Is usb reclocking necessary?

Hi guys, old thread but hoping I could revive it to get some help. Is a USB re-clocker going into a DAC with a asynchronous USB redundant? From what I've read in an asynchronous setup, the DAC will re-clock when it pulls the info from the server/streamer. So it would be re-clocking out of the streamer/usb re-clocker right into another re-clocker? Looking at getting a DAC that has an asynchronous USB and  and Innuos streamer. Would I really need the Innuos with a re-clocker if my DAC has asynchronous USB or could I potentially save some money and just get an Innuos mini streamer?

@bg3584

While you are correct that the streamer is slaved to the Dac under asynchronous USB, the actual connection needs reclocking since USB as a two way port has a separate algorithm rather than embedding the clock signal in the data stream. Hence the utility of the reclocker.

I used a pretty good one (Mutec MC-3+USB) into a $6k DAC-Preamp on the Stereophile "A" list. There was a positive difference. Then, I got a newer DAC-preamp ($4k), and I found that the reclocker added harshness to the sound.

My conclusion: this is just as system-specific as power conditioners and maybe even cables. Try to be objective when you evaluate a reclocker in your own system, and don’t buy anything that can’t be returned for full credit. And finally, don’t listen to technical arguments for and against, as many of them are just BS. Listen to the sound with your own ears, in your own system, and if at all possible, make blind comparisons.

I have an Innuos Zenith mk 3 with the reclocker. It only made a slight difference in my system. I think the key is how good your DAC’s USB implementation is. I run a Terminator Plus which is known to have a great USB input.  We all tend to look for sound upgrades to our systems that don't require large expenditures.  Perhaps a better strategy is to bank that cash. and invest in better speakers that truly have a large impact on SQ.

I see this discussion came back to life after over 2 years. As the OP, I think I dropped the ball by not following up after trying and buying a Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker for my Zenith MK3. I found an outlet in Nashville that demos Innuos reclockers for the price of shipping- very reasonable. There was no question, after playing less than a track, that I had to have one. It made a huge SQ difference in my system. There is much more clarity. I’m 1 piece short of a Innuos Statement equivalent. Haven’t convinced myself yet to get the Innuos switch.