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CD Players with External Clock Inputs

24.8.65.191
Posted on October 29, 2009 at 08:09:45
JerryS
Reviewer

Posts: 1503
Joined: February 24, 2001
 These seems to be relatively rare. So far, models that have this feature include:
Marantz SA-11S2 and SA-7S1
Some Esoteric models
EMM Labs TSD1 and CDSD transport

Any others? I would use it as a transport, using the clock in a Prism Orpheus which would also be the DAC.

Thanks,
JerryS

RE: CD Players with External Clock Inputs - UPDATE, posted on October 31, 2009 at 08:14:50
JerryS
Reviewer

Posts: 1503
Joined: February 24, 2001
 Thanks for your ideas. I bought a Marantz SA-11S2 because:
- It is relatively inexpensive. The EMM Labs and Esoteric units are pricey.
- Not to fault Marantz's engineering - I own and love their MA-9S2 amplifiers and was very impressed with the sound of a SA-7S1 CD/SACD player - but being the least expensive of these brands, maybe the internal clock could use a little help from an outboard unit. Let me be clear that this is a WAG! So it will be interesting to see if an external clock (from a Prism Orpheus) will have any effect on the sound.

Happy listening.

JerryS

RE: CD Players with External Clock Inputs - UPDATE, posted on October 31, 2009 at 23:02:05
Sunya
Audiophile

Posts: 386
Joined: July 11, 2007
 I think you're wasting your money if you want to use the clock in the Orpheus just to improve the one in the Marantz. That Word Clock input on the Marantz was provided for when you would like to use it with an external DAC that has an Word Clock output; this is meant to slave the transport to the external DACs clock which will become the Master this way and the only reference in the conversion process.

If you want to use the analog outs of the Marantz then using its internal clock would be best, so no use for the Orpheus here. If you want to use the Orpheus unit as a DAC and the Marants as a transport then you should slave the Marantz to the Orpheus.
CEC TL51X - but you'd have to find out if "CEC SuperLink" is compatible ..., posted on October 29, 2009 at 13:36:26
carcass93
Audiophile

Posts: 2634
Location: NJ
Joined: September 20, 2006
 ... with your DAC's clock out. It's probably as simple as just a special cable needed.

LessLoss recommends to use it (and sells it) slaved to their DAC.

RE: CD Players with External Clock Inputs, posted on October 29, 2009 at 12:29:29
Sunya
Audiophile

Posts: 386
Joined: July 11, 2007
 If you want a cheaper alternative than those you mentioned look at HHB CDR882. The only downside is that you can only play CDs; with an Esoterc like the DV-60 you can also play hi res content but it's much more expensive.
RE: CD Players with External Clock Inputs, posted on October 29, 2009 at 08:23:08
jusbe
Audiophile

Posts: 2827
Location: Yorkshire
Joined: April 4, 2000
 I think that up until now, this sort of feature has been the province of the Pro Audio field. You may find, as others have, that sourcing and using decks meant for Digital Audio Workstations may yield more choices. As you go higher up the digital food chain, the field of the consumer and pro draw closer, illustrated by similar features such as provision for an external clock.

Personally, I think this division is a reflection of the artificial separation of art and craft: in Pro Audio, the mechanisms are the tools to fashion the art; in consumer audio, the tools are the art and thus are less likely to have options that might alter the 'intended statement' of the designer.

Right now, I have a Cambridge Audio CD3 (actually, I have 2). I was considering jumping back in to the high end of CD playback but, like you, am drawn to the Pro Audio ethos - particularly as it needn't be ruinously expensive for great technology. This has me investigating folk like Mytek (DACs anc clocks) and Antelope Audio (clocks and soon more DACs), among many others, as my particular way forward.

Just a thought.


big j

"...only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."

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