DACs and bass response?

@audioengr,

Speaking of your Synchro-Mesh reclocker, what about DAC’s internal jitter control? Is it not good enough to reduce jitter on a incoming digital signal? I am just trying to understand the need for external reclocker.  

My DAC is equipped with a high resolution, low jitter clock. The measurements show Intrinsic Jitter <10 pS.  

In my setup, I always used balanced analog outs on my CD player straight into my preamp. The DAC digital inputs (SPDIF and AES/EBU) are being used for two dedicated steamers only. And then DAC analog outs (XLR) to my preamp. 

@audioengr,

Thank you for your feedback and sharing the link. I guess that’s one way to promote external reclocker by taking a subpar DAC/Streamer. I do not know about anyone else but IMO, SONOS connect box is a piece of crap. It’s also one of the most antiquated streamer/DAC in their lineup.

May be you can post some measurements with Bluesound Node 2 or Aurender N100 and Synchro-Mesh reclocker.  Also, what degree of improvement justifies the cost of external reclocker and digital cables?

Having said that, I do recognize the importance of a quality digital source and DAC that employs best designs attributes to minimize or eliminate jitter within digital domain.

I would be open to try an external reclocker between my two sources Aurender N10 / Bluesound Vault 2 and ARC DAC9 in near future. At this time, I am very content and happy with fabulous sound output of my digital setup.

Steve,

“The final jitter will be exactly the same, no matter what the source is” - Agreed.

“You can literally compete with a $20K transport using a $300 transport and a $1400 Synchro-Mesh and Dynamo power supply”
- That’s a pretty bold statement, what have you tried and compared in that range to arrive at this conclusion.

“Input jitter to the Synchro-Mesh is totally unimportant” - Agreed.

“The Sonos is very popular and many folks like the interface well enough. With the Synchro-Mesh reclocking, the Sonos actually sounds as good as any of my $3K digital interfaces, including USB and Ethernet”
- Wyrd 4 Sound offers an somewhat similar internal upgrade for lot less. Once you add the cost of Connect, Mesh w/Dynamo PS, extra digital cable, you are already at $2250. It would be interesting to compare this setup with let’s say Aurender N100.

I wonder if anyone else from our esteemed community can chimed in with their experience with Mesh / Dynamo PS.

@stuartk,

What are your source components? I am thinking may be there is a room for improvements elsewhere in your system. 

“it can sound almost identical to SS”

Why would someone buy a tube component that almost sound identical to Solid State? 

Steve wrote,

“Because Tubes are usually lacking in dynamics, bass tightness or HF extension. You can get the liquid midrange of tubes and the dynamics, bass and HF extension of the very best SS without having that "tubey" distorted sound”

I am sure you’re going to tell us if there is component out there that is capable of all of the above without the “tubey” distorted sound.