Thanks for the insights, could you also highlight beside the depth and seperation, how is is the high frequencies and bass say, compared to the Crystek. Ciyld the Crystek have more high and tighter, punchier bass compared to the pure? For rock, pop music, does it still outperform the rest of the clocks tested? Thanks again for your work and videos!
The Bass is nice and tight on the SC-Pure and highs have more layers and yes it does outperform the rest with all music including Rock and Pop. The better Quality recordings and better systems the difference is bigger and better.
Dear Gaby, have you ever tested any of these clocks when streaming with different software platforms? I find I get differences in the soundstage when I use HQPlayer compared to Roon, and this in a way is akin to de differences that you are reporting when comparing clocks. Just wondering if the same observations would translate to other software contexts. Thanks.
I replaced stock clocks in old Audio-gd HE-7 for accusilicons 90/98 and the change was unbelievable. But that cost 200 Eur for both with work of the technician. If the clock weren´t so expensive I would try them.. Thx for the vid
thanks gabby, I installed accusilicon upgrade clocks in my fifopi ma 1.5 thanks to your video! I made sure to align pin 1 as you instructed. now to listen!
For me the first time I see your RUclips channel and I really like it a lot. Since a couple of days I also have the SC-pure clocks in place and they are powered 24/7. First impression were as you described. More details wider soundstage a bit bit more upfront. Characteristics I really like. The difference with the standard clocks are not subtile :-) At the moment the change a bit every day and are still a bit harse especially when playing Shostakovich symphonies. I didn't had that before, hopefully that will disappear. . Via other Ian stuff the signal is trough a TAD151A S1 and a tube end stage.
Nicely done! I've just ordered SCpure clocks and #91B Flagship Full function FIFO Re-clock DDC Streamer with S/PDIF AES/EBU output assembled and tested
It is important to understand that XO phase noise varies quite a bit from sample to sample. I have some experience with getting clocks measured and sorted for phase noise, and what one finds is that close in phase noise (for example at 2 Hz) can vary by as much as +/- 6 Dbc for clocks such as the CCHD 957, or the NDK SDA series. I suspect there would be similar variations for Ian's Pure SC as well, unless Ian actually measures and sorts the individual SC crystals to verify performance to his standards. If paying ~$200, or more, for an oscillator it would be nice to know for sure that the sample one purchases will perform to the standards shown in Ian's published phase noise measurements (or better). Of course, Ian's Pure SC is the only SC cut crystal based oscillators easily available for direct swap in a lot of DACs or source components. I am going to pick one up for my DSC-2 DAC, which uses only a single 45.xxx oscillator for use with only DSD 512 input from my HQPlayer server. This DAC currently uses an NDK SDA series oscillator, which is the best performing, easily available, oscillator-but of course an SC cut crystal based oscillator can be expected to perform better than the NDK.
@barrowsworm1226 - I see that you are using hqplayer. I am using it within Roon with HdmiPi Pro II to a Gustard R26 DAC. If you are using this configuration it would be great if you could help me. The first question is how do you get HQplayer to see the HdmiPi Pro II. Thanks - Dave
@______________27 It is important to acknowledge that the phase noise of any clock varies from sample to sample, sometimes as much as +/- 5 dB! I made the switch to using the NDK SDA series from Crystek when I talked to a known knowledgable source (high end component designer manufacturer) who measures a lot of clocks. He advised that the NDK SDA series actually consistently measured significantly better than anything from the other "usual suspects". As far as subjective listening-in a properly designed product, the clock with the better close in phase noise is going to sound better, unless one is looking for some kind purposeful coloration, such as an overblown soundstage which certain jitter spectrums can cause. Of course the Pure SC clocks are another level from this...
Thank you for your series; it's how i have been introduced to IanCanada products. You have asked about other impression of these clocks. I would add only that I find the Accusilicon pair to be more of an improvement than you have expressed in comparaion to the original clocks in my TransportPi Digi (w/3.3v block) - PurePi II system. I would not go back. Whether this relatively modest system is worthy of the SC-Pures is something I'll have to ponder.
I have about 60 ours on my SC clocks, and they are still getting better. The first ours was not so impressive (as expected), they sounded sharp and thin in the upper midrange. Bass is very good from the beginning, and so is detail and 3D. Soundstage is wide an deep. I think you nail it quite well gabster. I am hoping for still some improvement the next days. The clocks is powewed 24/7 from Ians UcPure mk III with the big Eatons 2.7v-3000F.
This is a useful opinion to temper expectations vs the run of the mill clocks. Your point is valid that clocks are the last step. If you have a well resolved system and you listen critically then they are key in separating your DAC from average to exceptional. Also useful to simply get some insight into the pricing. This is expensive. Far more expensive than the first round of Well Audio clocks. I think we need Doede to compare them to WellAudio clocks for an opinion on the high end clocks. Frankly if they did not sound significantly better than the Crystek, then what's the point?
