Advices on 10 mhz Clocks

I use the C18 to clock my ethernet switch AND DDC. A master clock only makes sense if your are trying to clock more than one component. The DDC will clock the DAC via I2s on its own. No need for a master clock in that case. Anyway, that's what my research on the matter told me. 

Obviously everybody's ears and systems are different. Square wave is overly bright for me, sine wave is how I roll. All 50 ohms btw. The choice of square wave vs sine wave makes it a winner on the C18. Two connections each.

@sls883 

It probably has to do that I was purely a vinyl guy for over 50 years before beginning to appreciate the virtues of digital. 

@lanx0003 

Good call. I do remember a discussion about connecting both the dac and the DDC. This other guy was making the point I am making now. Back then I connected both just because I could but I don't remember thinking the sound improved since I hadn't tried it without the dac connection. However I then started researching the matter and became convinced he was onto something. I no longer use a Gustard dac and my new Tubadour V does not accept an external clock, so it is no longer an issue for me. In the end I believe a master clock will only improve the sound if it clocks multiple units. In my case I still use it because both my ethernet LHY SW10 switch and U18 DDC accept an external clock. 

@sls883 

Pop is not usually my cup of tea but I will check it out. My main three systems, vinyl, CD and streaming are basically on equal footing, quality and money wise. I make sure of that since I enjoy the three. I was able to edit my house of stereo system yesterday and updated it. You can check it out. Even my DVD Blu-ray TV system is pretty impressive with the Loki Max equalizer. 

@sls883 

No go for once blue to my tastes. However, I am glad you mentioned liking square wave best because it got me to try it again. With my brand new Townshend Allegri Reference mk2 100% passive preamp,  square wave seems to bring out some of the liveliness you lose with a passive pre over an active one. I love the incredible detail of the passive but it loses some of the forwardness of the sound. Square wave gives me that back. The sound got bigger. As always, EVERYTHING is always system dependent. What also got me to try it again is listening to vinyl. With an active pre I always kept my phono stage on 450 ohms for the Lyra Kleos. With the passive pre I also felt a bit of a loss in forwardness so I raised it to 520 ohms, et voila, same improvement. The key is to know your system inside out to be able to figure out the small details that can make big differences. If I don't get listening fatigue, I will keep it on square.

Wanted to thank you for giving me the idea of trying it again.