dCS Rossini Owners - sonic differences with and without the clock

@thefeatherduster said:

...and still very much adjusting to how music is now presented by my Hifi, when compared to my previous DAC. 

Adjusting to better sound or worse sound in your opinion? What was your previous DAC? 

As for external word clocks, I tend to believe the objective reviews over the subjective reviews, and therefore don’t think they add anything audible to an already well-designed DAC.

Case in point: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/auralic-leo-gx-dac-clock-review.11001/

Mytek basically says that their internal clock is the same as the external clocks only with less jitter due to the lack of a long connector. The reason for the clocks is in their view to synchronize multiple digital devices.

The measured jitter performance of a Mytek is practically the same as the dCS Bartock. Also, read what dCS says here:

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/dcs-bartok-review-r849/

I quoteth thus:

We began to employ external master clocks due to our experience in the pro arena, where there are generally numerous clocks running simultaneously, thereby making their use mandatory; though our engineers questioned their efficacy in relatively closed consumer systems,

Which is all very scientific and proper, and then they wax poetically:

here is both objective/measured and subjective/listening evidence that they can have a profound effect on the sound

.

He doesn’t say it improves the clocking. So, have at it if you have the cash. It’s quite possible if there is a change it’s not a good one.

Thanks for the link - some pretty strong opinions on that thread!

The presentation is very different to my previous DAC, the Invicta Mirus Pro, which uses the ESS Sabre 9028 PRO chipset. The Mirus was possibly slightly more relaxed in it’s presentation, and a touch warmer. An incredibly musical and fatigue-free sound. I’m almost wishing I hadn’t sold it to be honest.

The Rossini however is one of the most revealing sources I’ve ever heard. The first week or so literally had me questioning why it was highlighting certain parts of tracks and albums that I know inside out. It has a very natural touch with instruments and vocals, in a very non-digital kind of way. I would describe it as slightly more forward in it’s presentation overall.