Thank you great points Please bare in mind I only ran the Clocks for 24 h prior to testing and they did sound significantly better than the Crystek and as I mentioned in my video it would be nice to see what others that own various Clocks and various systems and speakers think about them Time will sure tell
THank you for the review and opinion Gaby. Very well done video. I wish we could actually hear the differences you were able to hear from the clock switching rig you built. Maybe use royalty free music for this purpose? THen again with the compression of YT it may be no point.
Greetings! Thank you for another informative video. I am thinking of following your steps to build an Ian Canada Streamer/reckocker with I2S output (Roon IntelNuc-> Ian Canada Streamer --> Denefrips Venus II). I wonder how much of an SQ difference can be heard between SC-Pure and the default FifoPi Q7II clock. 10%, 20%, or even higher improvement?
Also, I am currently using the Eversolo DMP A6 streamer. From your perspective, do you consider Ian Canada streamer with Ropieee to offer improved performance?
The Venus will reclock your streamer so don’t waist time and money on a great streamer If you are building a streamer add a Dac board like a dual mono and opa861 or transformers Ad try it, you will sell your Venus and make some spare $ I just sold my terminator
@@Gabster1 Hi, Thanks for your reply. Based on your Ian Canada Streamer video, I only purchased the streamer project (item 93D). I prefer the layered, holographic R2R sound which goes well with my Decware tube Headphone amp and Decware 300B tube amp. I understand that sound quality can be subjective perspective. From your perspective, do you feel that building a streamer DAC with Ian Candana ES9038Q2M Dual Mono II DAC HAT and OPA861 zero feedback balanced I/V board, will be equal to or better than Denefrips Venus II?
Probably, They are great clocks, but I am trying to compare clocks that you can easily drop in and not require more power supplies specially when using large ultracaps to power them it gets harder
@@Gabster1You really do not need a fancy power supply on Andrea's clock. A decent linear power supply is more than enough. Doede (DDDAC) did find ever so slightly perceptible improvement with supercaps added. The SMB cable quality or vibration dampening is far more impactful. Give it a few weeks. Someone who runs Andrea's clocks will no doubt pop in SCPure and report it out. Or if you want, send me a 49 and I'll report it out. Or pop over if you are in Toronto...
@@user-od9iz9cv1w do you mean super caps added as filters to the linear supply? Or swapping in pure SC supplies? Which one failed to bring much improvement to Andrea’s clocks?
Great to see you built a board to test 4 clocks on the fly, first time I see such a thing. So if I get this correctly you can switch between clocks with a app remote?
Hey @Gabster. I was exploring the internals of my Terminator 1 dac and it uses Crysteks 45/49M clocks. I believe Ian’s Sc Pure can be replaced inside of this dac to make it sound better. Why don’t you explore it? Making a YT video log about that mod would be brilliant for your viewers!!! Thanks.
Are yours visible or are they inside a sealed metal box? The older terminators they were exposed the newer ones are inside a box Not sure how easy is it to open
@@Gabster1 Hey. They are just like you see the accusilicons on the fifopi. Just that these are not on dil sockets but soldered onto the pcb. Alvin did this video where he easily desoldered the crysteks out from the original terminator and put external clocks in. Those were still more difficult to replace but the SC pures seem like a hand in glove fit. I have the very first Terminator with the blue caps and i believe yours is the same one too. If you are interested to collaborate on this project, let me know. You can take my details from Biselik. Here is the link to Alvin’s clock mod video: ruclips.net/video/RUiQdLwhCec/видео.htmlsi=c-RATDg1Zs3NU3Eb
@Gabster Thank you very much for your videos, you convinced me to do a DIY project, your D6 streamer. Regarding the clock replacement, how to know if any of my other equipment will do the reclocking? I will be using a toslink connection from D6 to the Platin hub (with DSP for room correction) and via WiSa standard (24bit / 96Khz) to the Burchardt active speakers which have built-in DAC and amps. In short, should I notice any improvements regarding the clock or would the clocks be an overkill for my system?
Hello @Gabster... For some reason, a number of your recent videos have become 'unavailable'. Looking at videos listed at DIY Audio, it seems some have been made Private, whereas others have become Unlisted (ie. require URL to access).
thank you for sharing, if you have time id like to hear more about why we need 2 clocks, what is the 45/49 you mentioned and if the 45 will get you going, is it a option to just have 1 sc pure and 1 stock vs 2 crystec for example ? you mentioned clarity, detail and soundstage in your experience with your system could you put a % or # to those differences as if you were taking notes for your own personal reference ?
