I don't have an external clock but have researched this extensively. Jitter has been greatly reduced in most DAC's even cheaper ones. Many people are more interested in lower noise clocks with low phase noise (hash noise). Some companies DAC's are actually designed to reduce this phase noise. It's an interesting discussion for me since I plan on replacing my Holo Audio KTE DAC in the future for a better DAC.
DACs, external clocks, and what's what
There seems to be more hype about DACs than about anything in this overhyped hobby. I'm considering a new DAC and have been dragged down this external clock rabbit hole.
It seems that lots of DAC vendors are pushing external clocks. Even high end DACs like Wadax studio player, dcs products, Master fidelity NADAC-C, etc., claim that an expensive external clock is absolutely necessary to reach peak performance. Others, such as MSB and EMM Labs-its owner, Ed Meitner, in particular, counter that the clocking function is best performed closest to the conversion so as not to introduce the inevitable issues-noise, etc., that can come with adding more cables and connectors to the process. Most importantly, they point out that the internal clock still performs the ultimate clocking function, not the external clock. According to this camp, a well designed DAC with a high quality internal clock cannot benefit from an external clock and the added box may even be a detriment in addition to a waste of money. Cynics imply its just a money grab.
I understand how external clocks can benefit professional setups where there are multiple components to consider. I have a hard time understanding the mechanism by which a simple, typical two channel dac would benefit. Both my dcs Bartok and the Studio Player are one box solutions. I've auditioned the Studio Player (no external clock) and think its really good. Also have recently heard the EMM Labs and Berkeley Reference 3P, all sound really good without an external clock.
On the other hand, these clocks are selling-even very expensive ones-and lots of folks say they hear a difference.
I'm certainly not a DAC designer. I think no one knows more about this stuff than Meitner, or the MSB folks, but this is quite confusing, at least to me. Lots of stuff in our hobby comes down to subjective preference, but this seems to be a case where one side must be right and the other is wrong. Which is which? If you think an external clock provides a substantial improvement, how so?
Just looking for insights and opinions from this esteemed group. Not trying to start a fight-just hoping to shed some light on this because its an important consideration in making buying decisions.
Thanks.
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@willywonka I'm in the same boat. "Jitter" seems to be the magic word used to make sales or improve sound quality, or both, depending on your point of view. As I mentioned, lots of the great audio debates seem to come down to subjective preference, but this is one where it appears one side must be right and the other wrong, if you start with a modern, well designed DAC. It also involves a lot of money as these are hot products. |
@kerrybh Would you like to buy a set of 30k USD cables to go with that? These are all Veblen goods - luxury items created specifically to appeal to well-heeled buyers willing to spend big in exchange for perceived exclusivity and status. Standalone, reference level clocks can be useful, but it depends upon the situation ... and they don’t cost 30k USD. More end up buying a good DDC. |
@ted_b I understand your point. I'm not one that believes all dacs sound the same. I had a chance not long ago to audition 3 dacs at a dealer that were switched out in the same system. I thought they were all very good, but also significantly different. The clock issue is particularly interesting because you have instances like the NADAC_C-by all accounts an excellent dac, but its promoters say it can't reach its potential without a clock of equal value. That sort of eliminates it from my consideration, but its an interesting question not only for what it says about dacs, but the broader industry. I appreciate the thoughtful views expressed here. |
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