Audiocom ULTRACLOCK - Reference Master CD SACD Clock

The best CD playback in the world is still behind performance compared to the finest analogue (vinyl) systems. We believe the fundamental reason for this is jitter & noise in the digital systems. Modern High-end CD & SACD players use what is known as TCXO for master clock, this industry standard clock is insufficient in terms of jitter performance and noise rejection and the true quality of digital is unrealised.

The Ultraclock system was designed to bridge the gap between what is currently the best CD/SACD playback and a high-end vinyl set-up. Even the mostly expensive CD or SACD player will be vastly improve with the Ultraclock system. If you desire to hear your CD collection reveal untold musically, lifelike sound reproduction then Ultraclock is the perfect step to such as system.

Ultraclock is at the pinnacle of low jitter clock technology and uses unique architecture to advance the state-of-the-art. To achieve this exacting standards have been met in every conceivable area of the clock design to eliminate phase noise and power supply noise from the clock system.

Power Supplies

The Ultraclock uses two voltage references, the first is a mini pre-regulator based around the AD589.The mini pre-regulator has two benefits, the first is high noise attenuation to the input; secondly the typical higher drop-out associated with discrete regulators is avoided.

The main 2.5V voltage reference used for the clock uses a cascade of MAX6126 references on a separate modular PCB to give half the noise of a single MAX6126, the lowest noise commercially available reference. The 6126 references use multiple decoupling and are powered from their own ultra-low noise, wideband, discrete regulator circuit to deliver unsurpassed low noise performance. This solution is superior to using a single LM329 as used in other reference clocks which exhibits noise of 75-112 nV/Hz. The voltage reference module used in Ultraclock achieves an ultra-low noise performance of 18nV/Hz, the world’s lowest noise reference. This is a costly, but worthwhile choice, a LM329 costs $0.55 compared to $4.00 for a single MAX6126.The stable, DC reference is then divided and amplified by an ultra-low noise gain stage to provide two independent analogue and digital regulated power supplies.

Oscillator

The Ultraclock’s ultra-low phase noise oscillator uses a discrete high-performance oscillator topology which places the high Q quartz crystal at the lowest impedance and lowest noise point of the circuit. The unique circuit uses a pair of ultra-low noise, wideband transistors to produce a pure sine-wave with lowest phase. The pure sine is translated to a square wave while maintaining lowest jitter across a wide bandwidth. The RF stages are then dual screened to eliminate unwanted RFI/EMI noise.

RF/EMI Screening

To eliminate RF/EMI noise from the clock and power supplies circuits, each circuit sector is dual screened. Both the voltage reference module and RF stages features an RF/EMI screen in the PCB layer and a custom RF screening can. This provides 100% RF/EMI screening so noise from your CD/DVD player cannot affect the clock and vice versa.

Quality

■ Gold plated 4-layer PCB with 140 micron Copper ensures the very low resistance, skin effect and shortest signal & power paths.
■ The Best Sounding electrolytic capacitors are used everywhere for optimum noise filtering and highest resolution.
■ Precision, 0.1% Thin Film resistors are used throughout.
■ NPO capacitors with highest Q factor, stability.
■ AT-Cut Quartz crystal with extremely high Q.
■ Finest Silver solder for best possible electrical connection.

Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT)

Deep Cryogenic Treatment or DCT for short is a process that involves the cooling of metals and other materials to very low temperatures, typically around -190°C. When metals such as Copper or Silver are drawn they develop a distorted ‘grain’ structure which leads to tiny voids, disruptions and discontinuities in the conductor as the metal is compressed and contorted by the drawing process.

The DCT processing leads to the development of a more refined crystal structure of the metals, drastically reducing voids disruptions and discontinuities in the conductor. The result is a metal with reduced skin effect, lower resistance; improved electron flow. By applying DCT to Ultraclock both the power supplies and oscillator benefit reach unprecedented levels of low noise & low jitter performance, setting a reference standard without equal.

Redefining Reality.

With the Ultraclock system you are no longer at the mercy of CD’s truncated version of musical reality. The sound is so much more ‘analogue’ that you are detached from the fact that you are actually playing compact disc. Every inner detail and nuance is presented, shift in tempo felt, emotive clues, the music has a charismatic quality considered absent with CD; the music is enthralling.

Ultraclock  Ordering and Installation

The Ultraclock is available in a wide range clock frequencies for CD, DVD & SACD players. If you are ordering to make a DIY installation of the clock you will need to know the clock frequency of your machine before your order. The available frequencies are:-

• 8.46720MHz                         
• 11.2896MHz                       
• 12.0000MHz                              
• 16.9344MHz                       
• 18.4320MHz   
• 22.5792MHz                  
• 24.5760MHz
• 27.0000MHz                             
• 33.8688MHz                       
• 45.1584MHz                       
• 67.7376MHz                      

Alternatively, the Ultraclock  can be installed in to any type of CD, SACD or DVD player, and Audiocom can provide the installation service. We can also advise on other potential upgrades to your CD/DVD player.

Simply purchase Ultraclock and send your player to us for the installation. You may want to contact us to check our work schedule before buying. We will arrange a date to complete the installation work and have the player returned to you within 3-4 working days.

We can also collect your machine from your home or workplace by courier service for next day delivery to Audiocom. Please contact us for pricing.