One clock covers one set of sample rates. 45MHz will play multiples of 44.1, 88.2,176.4 etc. The 49 will cover the multiples of 48,96 etc. You can upgrade just one and compare the sound with your current clock by resampling the same track to be 44.1 vs 48 for example. I use one expensive clock at 5.6MHz as 99% of my library is CD/44.1. If I put in a second premium clock it will be 49 or 24.5 to play the higher sampling which is often at a multiple of 88kHz. Very hard to put it into a %. Some people are convinced they hear no difference. To me it is a big deal as it is natural, holographic and analogue. Others find it to be a very slight change. Also depends on your total system and the type of music. I like really well recorded jazz and like to hear the micro detail which delivers the emotion and and ambiance. If your taste in music is to highly compressed rock or heavy metal, then it will make little difference.
@@phillipmorris9847 To learn about what clocks do and how digital audio works you might check out 'The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel' video 'Connecting your DAC #1: the interfaces' at ruclips.net/video/AWM8fOCCVW4/видео.html. That is where I learned about the value of what Gabster is talking about. Many of Hans' older videos are good for newcomers in Hi-Res audio.
Hi Gabster, I just got: Flagship RPi free Multi-input ES9038Q2M Dual Mono DAC KIT in SYNC mode with fully finished transformer I/V, sound so beautiful, I loved it, now I want to build streamer with Raspberry PI5 + touch screen 5" but I don't know what OS you use for display music play on screen, can you give me some information for to do it same like I saw on you system, thank You
Gaby - on the D11 did you end up using separate UC supplies for every v+ input (3 on the DAC and 1 on fifo) and for pi 5v and separately for the audio hats 5v? So 6 UC supplies?
Hi Chris 5 actually 1 for every v+ input (3 on the DAC and 1 on fifo) and 1 for FIfo 5v the RPI needs a lot of Juice so it runs on LinearPi/UcConditioner all supplied by 6 independent Ac 5x12v and 1x6v I later Realised that I did not need the VCAA on the Dac if running in Sync mode so 1 is not used now but may use it in my future upgrade may use the OPA 861 hope that helps
Terminator? I suspect the SC power supplies and the I/V are a step up from the Terminator. Its impressive the implementation of the 9038Q2M is outperforming the ladder design in Terminator - and for a quarter of the price
Gaby, I have two questions…. 1) have done any comparisons of different PSU types with any of these clocks? And have you experimented with NOS or other filter changes on the dac chip with any of these clocks?
The UcPure and 3000F Ultracapacitors is best followed by LinearPi/UCconditioner Run the Dac in Sync mode follow Ian's recommendations on how to improve the sound in the PDF Document
I can attest to this. UCpure is best especially on dac, fifoq7 and clocks. Even andrea mori clocks on UCpure sound better. Like all of this is is slightly better but nevertheless combined it all adds up. I recently had a failed custom multi chip DAC fail and went back to my Dual mono ESS fully UCpure and LifePO4. Was surprised how well it performs. The psu is a big contribution to overall performance and UCpure is the best I have tried. I am yet to compare Ian's clocks with Andrea Mori and will comment as soon as I can. All I can say is going back to standard good stock clocks after 2 years of Andrea Mori clocks because my sine pi broke [my fault], it was as if someone was standing in front of my speakers....
You mention they are double shielded, this is not correct. The outer shield has a lip that clamps the oscillator housing to lower resonance. No double shielding.
Hello. Could I use this Sonoff as an Amp switcher into the same speakers? I have a s. state and tube amp which I use for different mood/music. It’s a pain to swap cables. My Ayre is a differential amp where the Tube is not so I can’t use a regular switch as they all have their grounds summed. Thank you
Gaby, is it feasible to replace the clock(s) and DAC chip(s) in lower end or mid-fi streamers, music players and DACs to improve them? Is there a lot of engineering and witchery done around these devices or is it a matter of observing, "yep, same number of pins.. out with the old and with the new...,,". ? I have three devices that I would love to do this on. An old early model bitstream DAC That could likely benefit from a better clock as those have improved since its engineering. And I have two lower end all-in-one DAC/streamers that I would be interested in upgrading. There are micro soldering phone repair stores in my area that could easily do the job if it's a matter of just replacing a part with a better part.
Not sure I just saw new ones on his latest Q7 mkII they maybe the same old Accucilicons A With better shielding you can see them on my latest video diy flagship Dac at the beginning of the long build version
I'm genuinely trying to understand what the issue is with these quarts cristals. Is it just a issue with their tolerances? Because if i try to understand what is going on from a physics perspective it doesn't make any sense that one would be able to hear differences between quartz cristals as long as their timing tolerances are measured to be within specs and a competent thermal compensation circuit is in place. This line of thought would also imply that a secondary clock is quite useless if the primary clock meets the requirements. Please don't see this as personal criticism. I'm trying to understand how this works.
