How can I tell if I need a better clock for my DAC?

....No CDP is jitter-free...

And as you read enough on this forum you'll likely conclude that the interconnect cable between the transport and DAC also introduces jitter, and perhaps other items.

This is why I've always maintained that one must rely on their DAC to do its job and reduce or eliminate jitter given its re-clocking and/or other proprietary technology. And in this context, when I write "rely on their DAC to do its job and reduce or eliminate jitter", I don't believe this is a stretch as far as technology capabilities are concerned. This is why many DAC manufacturers proudly advertise this is what their DAC is doing, among other things. Frankly, I don't understand why there is so much hullabaloo regarding jitter. Apparently, it's as ubiquitous as air anyway so at some level you just have to live with it.

the analogy that could relate would be , everyone has stress in their lives but life is so much better when you reduce that stress to a minimum.

@tooblue 

I agree with you. But in using your analogy, there is more than one way to reduce stress. For instance, one could take prescription medications, practice yoga, or my favorite, listen to music of choice. Similarly, there is more than one way to reduce (or eliminate?) jitter.

I don't see the rationale behind trying (whether successful or not) to reduce jitter at the transport (i.e have better clocking at the transport), because a good DAC will re-clock anyway. It is conceivable (not saying this is the case, although it wouldn't surprise me if it is) that a quality DAC will perform its voodoo (jitter reduction, re-clocking, whatever) regardless of the signal it receives and essentially "undo" or "disregard" the voodoo that was performed prior to it receiving the signal.

so if you agree with my analogy then you would have to agree that reducing jitter, no matter how that is done, like reducing stress, that is a good thing.

@tooblue 

Yes, I do agree that reducing jitter - no matter how - is a good thing. 

This Stereophile AES J-test includes a very high level signal mixed with a LSB (smallest signal) and is a great test for interface jitter and any modulation distortion.

Ex 1. Benchmark DAC3 HGC, high-resolution jitter spectrum of analog output signal, 11.025kHz at –6dBFS, sampled at 44.1kHz with LSB toggled at 229Hz: 24-bit TosLink data (left channel blue, right red). Center frequency of trace, 11.025kHz; frequency range, ±3.5kHz.

https://www.stereophile.com/images/1117BDAC3fig11.jpg

There is no jitter (spurious signal) visible above -150 dbfs noise floor on the analog output. This means there is excellent interface jitter rejection.

—-&————————

Ex 2. Schiit Yggdrasil, high-resolution jitter spectrum of analog output signal, 11.025kHz at –6dBFS, sampled at 44.1kHz with LSB toggled at 229Hz: 24-bit USB data (left channel blue, right red). Center frequency of trace, 11.025kHz; frequency range, ±3.5kHz.

https://www.stereophile.com/images/217Schiitfig12.jpg

There is jitter (lots of low level spurious signal at very specific tones).... probably inaudible but it is there.

But which sounds better? :)

Thanks, everyone, for your inputs. Unfortunately, much of what was said went over my head....

You’re welcome. Honestly I think you may be over thinking this. Go with whatever your monetary budget allows, your personal listening impressions, manufacturer reputation and other customer testimonials. After all that then consider jitter and other technical measurements. Just my recommendation.