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Post by MartinT on May 31, 2020 13:36:38 GMT
How easy for the non tech punter to put that in place in their own system ? Good question with a complex answer. This solution is ONLY going to work with digital components that can accept a 10MHz external clock. Such components are not typically at the low end of the market. It is likely that owners of said components may already be running an expensive master clock. Of the remaining users, some may be interested and the benefits would appear to escalate the more components accepting an external clock you have. This solution can drive two (maybe three if the squarewave output is any good) maximum. Moreover, you will need a good linear PSU that can drive 12V at 18W - I'm using the one I bought for the EtherREGEN as it has two outputs. Finally, the OCXO is very sensitive to vibrations and needs to be on Black Ravioli or similar footers. So, I think the answer to your question may be that it will suit only a few users. However, it doesn't require any technical skills and is worth trying due to the stupid low cost. |
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Post by MikeMusic on May 31, 2020 14:59:27 GMT
How easy for the non tech punter to put that in place in their own system ? Good question with a complex answer. This solution is ONLY going to work with digital components that can accept a 10MHz external clock. Such components are not typically at the low end of the market. It is likely that owners of said components may already be running an expensive master clock. Of the remaining users, some may be interested and the benefits would appear to escalate the more components accepting an external clock you have. This solution can drive two (maybe three if the squarewave output is any good) maximum. Moreover, you will need a good linear PSU that can drive 12V at 18W - I'm using the one I bought for the EtherREGEN as it has two outputs. Finally, the OCXO is very sensitive to vibrations and needs to be on Black Ravioli or similar footers. So, I think the answer to your question may be that it will suit only a few users. However, it doesn't require any technical skills and is worth trying due to the stupid low cost. Management summary : Tread carefully and speak to you first !  |
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Post by MartinT on May 31, 2020 15:03:23 GMT
If anyone is interested in trying it, I can give a lot more information and a source for buying one.
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Post by MartinT on May 31, 2020 15:20:57 GMT
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Post by MartinT on May 31, 2020 16:15:53 GMT
Here's the revised diagram. I've included the BR Eflos grounding box for the clock and the MCRU DC cable ahead of receiving them, to save me revising it again.  |
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Post by John on May 31, 2020 17:43:58 GMT
Thanks Martin
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Post by MikeMusic on May 31, 2020 19:47:15 GMT
Thanks Martin
Makes sense to me now
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Post by MartinT on Jun 1, 2020 16:17:49 GMT
Another improvement that has snuck up on my senses is how incredibly focused voices are. Not the slightly bloated size they were before, but sharp and naturally sized vocals.
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Post by John on Jun 1, 2020 16:23:54 GMT
Last time I heard the system you made good strides adding grounding to the Mutec in this area. Could you see how it copes with Gazpacho Demon and Anna Phoebe Shadows of the Soul I think this would be a good test for your system in terms of the mid
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Post by MartinT on Jun 1, 2020 19:43:44 GMT
Gazpacho - I've Been Walking Pt.2a, big open space, lots of atmosphere around piano, ethereal voice. Some deep bass growls. Then voice comes to the fore and still has shape around it. Massive air movements as the track builds. Gramophone horn effect very good. Lovely distant side drum to the left. Song takes a ramp up in power but loses some of the magic.
Couldn't find that Anna Phoebe album on Qobuz.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 1, 2020 19:50:24 GMT
I tried something Tony suggested: removing the Acoustic Revive LAN isolator from the MeiCord router-to-EtherREGEN link. It's certainly not worse and I detect a little more depth again.
The reasoning being that the EtherREGEN is designed with an isolating 'moat' between input and output of the switch, so the LAN isolator is just doubling up what is already happening.
Always happy to simplify where I can (yes, I can hear how funny that sounds).
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Post by John on Jun 1, 2020 21:25:33 GMT
That great to hear Martin I hope to hear for myself when safe
I think we had to go to Spotify or Tidal for the Anna Phoebe track
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Post by MartinT on Jun 2, 2020 12:13:20 GMT
Just a tiny detail, I received the silver/teflon DC cable from China for my router today, to replace its stock cable. I also used a pair of DC plug/sockets to create an adapter for wiring in the SGS-1 grounding box, much tidier than the bodge job I had before. I plugged it in and from stone cold it seems to be an improvement. I've left it running and will listen tonight.   |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 5, 2020 14:54:24 GMT
I tried something Tony suggested: removing the Acoustic Revive LAN isolator from the MeiCord router-to-EtherREGEN link. It's certainly not worse and I detect a little more depth again. Nope. Something was nagging me so I put the LAN isolator back in circuit at the router end. It seems to sound more natural so I'm leaving it alone. |
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Post by John on Jun 5, 2020 17:44:17 GMT
I guess one of those things that can vary from system to system
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Post by MartinT on Jun 5, 2020 18:08:34 GMT
It's very subtle either way so I'm not sure from session to session.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 7, 2020 12:48:42 GMT
It wasn't the LAN isolator. I took two steps backwards and reverted to the stock power cable for the router, removing both the silver/teflon cable and LAN isolator.
That's better. I think it's the screening and encapsulated choke in the stock cable that keeps things calm at the router.
Another lesson in being able to unwind a change if it takes a while to realise that it was a wrong turn.
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Post by John on Jun 7, 2020 12:56:59 GMT
Yes it can take a while to discover that but all part of the journey
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Post by MartinT on Jun 9, 2020 20:04:26 GMT
Now that I know my cheap BG7TBL Chinese master clock works so well, I'm going all-out to optimise it. The internal DAPU crystal oven is obviously a good unit and the temperature control works fine. I have it on Black Ravioli Pads and am using some nice short Canare LV-61S cables.
The only real issues are a) impedance mismatch and b) lowering the noise floor as far as possible.
a) The clock has 50 ohm impedance outputs while the EtherREGEN and MC-3+ USB have 75 ohm inputs. I have a set of replacement 75 ohm impedance BNC sockets to replace the front panel ones and I'm waiting for some surface mount 75 ohm load resistors to arrive. I will trace the PCB tracks and find the 50 ohm load resistors.
b) I have some 100nF ceramic caps arriving to decouple the power rails. I also have a custom Black Ravioli Eflos BNC grounding box on order to give it some good noise grounding. There is even a spare BNC socket (the squarewave output) ready for it.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 11, 2020 9:47:24 GMT
I received the wrong BNC sockets - after checking them, they're 50 ohm! No markings, but the insulation around the centre pin is thicker. Hopefully, I will get correct replacements sent today. I have the ceramics and should receive the 75 ohm SMD resistors shortly.
I've also ordered a BNC T-piece and 75 ohm load so I should be able to see how clean the squarewave is on my oscilloscope once I've done the conversion work.
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