Do you know of any 100Mhz clocks which could rival these? The main clock in my DAC is 100Mhz and I currently have an ABRACON AOCJY1 installed, but I haven't got any idea if there are viable upgrade options for it in the future. Thanks!
I never experimented with the 100 but from what I checked you have a good clock May be experiment with the power you are sending the clock. A good Linear psu, Battery or ultra capacitors are usually best in that order .
I have watched this video like 3x really want to build me a streamer/dac I normally just plug my labtop up to my denefrips ares2 or Burson composer dac ' (Tidal) what would be a good starting point for me Gabster ? I read schamtics on a daily bases i work on Multimillion dollar machines and Automated robotic systems i just stay so busy ! Never used a streamer just laptop and Cd transport Thanks Gabster
The Denafrips don't let you disable their internal clocks to use a better one so the sound does not change a lot but I suggest building a streamer dac for not a lot more that will beat the Terminator even. I suggest this one but you need to add a couple PSU's once you like it more you will sell your Denafrips and break even. You can also email Ian tell him you were talking to me he will recommend something for you. :)
Can I add those clocks to my dacs ? Or Are you talking about building The Pi streameri/Dac ? Most if the time I can't find schematics to my audiogear ' I need to get more involved with DYI community 😩
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 you can probably replace the clocks but the output stage is still a issue. Better to sell it and build it the best way. yo can start with the Protodac and a fifo Q7 that you can later use with your bigger build. it is cheap and effective and if you later upgrade you can reuse most of the parts. ruclips.net/video/m0esUvVu9W8/видео.htmlsi=vOkW3rTv6rIg2aWO
Thank you for the great video! If a person just streams max up to 4x 44.1/48 at 176.4 or 192 would you recommend the 22.5792/24.5760 clocks or the 45.1584/49.1520 clock combo?
The best audio improver is our brain. So the most important part of any equipment is the price. The expensier, the better it sounds. Doesn't really matter what's inside if it's of good quality. Happens the same with wine. Finding differences into clocks that have jitters differences of picoseconds is plain stupid, is 6 orders of magnitude less than the minimal audio wavelenght. Also ... we are talking about a DAC. Any frequency above 28Mhz is thrown away... 1 or 2 ps would introduce errors at around 1Teraherz frequencies, Thats 12 orders of magnitude above!
Thanks for the insights, could you also highlight beside the depth and seperation, how is is the high frequencies and bass say, compared to the Crystek. Ciyld the Crystek have more high and tighter, punchier bass compared to the pure?
For rock, pop music, does it still outperform the rest of the clocks tested?
Thanks again for your work and videos!
The Bass is nice and tight on the SC-Pure and highs have more layers and yes it does outperform the rest with all music including Rock and Pop. The better Quality recordings and better systems the difference is bigger and better.
@@Gabster1 is sc pure ocxo ?
Dear Gaby, have you ever tested any of these clocks when streaming with different software platforms? I find I get differences in the soundstage when I use HQPlayer compared to Roon, and this in a way is akin to de differences that you are reporting when comparing clocks. Just wondering if the same observations would translate to other software contexts. Thanks.
I replaced stock clocks in old Audio-gd HE-7 for accusilicons 90/98 and the change was unbelievable. But that cost 200 Eur for both with work of the technician. If the clock weren´t so expensive I would try them.. Thx for the vid
Glad you made your system better.
thanks gabby, I installed accusilicon upgrade clocks in my fifopi ma 1.5 thanks to your video! I made sure to align pin 1 as you instructed. now to listen!
Looking Forward to trying a set of these clocks in my stack nice to see you made a video about them
For me the first time I see your RUclips channel and I really like it a lot. Since a couple of days I also have the SC-pure clocks in place and they are powered 24/7. First impression were as you described. More details wider soundstage a bit bit more upfront. Characteristics I really like. The difference with the standard clocks are not subtile :-) At the moment the change a bit every day and are still a bit harse especially when playing Shostakovich symphonies. I didn't had that before, hopefully that will disappear. . Via other Ian stuff the signal is trough a TAD151A S1 and a tube end stage.
Thank you for sharing how they sound in your system
Nicely done! I've just ordered SCpure clocks and #91B Flagship Full function FIFO Re-clock DDC Streamer with S/PDIF AES/EBU output assembled and tested
How is it?
@jungtarcph Majestic.
I ended up getting what seems like almkst everything IanCanada makes.
