@rodge827
My dealer carries the Mutec line and recommends the TOTL word clock for Audio Note dacs. It's way above of my budget. Maybe eventually I'll try a less expensive master clock. Actually,, a dac upgrade might happen first.
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@lowrider57
Thanks for the reply I’ve been thinking of a Node for some time now, but want to get my cd playback the best it can be before streaming. I had a PWT at one time and it’s a very good transport. I sold it and the Dac Iwas using to fund the Sparkler. An external word clock will only improve the information sent through it. Maybe check the return policy on a word clock if you decide to go that route and no improvement?
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I've been using the Mutec MC-3+ for about a week and there's a significant improvement in my digital playback. I have a PS Audio PWT outputting AES/EBU and a Blusound Node2i using SPDIF coax out.
I've found that the Node2i doesn't output a very good quality stream. After adding an iFi iPurifier (reclocker) there was a noticeable SQ improvement. Now that I'm using the MC-3+ in reclock mode, I have no immediate need to upgrade my streamer or DAC. Music has more weight, detail, and depth. I haven't played a CD yet as I've been enjoying a much improved Qobuz this week. I don't know how much improvement a 10 MHz word clock would add to home audio. It might depend on the quality of the dac and how revealing a system is.
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When checking the manual it looks like “Output 3” (below the BNC for AES) is the one to use. Next two over from that are the RCA cinch coax connector and the optical.
Where did you end up purchasing from?
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Mutec MC-3+ ordered today. Will be using AES/EBU from transport and SPDIF coax from Node2i.
I wonder why they went with RCA coax in/out instead of BNC. All word clock connections are of course BNC.
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@designsfx
👍 Those design engineers bicker like Audiogon members.
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We both use the Mad Scientist Black Magic Ultra USB cable.
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@designsfx
Unfortunately, I have not heard his system.
He has a Sonore Signature Rendu SE, upgrading from the ultraRendu.
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@jerrybj
Have you had the opportunity to hear your friends system and what was being used as the source? I’m using a server as opposed to a CD player.
I’m hearing some say the improvement is really good and some saying the detail becomes too etched. I’ve been wondering about the outcome in my system- just not rushing towards it. Would rather here more from those who’ve actually experienced the result.
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Have a friend who had the Mutec MC 3+ and used an AfterDark Double Emperor to good effect. He used an AES/EBU cable to Dac.
He liked the Signature so much he upgraded to the Double Crown.
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I’ve bought one of the LHY OCK-1 master clocks, and a Gustard C2 cable. Yet to be evaluated in the main system. Measurements put it about the same as an AfterDark Emperor (if memory serves right).
Will eventually send it to Coherent Systems (UK) for mods.
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@rodge827 @lowrider57
As I’ve been considering adding the Mutec as well I’ve been comparing the notes of others. Here’s a link to an article on clocking that I thought you might find interesting-
Digital Audio Clocks
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Haven’t yet, it might be a while but will post when I do.
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@rodge827
Checking back to see if you’ve tried the MC3+USB yet.
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The big questions in my mind are-
1) Is the transport actually introducing timing artifacts to the present Dac?
2) Is a 10 MHz clock really needed for Redbook/CD format?
Dacs that have dual word clock inputs typically accept better/higher clock rates and I’m “assuming” that is driven by the need to extend support of higher sample rates typically seen via usb. I’m not familiar with the Mojo but if it doesn’t have dual word clock input then it won’t see the benefit of the higher clock rate as (Per my understanding) it takes two inputs to support that level of clocking.
This is why I would try the Mutec’s internal clock output to drive the Dac first (either AES or SPDIF) to see if the clocks improvement is even noticeable when compared to that of the transport alone.
Also- does the After Dark clock come with that fancy table coaster it’s shown with in the picture or can those be purchased separately?
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@antigeumge2
Thanks for the input I’m learning more as the thread progresses.
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@rodge827
Wordclocks run at speeds of typically 40-48kHz. Masterclocks such as the ones you mention run at 10mHz, devices with wordclock inputs therefore generally need devices such as the Mutec MC3+. The latter‘s performance can be further improved by adding a high precision masterclock such as After Dark, Mutec, Cybershaft, Antelope et al.
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Yes my Dac doesn’t have a work clock input. By my understanding, you need a device that does accept a word clock input like the Mutec to work with the After Dark clock. If a Dac or digital device has a word clock input then yes you could go direct not need an intermediary like the Mutec. Word clocks are used primarily in the Pro audio realm not so much in audiophilia. Pro companies like Tascam and Antelope have word clock inputs with some of their digital gear. Jays Audio CDT3 has a word clock input. The issue is good word clocks can be very expensive and it looks like After Dark is challenging that notion.
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@rodge827
I didn't check all the features of the After Dark, but since your dac doesn't have a word clock input, can it be used as a reclocker? It's a higher quality unit than the Mutec.
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The Mutec is a wordclock operating at lower rates than the After Dark 10m clock. The After Dark clock further improves the Mutec MC 3+ Mutec have their own much more expensive offering of a 10m clock for that purpose
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Most likely the Emperor with LPS and associated cables.
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@rodge827
Can you provide a link to the CTronic the After Dark you're interested in? I see several models, all look the same. Thanks.
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“I would try the Mutec’s clock first to determine how much improvement there is via clocking before making the extra spend on the After Dark.”
Yep was thinking to do this in that order. CTronic the After Dark distributor has a good return policy. Was just looking for some feedback from others who may have tried this set up.
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@rodge827
I’m looking into a Mutec 3+USB to use as a distributor/clock between my Naim Uniti Core and 3 different Dacs. Just chiming in here to say it sounds like you’re really only using the Mutec as an interface to clock your transport prior to the Dac? I would try the Mutec’s clock first to determine how much improvement there is via clocking before making the extra spend on the After Dark. There may not be that much of an audible difference (just my opinion).
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I like it. But don't take my advice :-)
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Yes…coax out of trans to Mutec with word clock engaged coax from Mutec to Dac.
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So you would use the the After Dark as a master word clock. Mutec would be the input to your dac?
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Won’t be using two clocks. Using an external clock overrides the internal clock on the Mutec. The After Dark clock is supposed to be better than the Mutec clock hence my question.
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Why use two master clocks with your DAC? And that is a very fine Dac.
A friend is using the Mutec MC-3+ as a reclocker for his very high-end Audio Note DAC, which like your Mojo, is NOS and uses no digital filters. There is a very noticeable improvement in SQ. I'll be ordering the Mutec for use with my AN DAC.
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