
Thread Starter 
I tried making use of diyhifi earlier this year and was rebuffed by the ban on new members. And being an outsider is like having perpetual blue balls. Eventually you need to actually SEE the pictures they are referencing. Very frustrating........

I have no doubts that a top shelf clock is paramount. I only wonder about the correct way to go about it. I COULD just buy a ready made one but where's the fun in that? And besides, which one would I choose? I want the lowest jitter possible. But who knows which one that is?

I'm looking at pictures of all these ready made ones and basically all I'm seeing is local filtering and regulating. My DAC already has multiple stages of regulation and a pretty darn good PS. I could expand on it a little........

So where do I start...........
Anyone have comments on the best XO to start with? If ppm numbers dont really mean anything what else do I look at?
I can handle all the filtering and regulating myself.........
Reply
post #8 of 9
11/20/09 at 12:15am
Try the Kwak clock (google it and you can find a schematic even posted here on HeadFi). It is also "discrete" so more of something to build. Some say the output measures bad (not a good square wave), but apparently that can be the probe affecting the output.

The PinkFlea that Pars linked looks very interesting.

Both of these cheaper than that Audicom module. You could build both and see which you prefer...


DiyHiFi is also accepting members again last I saw.
Reply
post #9 of 9
11/20/09 at 1:47am
Thread Starter 
Interesting. Didnt know about the Kwak. Led me into a lot of interesting directions.
Thanks!!
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions › Help regarding premium clock upgrades.