It is important to understand that XO phase noise varies quite a bit from sample to sample. I have some experience with getting clocks measured and sorted for phase noise, and what one finds is that close in phase noise (for example at 2 Hz) can vary by as much as +/- 6 Dbc for clocks such as the CCHD 957, or the NDK SDA series. I suspect there would be similar variations for Ian's Pure SC as well, unless Ian actually measures and sorts the individual SC crystals to verify performance to his standards. If paying ~$200, or more, for an oscillator it would be nice to know for sure that the sample one purchases will perform to the standards shown in Ian's published phase noise measurements (or better). Of course, Ian's Pure SC is the only SC cut crystal based oscillators easily available for direct swap in a lot of DACs or source components.
I am going to pick one up for my DSC-2 DAC, which uses only a single 45.xxx oscillator for use with only DSD 512 input from my HQPlayer server. This DAC currently uses an NDK SDA series oscillator, which is the best performing, easily available, oscillator-but of course an SC cut crystal based oscillator can be expected to perform better than the NDK.
@barrowsworm1226 - I see that you are using hqplayer. I am using it within Roon with HdmiPi Pro II to a Gustard R26 DAC. If you are using this configuration it would be great if you could help me. The first question is how do you get HQplayer to see the HdmiPi Pro II. Thanks - Dave
Also I am only getting 192 output for DSD files.
I run a Sonore Renderer as NAA with HQPlayer. The Renderer outputs USB to my DAC, and the SC Pure clock is in the DAC, where it should be.@@dcallender
@______________27 It is important to acknowledge that the phase noise of any clock varies from sample to sample, sometimes as much as +/- 5 dB! I made the switch to using the NDK SDA series from Crystek when I talked to a known knowledgable source (high end component designer manufacturer) who measures a lot of clocks. He advised that the NDK SDA series actually consistently measured significantly better than anything from the other "usual suspects". As far as subjective listening-in a properly designed product, the clock with the better close in phase noise is going to sound better, unless one is looking for some kind purposeful coloration, such as an overblown soundstage which certain jitter spectrums can cause.
Of course the Pure SC clocks are another level from this...
Thank you for your series; it's how i have been introduced to IanCanada products. You have asked about other impression of these clocks. I would add only that I find the Accusilicon pair to be more of an improvement than you have expressed in comparaion to the original clocks in my TransportPi Digi (w/3.3v block) - PurePi II system. I would not go back. Whether this relatively modest system is worthy of the SC-Pures is something I'll have to ponder.
Thank you for sharing about other impression of these clocks
Don't under estimate the small PurePi system
I have about 60 ours on my SC clocks, and they are still getting better. The first ours was not so impressive (as expected), they sounded sharp and thin in the upper midrange. Bass is very good from the beginning, and so is detail and 3D. Soundstage is wide an deep. I think you nail it quite well gabster. I am hoping for still some improvement the next days. The clocks is powewed 24/7 from Ians UcPure mk III with the big Eatons 2.7v-3000F.
Thank you for the feedback Nice to hear your experience with the SC-pures 😊
@filmermyhre, what does your build look like?
This is a useful opinion to temper expectations vs the run of the mill clocks. Your point is valid that clocks are the last step. If you have a well resolved system and you listen critically then they are key in separating your DAC from average to exceptional.
Also useful to simply get some insight into the pricing. This is expensive. Far more expensive than the first round of Well Audio clocks.
I think we need Doede to compare them to WellAudio clocks for an opinion on the high end clocks. Frankly if they did not sound significantly better than the Crystek, then what's the point?
Thank you great points Please bare in mind I only ran the Clocks for 24 h prior to testing and they did sound significantly better than the Crystek and as I mentioned in my video it would be nice to see what others that own various Clocks and various systems and speakers think about them Time will sure tell
THank you for the review and opinion Gaby. Very well done video. I wish we could actually hear the differences you were able to hear from the clock switching rig you built. Maybe use royalty free music for this purpose? THen again with the compression of YT it may be no point.
It would be hard to hear things like sound stage
Greetings! Thank you for another informative video. I am thinking of following your steps to build an Ian Canada Streamer/reckocker with I2S output (Roon IntelNuc-> Ian Canada Streamer --> Denefrips Venus II). I wonder how much of an SQ difference can be heard between SC-Pure and the default FifoPi Q7II clock. 10%, 20%, or even higher improvement?
