2. digital
  3. 158306-289

Which USB Re Clocker

I have been very happy with my Innuos Zenith Mk 2 for several years. The sound  is excellent and ripping is child's play. I have been interested in adding the Phoenix Re Clocker for a couple of years, but for various reasons, haven't been able to get a demo yet. One of the selling points of the Phoenix by Innuos, is that it can be used between any source and USB DAC.

 Well it also means that any re clocker should work between an Innuos Server and DAC. The one drawback to me is that the Phoenix isn't cheap, at least as far as my budget in retirement is concerned. The Company claims that the Phoenix is more than a Re Clocker, with improved power supplies and other improvements. I don't suppose many of you guys have had the chance to compare the Phoenix with other units. Still any suggestions about other, cheaper Re Clocker units to consider? Particularly if you have had the chance to use it with an Innuos Server, but not much chance of that either. Still any advice is welcome, thanks.

david12

Showing 4 responses by david12

david12 OP
1,454 posts
 

I use a Metrum Acoustics Octave Mk 2, which I like, but realise it is not state of the art. I also have an Ayre QB9, but that had the ridiculous problem with the Innuos, that the USB cable had to be pulled out and reconnected, to trigger the DAC out of standby.

I should say, I am quite happy with digital reproduction and the convenience of a server, which allows me to store 2000+ CDs in the basement.

Thanks for the helpful comments to date.

david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
The Metrum does use asynchronous USB and has a lot of good reports about it. It isn't the latest model and there are obviously better DAC's around. The answer may well be to borrow a Phoenix when I can in the current climate and borrow a better DAC, such as the Chord Qutest. The latter would be half the price of course. Then see which gives me the most benefit.
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 

I am not sold on a re clocker and I am happy with my set up. The Zenith is very good to my ageing ears and so is the metrum. Certainly neither are current state of the art, I know. Perhaps I should have asked a clearer question, would I hear a significant improvement with the Innuos Phoenix, or some other re clocking unit, or should I look elsewhere for improvement.

I use the Chord Signature Tuned Array USB chord and the re clocker means you need another good USB cable, not cheap either. Of course I need to hear the Phoenix in my system, but that isn't going to happen at the moment. Still I'm in no rush.

david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
I think expensive addons like the Phoenix, need a careful audition, more than a DAC or phono stage say. Presumably you were convinced by a trial in your system, to keep the Phoenix. That is what I'll have to do, when it is possible. I live in the UK and we seem to be more cautious about Covid, than some folks in the US at the moment, no names.
More to discover