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Post by John on May 14, 2023 7:42:05 GMT
I don't have the same experience of Stellabagpus but I did have LHY in my system Not a patch on the LB clock but still makes a improvement Ironically the LHY sounded better in sine wave in square wave I did not enjoy it, so I was surprised just how good the LB is in square wave For the R26 The LB clock is highly recommended
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Post by brettj on May 14, 2023 8:21:51 GMT
Welcome Sierra
Damn good questions. There is never a right answer.
There are many good things with the Leo Bodnar clock:
A few here have tried it and attest to its quality, and step up in their system. It seems to pair very well with the R26. The price is excellent. You can't go wrong with it.
Edit: I would get a clock, but my DDC runs well without one.
I tried an LHY and wasn't impressed.
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Post by John on May 14, 2023 9:20:48 GMT
Just to clarify Brett answer Brett has the audio gd Di20HE I tried it my mates home and neither of us could hear a difference on the DDC However I was not using stealth mode or a good bnc cable
As mentioned before on the R26 you will have to spend a lot of money to beat it.
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Post by brettj on May 14, 2023 9:33:42 GMT
Thanks John. My post didn't come out how I was meaning.
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Post by julesd68 on May 14, 2023 10:12:29 GMT
The Leo Bodnar is a no risk option since you can return it if not suitably impressed.
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Post by sierra on May 14, 2023 16:49:57 GMT
Thank you to everyone for their feedback - much appreciated. Indeed, the LB is a low cost option and I can return easily if it makes no difference. Couple more questions please, if I may. I think I'll dip my toes in the water with the LB but: - Which BNC cable do you folks recommend, please?
- Where are your GPS antennas placed? Outdoors, inside near a window etc?
Thanks again for your time & input
Rgds - S
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Post by Clive on May 14, 2023 17:35:57 GMT
My GPS antenna is 2m from a window in my basement. Surprisingly it acquires a satellite within a couple of minutes.
I use an LMR400 50 ohm cable, it's 20cm and sticks straight out of the rear of the DAC with the clock being supported by a block of wood. I also use a linear PS.
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Post by HD Music & Test on May 14, 2023 17:55:53 GMT
Haven't tried every dac or clock combo just not possible, however the R26 imho and through some fairly rigorious testing it sound much more cohesive and fluid with a Square wave clock. I have tried it with one or two clocks ranging from £180-£88K (a recent purchase ceasium reference) and it sounds in that just right pocket with a SW.
System dependancy as always, but I did stick the R26 in a rather spiffing system and it didn't disgrace itself at all.
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Post by stellabagpuss on May 14, 2023 18:49:12 GMT
Thank you to everyone for their feedback - much appreciated. Indeed, the LB is a low cost option and I can return easily if it makes no difference. Couple more questions please, if I may. I think I'll dip my toes in the water with the LB but: - Which BNC cable do you folks recommend, please?
- Where are your GPS antennas placed? Outdoors, inside near a window etc?
Thanks again for your time & input
Rgds - S
l placed my GPS antenna near a window. BNC cable is another factor,personally l like the DIY approach and use Multiflex 141 cable, but if you have search on the forum we all have our own favourites,what l can say the LB is sensitive to cable changes,with each having its own signature, which is hard to believe, but can be easily heard.
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Post by John on May 15, 2023 5:23:38 GMT
My GPS aerial is placed outside my window I am also using Multiflex 141 cable I had a few cables in my system and all sound different
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Post by rodders on May 16, 2023 9:45:24 GMT
Hi John
This was a big upgrade, using a preamp after the R26 (XLR to RCA adaptors) I found the XLR outputs rather than the RCA more dynamic when going into a Zero Zone Chi-fi Conrad Johnson clone using Neutrik adaptors. I've rebuilt the preamp to use 4 x 6N2P 6.3v valves military spec rather than the 12v as standard, rewired with my favourite black link Avondale cable and used paper and oil output caps (32uf) - PIO this is a huge improvement to polycarbonate capacitors. Using a preamp on the R26 makes huge difference to the overall performance compared to using the digital attenuator which is an option on the R26. After the preamp I have Les Wolstenholme T-65 power amps (Avondale)
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Post by rodders on May 16, 2023 11:50:32 GMT
Well Gents, I just installed the Leo Bodnar clock into my system for the first time, I only have an old 50ohm 1.5m cable from way back when BNC-BNC cables were used for networking...... yes remember that..... Still awaiting delivery of the RG-402 short length interconnects so I can try connecting directly to the motherboard of the R26. PSU used is an Allo SMPS 5v, so nothing at all special, I will of course try a LPS too later.
Anyway, I must say it's a nicely made piece of kit with machined engraved legends on each end, a touch of quality. I used the Mac app on my MacBook to configure and everything is there, including the sleep function button, once you have a GPS signal locked on and set the 10Mhz clock (default). I used the recommended Drive: 16mA and Bandwidth: 9 settings. The Mac app even has a graphic showing where you are on Google Earth and a graph of signal strength.... slick. I placed the unit into sleep mode straight away as this reaps the best results according to this thread.
Sound....... I've never come across an upgrade that completely alters the presentation of a system like this does, it is not subtle.