Also, I am currently using the Eversolo DMP A6 streamer. From your perspective, do you consider Ian Canada streamer with Ropieee to offer improved performance?
great questions
The Venus will reclock your streamer so don’t waist time and money on a great streamer
If you are building a streamer add a Dac board like a dual mono and opa861 or transformers
Ad try it, you will sell your Venus and make some spare $ I just sold my terminator
Depends on the Dac if your Dac lets you bypass the internal clocks yes not too many do
@@Gabster1 Hi, Thanks for your reply. Based on your Ian Canada Streamer video, I only purchased the streamer project (item 93D). I prefer the layered, holographic R2R sound which goes well with my Decware tube Headphone amp and Decware 300B tube amp. I understand that sound quality can be subjective perspective. From your perspective, do you feel that building a streamer DAC with Ian Candana ES9038Q2M Dual Mono II DAC HAT and OPA861 zero feedback balanced I/V board, will be equal to or better than Denefrips Venus II?
Very useful as far as it goes but the comparison that you really need to do is Ian’s clock vs Andrea’s clock. Have you any plans to do that?
Probably, They are great clocks, but I am trying to compare clocks that you can easily drop in and not require more power supplies specially when using large ultracaps to power them it gets harder
@@Gabster1You really do not need a fancy power supply on Andrea's clock. A decent linear power supply is more than enough. Doede (DDDAC) did find ever so slightly perceptible improvement with supercaps added. The SMB cable quality or vibration dampening is far more impactful. Give it a few weeks. Someone who runs Andrea's clocks will no doubt pop in SCPure and report it out. Or if you want, send me a 49 and I'll report it out. Or pop over if you are in Toronto...
@@user-od9iz9cv1w do you mean super caps added as filters to the linear supply? Or swapping in pure SC supplies? Which one failed to bring much improvement to Andrea’s clocks?
@@chrisd1405 Filter on a linear supply. I have not yet seen any reports of pure supercap supplies
Hi all. I have ordered SC pure to compare to Andrea Mori clocks. Hope to post video soon.
Why not using USB async mode, please explain...
Really useful video, thanks for sharing your subjective thoughts!
Thank you
Great to see you built a board to test 4 clocks on the fly, first time I see such a thing. So if I get this correctly you can switch between clocks with a app remote?
Yes he said an app controls the relays to switch to any of the 4 clock sets. That was my understanding.
Yes you are both correct it is the best way to compare as our memory fades within minutes unless the difference is huge.
Hey @Gabster. I was exploring the internals of my Terminator 1 dac and it uses Crysteks 45/49M clocks. I believe Ian’s Sc Pure can be replaced inside of this dac to make it sound better. Why don’t you explore it? Making a YT video log about that mod would be brilliant for your viewers!!! Thanks.
Are yours visible or are they inside a sealed metal box? The older terminators they were exposed the newer ones are inside a box
Not sure how easy is it to open
@@Gabster1 Hey. They are just like you see the accusilicons on the fifopi. Just that these are not on dil sockets but soldered onto the pcb. Alvin did this video where he easily desoldered the crysteks out from the original terminator and put external clocks in. Those were still more difficult to replace but the SC pures seem like a hand in glove fit. I have the very first Terminator with the blue caps and i believe yours is the same one too. If you are interested to collaborate on this project, let me know. You can take my details from Biselik. Here is the link to Alvin’s clock mod video: ruclips.net/video/RUiQdLwhCec/видео.htmlsi=c-RATDg1Zs3NU3Eb
What about if you stop the 45 and 49 around is that an issue?
@Gabster Thank you very much for your videos, you convinced me to do a DIY project, your D6 streamer. Regarding the clock replacement, how to know if any of my other equipment will do the reclocking? I will be using a toslink connection from D6 to the Platin hub (with DSP for room correction) and via WiSa standard (24bit / 96Khz) to the Burchardt active speakers which have built-in DAC and amps. In short, should I notice any improvements regarding the clock or would the clocks be an overkill for my system?
Most likely it will get rec locked by your speakers Dac just use the reg clocks
Not a fan of room correction and DSP at least try without and see
@@Gabster1 Thank you very much for your answer and suggestions. Much appreciated. Keep up the good work, you rock!
How do I know if these clocks would work with my DAC? Or are they all universal and interchangeable? Is it difficult to switch them out? Thanks
Look inside your dac, have to match the mhz. Might have to get an adapter for a lot of dacs
Looking forward to this video!
Hello @Gabster... For some reason, a number of your recent videos have become 'unavailable'.
Looking at videos listed at DIY Audio, it seems some have been made Private, whereas others have become Unlisted (ie. require URL to access).
All fixed 😊
thank you for sharing, if you have time id like to hear more about why we need 2 clocks, what is the 45/49 you mentioned and if the 45 will get you going, is it a option to just have 1 sc pure and 1 stock vs 2 crystec for example ? you mentioned clarity, detail and soundstage in your experience with your system could you put a % or # to those differences as if you were taking notes for your own personal reference ?
