Shenzhen SIAS SMSL announce their new Clock G1

[MCH]

But maybe there are some usecases, in which it makes sense!
Few of us need it, but
@boxerfan88 mentioned this link: clock drifting post in ASR
And to spend just $550 for this clock is better than to buy a $2.200 or even more expensive one which does the exact same job.

David has made a clock drifting test just 3 days ago:

That's a good example that, to me, shows how this is useless for most people's home setup: None of boxerfan88 dacs had a master clock input, like most domestic dacs, so this device wouldn't help, and he eventually went for the easiest option for his use case: to buy a multichannel DAC:

Post in thread 'VB Matrix' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/vb-matrix.48989/post-1888772

 

[totti1965]

That's a good example that, to me, shows how this is useless for most people's home setup: None of boxerfan88 dacs had a master clock input, like most domestic dacs, so this device wouldn't help, and he eventually went for the easiest option for his use case: to buy a multichannel DAC:

Post in thread 'VB Matrix' https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/vb-matrix.48989/post-1888772

Google AI found some:
Examples of DACs with Masterclock Input

• dCS Lina Network DAC:
  Designed to be used with the dedicated dCS Lina Master Clock for enhanced accuracy and sound quality.
  
  
• Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC:
  Known to work with external 10 MHz master clocks, such as the MUTEC REF10.
  
  
• Aune S9c Pro:
  A DAC that is compatible with 10 MHz master clocks for improved performance.
  
  
• T+A DAC 200:
  Features the T+A De-Jitter Masterclock technology, though its primary operation doesn't require an external clock input.
  
  
  
  System Synchronization:
  In complex digital audio setups, a master clock ensures all connected digital components are synchronized to the same rhythm, creating a cohesive and accurate digital signal chain.
  

 

[boxerfan88]

Alternatively create an architecture where master clock is necessary. Kinda like dCS Varese, where the L/R DAC are in two separate boxes, therefore need a master clock to sync the two.

 

[antcollinet]

The use case in the home HiFi setting that I personally came across whereby I would have needed an external master clock was when I was experimenting with 2 DACs, one for mains, one for subwoofer. A master clock is needed to keep both DACs in sync, otherwise there will be phasing issues caused by both DAC's clock drifting.

@boxerfan88 mentioned this link: clock drifting post in ASR

But can also be solved by using a Toslink or Coax source, and sending the same signal to both DACs - essentially syncing them both to the source.

 

[EERecordist]

This external clock concept came from the broadcasting world, where there are so many conversion and processing equipment strewn all over the facility, if they are not synchronized to a master clock, their audio & video streams passing through so many different processing equipment could go out of sync. Example of master clock:- https://evertz.com/products/5601MSC/ The 10MHz clock has been a long-standing industry standard for reference distribution.

Honestly, in my opinion, there is no need for a master clock device for home HiFi system. Why? Because for stereo listening, we are mainly processing 1 stereo audio stream. There isn't another concurrent stream, or parallel device/equipment where we need to keep in sync. The internal clocks built into DACs these days are already of very high quality.

The use case in the home HiFi setting that I personally came across whereby I would have needed an external master clock was when I was experimenting with 2 DACs, one for mains, one for subwoofer. A master clock is needed to keep both DACs in sync, otherwise there will be phasing issues caused by both DAC's clock drifting. I think I posted about this before somewhere, either in ASR, or maybe at the REW forum. I evaluated the master clock solution and concluded it was too expensive and complex, the most cost effective solution was to buy a 8-channel DAC, which I did - I bought the Topping DM7. Totally solved my 2xDAC clock drifting problem.

Hope this helps.


EDIT: found the clock drifting post in ASR

/

Agree, no need in the home. Add

Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators (OCXOs): A Deep Dive

Explore the world of OCXOs: precision timing, key specs, and top five manufacturers.

www.rfwireless-world.com

https://www.newark.com/c/crystals-oscillators/oscillators/oven-controlled-ocxo-oscillators

There are good uses in RF communications, including multipath cancellation with DSP. GPS requires high precision clocks in the satellites. There are good uses in science and astronomy. They are used in optical fiber communications as the master stratum clock in communications hubs. They have pushed into time code generators used to keep cameras and sound in sync on movie sets where the need is about less than one frame slip per 24 hours.

The world's research institutions can get to -19 decimal places. https://www.nist.gov/news-events/ne...e NIST team,more about NIST's fountain clocks.

Maybe Chinese manufacturers are pushing into manufacturing OCXOs? Maybe someone will do a teardown?

 

[shuppatsu]

Alternatively create an architecture where master clock is necessary. Kinda like dCS Varese, where the L/R DAC are in two separate boxes, therefore need a master clock to sync the two.

“Hi, dCS? I’d like to order the Varese Core, DACs, and User Interface.”

“Thank you, but you’ll also need our Master Clock.”

“Nah, SMSL has me covered on that front.”

 

[totti1965]

I’ve got it! LMAO