Master Clock

OCXO stands for Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator. Temperature changes in a room will cause the crystal inside a clock to physically expand or contract, which alters its timing frequency and creates jitter. An OCXO physically encapsulates the crystal inside a miniature, electronically controlled "oven" that keeps it at a constant, exact operating temperature, ensuring microscopic timing stability regardless of the environment.

Yes, the cable is critical. Master Clocks transmit high-frequency square waves, not analogue music. You must use a dedicated, high-quality BNC Clock Cable. Furthermore, you must match the impedance. Depending on the manufacturer, clock outputs are either 50-Ohm or 75-Ohm (MUTEC often provides both). You must use a 50-Ohm cable for a 50-Ohm connection to prevent signal reflections that cause the very jitter you are trying to eliminate!

A high-end DAC is crucial, but every DAC is entirely dependent on the quality of the signal fed into it. Even a £10,000 DAC will sound compromised if it is fed a jitter-filled signal from a noisy source. By adding a dedicated Re-Clocker or Master Clock, you are ensuring your DAC is operating at 100% of its theoretical capability.

A master clock is not a tone control; it does not add artificial warmth or boost the bass like an equalizer. Instead, it removes distortion. By removing the jitter that artificially brightens and smears the sound, the true, natural tone of your DAC and speakers is revealed. Listeners consistently report that the bass tightens up dramatically, and the top-end becomes incredibly smooth, detailed, and fatigue-free.