One clock covers one set of sample rates. 45MHz will play multiples of 44.1, 88.2,176.4 etc. The 49 will cover the multiples of 48,96 etc. You can upgrade just one and compare the sound with your current clock by resampling the same track to be 44.1 vs 48 for example. I use one expensive clock at 5.6MHz as 99% of my library is CD/44.1. If I put in a second premium clock it will be 49 or 24.5 to play the higher sampling which is often at a multiple of 88kHz.
Very hard to put it into a %. Some people are convinced they hear no difference. To me it is a big deal as it is natural, holographic and analogue. Others find it to be a very slight change. Also depends on your total system and the type of music. I like really well recorded jazz and like to hear the micro detail which delivers the emotion and and ambiance. If your taste in music is to highly compressed rock or heavy metal, then it will make little difference.
@@user-od9iz9cv1w thank you for your reply.
So the 45 for cd & the 49 is better for streaming 24/192 ? which is mostly what I do.
@@phillipmorris9847 To learn about what clocks do and how digital audio works you might check out 'The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel' video 'Connecting your DAC #1: the interfaces' at ruclips.net/video/AWM8fOCCVW4/видео.html. That is where I learned about the value of what Gabster is talking about. Many of Hans' older videos are good for newcomers in Hi-Res audio.
How is comparing denafrips with diy dac ?
Hi Gabster, I just got: Flagship RPi free Multi-input ES9038Q2M Dual Mono DAC KIT in SYNC mode with fully finished transformer I/V, sound so beautiful, I loved it, now I want to build streamer with Raspberry PI5 + touch screen 5" but I don't know what OS you use for display music play on screen, can you give me some information for to do it same like I saw on you system, thank You
I use Roon it is so easy but a bit costly
Gaby - on the D11 did you end up using separate UC supplies for every v+ input (3 on the DAC and 1 on fifo) and for pi 5v and separately for the audio hats 5v? So 6 UC supplies?
Hi Chris
5 actually 1 for every v+ input (3 on the DAC and 1 on fifo) and 1 for FIfo 5v the RPI needs a lot of Juice so it runs on LinearPi/UcConditioner all supplied by 6 independent Ac 5x12v and 1x6v
I later Realised that I did not need the VCAA on the Dac if running in Sync mode so 1 is not used now but may use it in my future upgrade may use the OPA 861
hope that helps
Awesome video love the setup.... But do you think your big dac streamer still sounds better than the denafrips?
My D11 Dac is a tad better in some ways
Terminator? I suspect the SC power supplies and the I/V are a step up from the Terminator. Its impressive the implementation of the 9038Q2M is outperforming the ladder design in Terminator - and for a quarter of the price
Gaby, I have two questions…. 1) have done any comparisons of different PSU types with any of these clocks? And have you experimented with NOS or other filter changes on the dac chip with any of these clocks?
The UcPure and 3000F Ultracapacitors is best followed by LinearPi/UCconditioner
Run the Dac in Sync mode follow Ian's recommendations on how to improve the sound in the PDF Document
I can attest to this. UCpure is best especially on dac, fifoq7 and clocks. Even andrea mori clocks on UCpure sound better. Like all of this is is slightly better but nevertheless combined it all adds up. I recently had a failed custom multi chip DAC fail and went back to my Dual mono ESS fully UCpure and LifePO4. Was surprised how well it performs. The psu is a big contribution to overall performance and UCpure is the best I have tried. I am yet to compare Ian's clocks with Andrea Mori and will comment as soon as I can. All I can say is going back to standard good stock clocks after 2 years of Andrea Mori clocks because my sine pi broke [my fault], it was as if someone was standing in front of my speakers....
You mention they are double shielded, this is not correct. The outer shield has a lip that clamps the oscillator housing to lower resonance. No double shielding.
Great job 👍
And there are 3 oscillators on the RPi 4 SBC! They need to be synced!
Gaby…thanks for this. Two questions…. 1) is the SC-Pure available now? ) Is the crystal completely shielded? No additional shielding needed?
Yes they are email Ian, He has a few not yet on the XL sheet I believe
They are Double Shielded on top and bottom shielded but you can triple shield with a insulation in between and ground your shield it will not hurt
Hello. Could I use this Sonoff as an Amp switcher into the same speakers? I have a s. state and tube amp which I use for different mood/music. It’s a pain to swap cables. My Ayre is a differential amp where the Tube is not so I can’t use a regular switch as they all have their grounds summed. Thank you
You could but may not be the best thing for very high end setup as it introduces a relay contact
Gaby, is it feasible to replace the clock(s) and DAC chip(s) in lower end or mid-fi streamers, music players and DACs to improve them? Is there a lot of engineering and witchery done around these devices or is it a matter of observing, "yep, same number of pins.. out with the old and with the new...,,". ? I have three devices that I would love to do this on. An old early model bitstream DAC That could likely benefit from a better clock as those have improved since its engineering. And I have two lower end all-in-one DAC/streamers that I would be interested in upgrading. There are micro soldering phone repair stores in my area that could easily do the job if it's a matter of just replacing a part with a better part.
