Wadia 27ix Clock Synch w/ Transport-good thing?

The clocklink system is a great feature but the Wadia transports and DACs are still top notch without it. The clocklink on the 270 accepts a 16.9344MHz clock on ST glass conenction. The 27 outputs this same signal. Most other clock distribution systems send/receive the wordclock and use standard coax cables with BNC connectors.

One solution is to maker a device that uses a simple PLL to convert between Fs and 384*Fs and then provide the appropriate connector circuitry. Jitter wouldn't be too much of a problem because all you're trying to achieve is a rate lock "on the average." FIFO's take care of the finer details.

But anyway, I don't think the AR DAC-2 has clock output. It is also a relatively old DAC. Have you ever tried pairing your 270 with a 27? You could take advantage of the sync capabilty and also might be able to lose the preamp. There are a few 27s for sale now (you would need a minumum of 27i) and resale value stays pretty constant.

Disclaimer, I am a former Wadia engineer and currently consult for them.

Wadia also feels very strongly about the use of ST Glass connections. They've used them from the very beginning as that's what the Telecom industry used and Wadia was founded by Telecom engineers from 3M. The quality is normally attributed to the use of glass cables as opoosed to plastic, as well as the connector. I've never heard anything outperform them, they're dirt cheap (the cables anyway), and are just as happy running over 50 feet as they are at 6 inches. Too bad most other companies haven't caught on. I really don't think it's any harder/costlier than other well built I/O. By the way, I've heard good thing about Glass Toslink but haven't tried it myself yet to compare.