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Post by MartinT on May 4, 2021 18:52:24 GMT
This AfterDark cable has given me even more 'clockiness', a new word invented for the purpose. It's like I've taken their clock's phase noise down another couple of notches.
I said it's designed for the EtherREGEN 'B' side (the output isolated by its moat) and that's because it's optimized for 100Mbps with just the four wires required, cutting down on further noise. It certainly works.
I've just played a couple of songs by Mavis Staples and Suzanne Vega and I hardly recognised them as the same version, as the percussive and vocal elements are brought to the fore and the ambience turned right up.
This digital playback tweaking is always full of surprises.
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Post by MartinT on May 4, 2021 19:41:10 GMT
Just 3cm extra length meant that I had to reconfigure all of the source components. It works better aesthetically now, with signal flowing from left to right.
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Post by MikeMusic on May 5, 2021 9:27:38 GMT
Lots of kit and cables !
Could not have seen this coming a small amount of years ago
The sound quality must also be one you did not expect
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Post by MartinT on May 5, 2021 19:06:59 GMT
It's actually simpler than it looks if you follow the signal path. It's the regenerators, power supply and clock cables that make it look complex.
The system truly sounds better than I had imagined it ever could just three years ago.
Today, while trying Spotify for a few songs, was the final realisation that Qobuz has pulled very far ahead in SQ terms on my system, no longer with any downside. No harshness at all, just resolution and ambience that makes Spotify sound a bit two dimensional.
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Post by MikeMusic on May 6, 2021 10:10:14 GMT
If you wanted to go there I wouldn't start from here
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Post by MartinT on May 7, 2021 10:18:19 GMT
I've ordered a second Black Ravioli shelf to match the one under the LKS DAC. This will be for the source components. You can never have too much isolation.
My second AfterDark clock, an Emperor Triple Crown, will arrive very soon too. This will go to the Mutec with the King being moved to EtherREGEN duties. Double independent clocks!
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Post by julesd68 on May 7, 2021 14:37:18 GMT
'Emperor Triple Crown' - are you sure you haven't ordered a new mattress Martin?
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Post by MartinT on May 7, 2021 18:59:31 GMT
I spared you the full name: AfterDark Project ClayX Giesemann OCXO 10MHz Reference Master Clock - Emperor Triple Crown.
Some of their other product names are equally idiosyncratic: AfterDark Project ClayX Black River Giesemann EVA Reference 75OHM BNC Clock Cable.
Just runs off the tongue.
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Post by MartinT on May 7, 2021 19:35:46 GMT
I should say, if Adrian reads this, that it's just gentle humour. Your products are excellent!
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Post by MartinT on May 7, 2021 20:21:32 GMT
With the new Black Ravioli shelf under the left-side components, matching the right-hand side.
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Post by julesd68 on May 7, 2021 20:53:55 GMT
Industrial chic, I like it!
I also like the look of those platforms you have.
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Post by MartinT on May 7, 2021 21:34:37 GMT
Black Ravioli sandwich construction metal shelves on the bottom, Electric Beach S1NX laminate wooden shelves above. RDC Cones and Cone Cups between them, Black Ravioli Pads and Big Pads under the components. You can't have too much isolation.
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Post by BilliumB on May 8, 2021 3:04:40 GMT
I've just taken delivery of this beast of an AfterDark Constellation ethernet link cable especially made for the B side of EtherREGENs. It doesn't bend and it doesn't twist. Thank goodness the plug orientation is right for my EtherREGEN to ultraRendu connection. Hi Martin Does this cable provide continuity between the two Ethernet plugs, or are they individually isolated? Thanks. Bill
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Post by MartinT on May 8, 2021 7:14:34 GMT
From AfterDark...
So the unique points are 4-wire connection and isolated braid/plugs.
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Post by MartinT on May 12, 2021 16:44:24 GMT
I've just received two of these DXE-ISO-PLUS ethernet wideband RF filters. I'm trying just one at the input to the EtherREGEN reclocker. Since I'm running a 4G router it should filter any nasties picked up by the antennae, coming in via the mains power or along the 5m MeiCord ethernet cable. It does seem to work. I'm not going to say it's anything but subtle but it definitely brings the noise floor down a little more.
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Post by MikeMusic on May 12, 2021 18:16:45 GMT
Keep us informed !
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Post by MartinT on May 13, 2021 20:14:02 GMT
I've taken the filter out tonight for the comparison. Get the impression it's more vivid and dynamic without.
Need to rest my head after a long day at work and will listen again tomorrow.
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Post by MartinT on May 14, 2021 21:39:45 GMT
I got the Weiliang LPSU repaired tonight and finally rigged up for two clocks.
AfterDark King feeding the EtherREGEN, powered from 12V Weiliang. AfterDark Emperor Triple Crown feeding the Mutec, powered from 12V Coherent QP-1.
First impression: very smooth delivery. Second impression: more detail than I've ever heard before. Deeper soundstage. Noticeable focus to the music. Very tight bass. Low, low noise floor. Easier on the ear even with fierce recordings. Something more from everything I've listened to.
This is like when I was double clocking with the BG7TBL but on steroids. Shows how much phase noise reduction improves the sound.
Need to let it all settle now. The Weiliang can be further fettled in good time. Good base to work from.
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Post by MartinT on May 15, 2021 18:54:03 GMT
I've just swapped the Coherent modded Weiliang LPSU running the router for the standard one running the AfterDark King. Yes, that's better - higher quality towards the DAC.
Thankfully the clocks recover fairly quickly from a short loss of power.
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Post by John on May 15, 2021 18:57:16 GMT
I guess getting the Welling modified is the next step
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