Could possibly replace clocks if they have the same pin and voltage structure
Dac Chips No unless you rebuild everything
@@Gabster1 thank you. Op-amps are fairly standard to replace (And log audio section) ? Improving those can make a noticeable difference, no?
Would it be a good compromise to get the sc pure 45 and the accu 49?
Yes it is. The 45 is used 90% of the time so if you can afford just one it is a good idea.
@@Gabster1 awesome. thanks for your help. I just ordered this kit from Ian + the ddc.
What clocks are on the latest q7 board?
Not sure I just saw new ones on his latest Q7 mkII they maybe the same old Accucilicons A
With better shielding you can see them on my latest video diy flagship Dac at the beginning of the long build version
@@Gabster1 Yes! Just saw it. Great! I might build that, but will wait for your next video. Unsure how to use the RPi with it. Best!
Hey Gabster, off topic but what eye glass frames do you wear? IC Berlin?
They are Silhouettes close, Austria code# 5548 75 6560 54
I'm genuinely trying to understand what the issue is with these quarts cristals. Is it just a issue with their tolerances? Because if i try to understand what is going on from a physics perspective it doesn't make any sense that one would be able to hear differences between quartz cristals as long as their timing tolerances are measured to be within specs and a competent thermal compensation circuit is in place. This line of thought would also imply that a secondary clock is quite useless if the primary clock meets the requirements. Please don't see this as personal criticism. I'm trying to understand how this works.
Do you know of any 100Mhz clocks which could rival these? The main clock in my DAC is 100Mhz and I currently have an ABRACON AOCJY1 installed, but I haven't got any idea if there are viable upgrade options for it in the future. Thanks!
I never experimented with the 100 but from what I checked you have a good clock
May be experiment with the power you are sending the clock.
A good Linear psu, Battery or ultra capacitors are usually best in that order .
I wish they made 16.9344Mhz 5v version for my CD transport clock ....
Hi, interesting stuff, enjoy your videos. fyi, your roon link does not work, it looks like it may be for your log-in.
Thank you it seems to work just need to scroll down and create a account but maybe you already have one
G, I found out the hard way, I had to have a DAC with a clock to play my CD transport. Best, D.
I have watched this video like 3x really want to build me a streamer/dac I normally just plug my labtop up to my denefrips ares2 or Burson composer dac ' (Tidal) what would be a good starting point for me Gabster ? I read schamtics on a daily bases i work on Multimillion dollar machines and Automated robotic systems i just stay so busy ! Never used a streamer just laptop and Cd transport
Thanks Gabster
The Denafrips don't let you disable their internal clocks to use a better one so the sound does not change a lot but I suggest building a streamer dac for not a lot more that will beat the Terminator even.
I suggest this one but you need to add a couple PSU's once you like it more you will sell your Denafrips and break even. You can also email Ian tell him you were talking to me he will recommend something for you. :)
you can later splurge on scpure clocks they are great
Can I add those clocks to my dacs ?
Or Are you talking about building
The Pi streameri/Dac ?
Most if the time I can't find schematics to my audiogear '
I need to get more involved with DYI community 😩
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120
you can probably replace the clocks but the output stage is still a issue. Better to sell it and build it the best way.
yo can start with the Protodac and a fifo Q7 that you can later use with your bigger build. it is cheap and effective and if you later upgrade you can reuse most of the parts.
ruclips.net/video/m0esUvVu9W8/видео.htmlsi=vOkW3rTv6rIg2aWO
Thank you for the great video! If a person just streams max up to 4x 44.1/48 at 176.4 or 192 would you recommend the 22.5792/24.5760 clocks or the 45.1584/49.1520 clock combo?
I would go with the 45/49 combo
I would also try not to oversample it and see how it sounds.
@@Gabster1 have you adjusted the NOS settings on the ES9038Q2M dual dac?
The best audio improver is our brain. So the most important part of any equipment is the price. The expensier, the better it sounds. Doesn't really matter what's inside if it's of good quality.
Happens the same with wine.
Finding differences into clocks that have jitters differences of picoseconds is plain stupid, is 6 orders of magnitude less than the minimal audio wavelenght. Also ... we are talking about a DAC. Any frequency above 28Mhz is thrown away... 1 or 2 ps would introduce errors at around 1Teraherz frequencies, Thats 12 orders of magnitude above!
Good point
👍♥️🫂
A Neutron clock seems better to me. For example, " New Class D ".