Empirical Audio Synchro mesh reclocker, anybody?


Anybody actually own or has owned one of these units by Empirical Audio?
Sounds good and $699 not a huge outlay in today's world but would prefer some real world experience if anybody has tried it.
Thank you.
128x128uberwaltz
Yes I have conversed with Steve and I know he has a 30 day return policy which is neat.

Just always nice to get real users opinions where possible too.

Thank you

I owned the Offramp 3 for a few years ago, it very much improved the sound of my dac. But then my focus shifted, and I sold it; having fun now comparing  pre-amps. I'll probably circle back to Empirical next year to see what's new. Steve's website also contains good advice, he knows digital.

I have two.  One is installed via toslink in from a cable box to spdif out to a Bel Canto Dac 2.5 to Bel Canto M1000 AND a Bel Canto C5i.  This primarily drives indoor TV sound but also indoor/outdoor audio.  Initially I bought to drive two devices with the same signal, but really liked the improved sound.  I bought the power supply and it was a huge upgrade again.   I liked it so much, I installed another in a second system via toslink out from TV to a Creek 100A with Ruby DAC.  Nice improvement again compared to not using one at all.  I think many newer DACs perform better when receiving a 96k feed, and this does that really well.  I recommend getting the OTL option if your dac has a transformer on the input.  Also, highly recommend the Dynamo power supply if you are using this with a higher end system, although it does double the price.  Finally, his BNC cables are very good too.  
I have the Synchromesh with an outboard power supply feeding my Metrum Adagio via a Shunyata Sigma 75 ohm cable. It is stunning and transforms the Adagio from a superb dac and a mesmerising experience. Steve Nugent from Empirical is a gentleman and very knowledgable. 

100% endorsement for the Synchro. I chose the OTL option. Highly recommended for all rigs. I run Nagra and Tidal Audio and you can see how good the SM is.
I have the Synchromesh with an outboard power supply feeding my Metrum Adagio via a Shunyata Sigma 75 ohm cable. It is stunning and transforms the Adagio from a superb dac and a mesmerising experience. Steve Nugent from Empirical is a gentleman and very knowledgable.

100% endorsement for the Synchro. I chose the OTL option. Highly recommended for all rigs. I run Nagra and Tidal Audio and you can see how good the SM is.
I have a McIntosh C2500 preamp with a built in DAC. I’m unsure if it has a transformer on it’s input, do I want the OTL option?
For the hell of it a year or so ago I tried a Wyred 4 Sound reclocker between my April Music CDT100 Transport and Modwright Elyse DAC and heard zero impact, Has anyone had both the Wyred reclocker and the Synchromesh and be able to offer a comparision based upon your system and listening experience? Obviously I can try a Synchromesh and return it if need be but would like to hear from anyone with experience between the two if possible first. 
Just had my Empirical Audio Syncromesh modded by Steve Nugent to his new 7 psec configuration and the result is nothing short of stunning. I had his previous upgrade done a while ago and that was a step up from an already seriously high level of performance. 

The lift in cohesion in resolution combined with organic 3D is outstanding as are decay trails and harmonics. No edge but an increase in detail - which is very hard to get. Best described as a high quality turntable. 

In my rig, the Syncromesh is fed by Argento reference digital cabling and the output is a Shunyata SIGMA BNC. The cost of the cables are multiples of the Synchromesh price. The DAC is a Metrum Adagio NOS which is very detailed especially when run direct to power amps. So it is a real test for the quality of ancillaries. 

The Syncromesh makes my system shine and I recommend very highly. Never underestimate the power of the clock in a system. At 7 psec - that's extraordinary.

Also recommend a high quality linear power supply. I use an Sbooster with Shunyata Alpha PC but I suspect the Paul Hynes LPS Empirical Audio is a killer combination. 
Empherical audio/audioengr promotes his products quite often in these forums. They are not hard to find
Steve announced a new, lower jitter, Crystek oscillator for his Synchro-Mesh reclocker. It’s ~$125 compete with S/H via PP for those who want to have Steve upgrade their unit. Supposed to improve low- and mid-frequencies. 
 Slightly off the subject, has anyone any views on good USB reclocking units? Unfortunately the Synchro mesh doesn't service USB inputs. Thanks
@david12 
i have the wyred4sound USB reclocker. I bought it and hooked it up to my JBL LSR 305's MKl right from the start. I feel the sound is very good for such a budget system but I cannot comment on the sound with the W4S reclocker vs. sound without.... MacBook Pro > Presonus USB DAC > XLR to now AirPulse Model 1 with ribbon tweets. I feel the DAC is the weakest link. I had a pretty noticeable phase-timing issue with the JBL LSR 305 subwoofer which could not be remedied with settings or placement, so I added Audirvana and that fixed the timing issues an boosted SQ. Next up will probably be the TEAC NT-505 streaming DAC.. I hope to get a deeper and more 3D soundstage going on.. detail is fine, dynamics all good, just looking for "more"
When I owned the Synchro Mesh the sound quality with my system took a step backwards. i,e. flat soundstage, decreased bass, mid and treble sound quality. 

Now, I think this model has been reworked, but I’m not sure. After my experience I wouldn’t want to chance it again.

ozzy
@ozzy 
wow, a reclocker shouldn\t make the sound worse... maybe not have any effect...
@ozzy I just ordered an Exogal Comet Plus. Similar digital signal processing to the PS Audio DAC (proprietary, non-delta/sigma, non-multibit, and non-R2R ladder processor).
The Exogal folks tell me that upstream reclockers don’t benefit their DAC processors. I suspect the PS Audio DAC may fall into the same category..  Both may be considered as computing DACs in the sense they are processing digital data per se.
IMHO, as we progress with better equipment, these band aid type items are just not needed.

ozzy
@celander I own an Exogal Comet Plus. I suspect you will really be happy with it.
the ps audio does its magic within the fpga negates the need for re-clocking
actually dissasembles the stream and reconstitutes it
like juice
if you are running a regular ole chip give a re-clock a try
i forgot to add my agreement... as we move forward to better equipment the re-clocker and de-crapifier upstream appliances will not be needed. 
I installed the new Exogal Comet Plus into the system in place of the Theta Digital DSPro Basic IIIa DAC. The compact form factor of the Comet DAC is a great match with my Teo Audio Liquid Pre passive preamp. I love the iOS remote. 
Celander.

My first serious DAC was the comet plus and I really really should not have sold it as it took quite a while to get back to being happy with digital again.

Even its analog input does not sound bad.

Enjoy!
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