Master Clock Talk

[macrog]

Many thanks for getting back to me.

As I'm still finding my feet with this topic, I wasn't quite sure if your reply answered my question.

Could you please clarify whether using different waves on different components in the chain, from the same clock, would be counter-productive, or if it would still be helpful for syncing the timings?

Consistency of clock to all components has clear audible value. I tried running a different clock into Etherregen at router than stereo system and clear deterioration of sound was apparent. Running a long clock cable to the Etherregen at router from system clock was a decent upgrade.

Of the clocks I tried the Mutec Reference 10 SE120 is a step above anything else. I was convinced enough to buy 2. 1 for each of my primary systems.

 

[audiargent]

Consistency of clock to all components has clear audible value. I tried running a different clock into Etherregen at router than stereo system and clear deterioration of sound was apparent. Running a long clock cable to the Etherregen at router from system clock was a decent upgrade.

Of the clocks I tried the Mutec Reference 10 SE120 is a step above anything else. I was convinced enough to buy 2. 1 for each of my primary systems.

Even if it is different wave forms? As I have limited ports it seems. I need 4 in total, and two sine and two square wave.

 

[Jake2]

@audiargent A few things, firstly the OCK-2 (or do you mean the 2S version?) has 3 square and 3 sine, each switchable in impedance. Which gives you the ability to do three of your four with one wave type if you so wish.

Personally I think any delta between the two waveforms will be negligible if any, even IF everything else is held equal. In reality other variables in my view are likely to have a much greater impact:
- whether each component’s receiving circuit is inherently better performing with square or sine (A-B them will make this quickly clear)
- quality of your cables, their terminations, your devices (incl OCK-2’s) BNC connectors and internal circuitry (the full RF transmission line), any imperfections can result in impedance discontinuities (a perfect 50 or 75 for the whole TL is far from a given, impacts square more) and/or RFI shielding dips ( impacts sine more)
- the exact length of your transmission line for each component, even if cable length is identical the receiving device’s internal circuit length may differ so fractionally different timing of wave crests of the 10m long wavelength of the 10MHz signal (whether square or sine) arriving. Practically though per Macrog’s experience with an asynchronous device like the ER at least this is less of a factor than overall clock quality or transmission line quality. I’m not suggesting this is something to worry about more just show that even with all sine or all square fed devices there’s likely to be some small variation between devices with wave crest arrival timing.

Have a play with different wave types and trust your ears is my advice,

Edit - I should add there’s another key variable, the quality of the clock’s sine to square conversion circuit. Identically clean square and sine waves like the Mutec REF10 produces are not a given. I’ve seen some very ugly rounded shoulder square waveforms. I’ve preferred sine with my OCK-2, though some others like square, though this may be in part due to device synergy as mentioned above.

 

[ray12345]

Even if it is different wave forms? As I have limited ports it seems. I need 4 in total, and two sine and two square wave.

Just try it, it wouldn't hurt any components. I use 3 clock outputs in my system, for DDC, DAC and network switch, I ended up putting it all square waves, but at one stage I have tried putting DDC and DAC on square and network switch on sine wave.

Sine wave in general produces a softer sound, square wave produces sharper sound. In resolution terms, square wave is always better, just mix and match to make the sound you like.