[Nada]

Why are external clocks sub-optimal for digital audio?​

A clock signal is a fast moving precision electrical signal and is extremely sensitive to added noise or distortion. Each time it’s buffered or transmitted, a portion of its precision is lost. Even if a small amount of noise couples into the clocks, jitter will increase dramatically. It might still be an accurate clock, but accuracy is of little performance benefit to digital audio. A clock sent over an ultra-high quality cable will still increase its jitter considerably. The best solution is to create the lowest jitter clock as close to the DAC as possible.

https://www.msbtechnology.com/dacs/clock-options/

 

[barato]

Marketing nonsense with no measurements? nice one.
Strange isn't that they talk about phase noise yet I could not find a single measurement of their clocks on the site.

Here is some real proof, phase noise measurements of clock signal at the end of 1m coax cable, zero impact on jitter even at these exceptionally low levels:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...ystal-oscillator.261651/page-199#post-6707079

There is no inherent issue transmitting a clock over a short distance, if jitter is added this is down to incompetent design rather that a few cm of cabling as explained.
You would assume Gustard knows what they are doing in this regard (and might explain a thing or 2 about MSB competency)

 

[fullbass]

Seriously, should these topics be discussed here? If any external clock works well with R26, let me know.
Why is all this clock's theory here?

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Again please limit discussions to R26.

Clocks, Cables, File Format, (etc.) debate/discussions have their dedicated sections at "Computer Audio" / "Sound Science".
Throw your deliberations over there.

Or suggesting to go to the OTHER FORUM and but your heads with them.

 

[duas2noites]

Does anyone here is using R26 with DCA Stealth? I have the Stealth and I'm searching for a good dac to pair with it, was thinking about R26 > Ferrum Stack > Stealth. My budget for dac is $3.000

 

[Odezra]

Interesting review

 

[BShaw]

Thanks for posting that Odezra. I've always enjoyed his reviews, and think he did a great job of describing the qualities of the R26. I'd considered the Ladder Schumann before the R26 showed up on my radar, glad I waited.

 

[Odezra]

No worries - I think it’s interesting he preferred the Zen Stream over LAN direct. My R26 comes Monday so will compare that specifically once the unit is bedded in.

 

[BShaw]

Not me, I'm selling my Zen Stream. I don't recall him comparing the R26 streamer to the ZS, only his Mercury Pi streamer, and he preferred the R26.

 

[sgreg1]

I tried using the lan input playing from my MacBook Pro and I could only get a very low volume output. R26 set to fixed and computer volume all the way up playing Qobuz. Any suggestions as to why I had no volume? All others ( usb, and Bluetooth) I have tried have been fine.

 

[Luvdac]

It's here! Burning it in, hopefully will replace my x26 pro.

 

[rsbrsvp]

Again please limit discussions to R26.

Clocks, Cables, File Format, (etc.) debate/discussions have their dedicated sections at "Computer Audio" / "Sound Science".
Throw your deliberations over there.

Or suggesting to go to the OTHER FORUM and but your heads with them.

The truth is that one of he reasons I purchased the R26 is because of the optional clock input- which is not standard in 90% of dac's-- so I do not believe it is completely off subject to discuss the merits or harm of the use of this input as this is an important feature of this dac ; but perhaps we have gone overboard.

 

[Voske]

I have tried to follow this thread as good as possible but still have one important question which is not completely clear to me.
If I buy this DAC today and use it as a DAC only in my stereo set-up, so digital coax in from my streamer and RCA out to my integrated amp...do I risk to experience any hum other noise from this unit (also in stand by)?
I this issue fixed of is there no issue? Seems like a hit or miss with the hum...
Thanks! Knowing myself I would freak out spending this kind of money and ending up with a hum

 

[snico]

I have tried to follow this thread as good as possible but still have one important question which is not completely clear to me.
If I buy this DAC today and use it as a DAC only in my stereo set-up, so digital coax in from my streamer and RCA out to my integrated amp...do I risk to experience any hum other noise from this unit (also in stand by)?
I this issue fixed of is there no issue? Seems like a hit or miss with the hum...
Thanks! Knowing myself I would freak out spending this kind of money and ending up with a hum

There is no real issue. We were talking about a - very, very, low- high frequency noise that comes from the front panel of the dac. In my case, this noise can only be heard if I put my ears directly on the device, and it disappears when I have used the dac for some time.

 

[565321]

A high frequency screech (in the audible range) a couple of cm from the ladder and nobody has heard a "collapsed soundstage" etc. because of this.