Everything now seems to have time to be heard or is that timing to be heard!
There is much more depth and width to the soundstage it's all around you. There is more impact as if your power amps have been uprated. There is a level of detail and threads of sound that makes the music sound just right. Taking the clock out, to compare, makes things mush together and you loose so much. I'm only on my 16-17th track and the system isn't fully warmed up yet. I know that the clock cable from the Gustard R26 to the LB clock can be much improved so I'm reallllly looking forward to that little journey.
Well impressed..... thank you everyone involved in getting this gem known about and into audiophile circles for 'much' more music enjoyment. I've had a few more hours with the system and the clock does benefit from a better PSU, using Allo Shanti LPS (1A feed). Also the LB benefits from mechanical energy management, it's susceptible to micro vibrations so using carbon fibre feet or your favourite type should reap dividends, failing that use a small weight on top but with hard feet as opposed to the soft compliant silicon feet that are supplied, they just trap the energy within.
One final edit after getting used to the tweaks (no 'proper' 50ohm cable yet)
I think I realise what this LB does now, it makes things sound more analogue, I know that's overused as a description but the sound really does remind me of a really good turntable, RMS Genesis or Voyd multi motor design with great LPS's where timing was the thing giving superb dynamics. This £160 Leo Bodnar clock with a decent LPS transforms the Gustard R26 into state of the art vinyl!! Maybe a bit much.... but it is transformative. The system has more 'pop' and depth now too.
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Post by John on May 16, 2023 12:00:34 GMT
First of all I am glad the Leo Bodnar Precision Clock works for you. The changes are not subtle Yes it like you hearing a different DAC I might do a YouTube video on the R26 and clock as it does need a wider appreciation
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atoz
Rank: Trio
Posts: 147
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Post by atoz on May 16, 2023 13:45:46 GMT
"Sound....... I've never come across an upgrade that completely alters the presentation of a system like this does, it is not subtle.
Everything now seems to have time to be heard or is that timing to be heard!
There is much more depth and width to the soundstage it's all around you. There is more impact as if your power amps have been uprated. There is a level of detail and threads of sound that makes the music sound just right. Taking the clock out, to compare, makes things mush together and you loose so much. I'm only on my 16-17th track and the system isn't fully warmed up yet. I know that the clock cable from the Gustard R26 to the LB clock can be much improved so I'm reallllly looking forward to that little journey.
Well impressed..... thank you everyone involved in getting this gem known about and into audiophile circles." Nice write up, same findings as myself (x26pro) Enjoy
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Post by palace on May 16, 2023 14:25:38 GMT
Hi John This was a big upgrade, using a preamp after the R26 (XLR to RCA adaptors) I found the XLR outputs rather than the RCA more dynamic when going into a Zero Zone Chi-fi Conrad Johnson clone using Neutrik adaptors. I've rebuild the preamp to use 4 x 6N2P 6.3v valves military spec rather than the 12v as standard, rewired with my favourite black link Avondale cable and used paper and oil output caps (32uf) - PIO this is a huge improvement to polycarbonate capacitors. Using a preamp on the R26 makes huge difference to the overall performance compared to using the digital attenuator which is an option on the R26. After the preamp I have Les Wolstenholme T-65 power amps (Avondale) rodders if you like 6N2P valves, I have used them for years I have found the Voskhod (rocket logo) the best & of them are 6Н2П-ЕВ-ОС 6N2P EV OS genuine space valves if you can find them. EV minimum 5 year life OS space use I recently tried a pair in my Croft phono stage replacing a pair of Mullard CV4004 box plates the 6N2P EV OS stayed. if you need a cathode follower I was told by Mark Manwaring-White to try 6Н1П 6N1P I had used them to replace ECC82/12AU7 Voskhod & Reflektor Plants made a 6N1P-V are the best of the bunch. The 6N1P is my follower of choice now.
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Post by rodders on May 16, 2023 15:42:37 GMT
Thanks for the info palace, very interesting, let me check where I got the 6N2P's from I think it was somewhere in Croatia, can't remember the type only that they were all tested and marked with labels, military spec. I ordered 16 but out of those only four really matched up for the preamp.
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Post by stellabagpuss on May 16, 2023 15:54:23 GMT
Great news Rodders! The transformation the LB brings is so vast, words hardly give justice.
You also be surprised when playing with clock cables, they all sound different,hence why myself, John and MartinT ,Tony, Clive and many more have tried so many over the years.
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Post by lucianosouza on May 17, 2023 22:19:07 GMT
rodders, your words makes me more anxious to implement R26+LBin my system. Since I read the John´s advices abouth this I´m in chase. Here in Brazil is all more difficult. I purchased a LB unit in US eBay but the brazilian customs don't´ released the shipment. But I will not give up!
Cheers.
Edit: "makes me more anxious"
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Post by stellabagpuss on May 18, 2023 6:57:46 GMT
What a nightmare...Customs...lt will be 100% worth the wait
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Post by Clive on May 18, 2023 8:36:09 GMT
Good luck with customs Luciano. It could be worse…imagine the LB clock being illegal. It is in some countries!
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