Maybe I’ll try it anyway. Mostly curious about this profound change everyone talks about. My Bartók transformed my system I can’t imagine better… Maybe that’s a strength 
Why not consider a used Scarlatti Clock unit which can be acquired for less than 4K€. It will be probably better than a Rossini Clock and bring lots of benefits for the Bartok DAC.
The lowest cost alternative would be 2x units of MUTEC MC3+ USB, for 2K€ (total). Although you will have to forget the dCS’ dithering function…
Later you can also add a 10MHz reference clock (such as Cybershatf, or MUTEC) to perfect the clocking scheme. This step brings a lot of ‘naturalness’ to sound reproduction.
One reason is that it does not provide the dual clock outputs required by all third generation dCS products ( which includes Bartok) to allow automatic frequency changes as incoming data resolution alters. Yes you can change it manually every time the incoming file changes from e.g. 16/44.1 ( or 24/44,1) to 24/96 but that is too much of a hassle IMO when using streamed media where the data rate may not be known until it arrives!
My other point is partly a speculation. Every generation of wordclock generator from dCS has improved upon its predecessor ( I have owned dCS clocks from all three generations so far). Without evidence there is no reason to assume that the basic third generation clock ( as in Bartok) is not inherently superior to the top of range second generation clock ( Scarlatti) . It may well not be as you say :
as there is a further generation of development between them.
Two reasons, therefore, why I would not rush to spend that 4K€.
Sorry that I skipped the single Clock frequency output in my reasoning. This is annoying indeed, although not a deal breaker (I use myself a single Mutec MC3+ USB so I have to change manually between 44.1 & 48KHz freqs).
Regarding the performance issue. A very good friend of my mine started with a integrated Rossini player. Then he added a Scarlatti Clock with positive effects. He then complemented with a Cybershaft OP13 (I later bought it from him), then a more performing Cybershaft OP21. He was delighted with this combo (ie. OP21 + Scarlatti clock). A Rossini Clock can not accept a 10MHz reference clock input and this is a BIG drawback.
Finally he ended up with the OP21 + Vivaldi clock combo controlling his Rossini. He is now « in heaven », obviously.
My small experience, although much less significant, is that adding a Cybershaft OP13 to a Mutec MC3+ brings significantly more benefits than just the MC3+. So, like my friend, I would not buy any dCS Clock not supporting a 10MHz reference input (this rules out the Rossini Clock, then !).
Thanks for the response.
I have tried a Paganini clock ( more or less electrically identical to Scarlatti) with Rossini DAC and found that the resulting sound did not compare well with either Vivaldi clock ( as your friend seems to have found out too) nor, frankly, with what I was expecting to hear. In fact that experience was one significant reason why I bought the Vivaldi clock to accompany my Vivaldi DAC purchase rather than trying to save money by using my existing Paganini clock or by buying the Upsampler - my budget at the time meant a choice of one or the other.
I wonder if the Rossini clock sounds closer to Vivaldi than Paganini/Scarlatti? However I take your point on the reference input if that is the direction you want to go in.
Incidentally you can get automatic frequency switching with Paganini/Scarlatti (v.2) by use of their USB inputs/SPdif outputs. However as USB is not the greatest sounding interface, doing this requires use of an outboard third party streaming source and as it cannot process DXD or DSD128, it seems like a route few would choose these days.
Thanks Pete for your feedback on the Paganini Clock unit.
I believe that the Scarlatti model was significantly better. Anyway my friend was already satisfied with a Scarlatti Clock on its integrated Rossini player, at least for some time.
Obviously, a Vivaldi Clock unit is a ‘different beast’… No question about this higher level of engineering.
However, back to the original question in this thread, it would be an « overkill » to partner a Vivaldi Clock unit with a Bartok DAC. With a Rossini DAC (which is rather close to a Vivaldi DAC) it makes much more sense.
If you have not yet tried to complement your system with a 10MHz reference Clock, you should try…, at the peril of you wallet 
You can’t go wrong with either Cybershaft or Mutec 10MHz clock units.
Thanks Much for your time and replies !
Yes I am sure you are right. I have been following @PaleRider and his adventures over the past months in this regard. However I have one major factor preventing me travelling down this path. I simply do not have any room left to house it!
Folks H!
Many thanks for all your comments, but I can’t help noting we may have strayed a bit from the original topic - cost effective clock upgrades to Bartok for ‘impoverished’/retired gent - to SOTA/OTT mega expensive external clocks… I looked up the Cybershaft gear, and almost choked on my cornflakes. With that sort of money, why not just go out and get a Rossini or Vivaldi in the first place? I must confess the Mutec gear looks rather more wallet-friendly, as does the TEAC CG-10M Master Clock Generator and its ilk. Have any of you kind sirs used these with a Bartok?
Best
Jon
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Jon, thanks for bringing us back on topic.
There is so much on this forum about the use of clocks other than the DCS ones. There have been reports on use of various clock including Mutec ones with dCS processors ( though I am unsure if Bartok was a subject, too many finds in the search to read through all of them quickly). I recall that a couple of users found that with a Mutec clock there was " something missing" with whichever dCS processor they coupled it to but this is all subjective of course.
One thing that is objective is to ensure that the clock is a wordclock and not a reference clock. The latter type are incompatible with Bartok as it has no reference clock input. This rules out the Teac CG-10M which according to Teac’s web page is a 10MHz generator. You also need to ensure that the clock in question has a 75 Ohm and not a 50 Ohm output to be compatible. I know that you know this given your background but thought it worth mentioning for other readers.
When looking for user comments it may also be important that the precise identification of the model they have been using is cited. Many of the smaller specialist clock manufacturers appear to change their models frequently and there is no guarantee that the model reported upon is still available.
Pete Hi
Many thanks, and you’re welcome!
Most useful, this.
Yes, the whole external clock niche seems a bit complex - with potential pitfalls awaiting both the wary and unwary, it seems to me.
That doesn’t mean that it’s not worth pursuing; but it does mean that caution and knowledge is necessary…
I have added and uses every day a Mutec MC3+ USB on my Vivaldi DAC.
The benefits were not major but audible. For 1000€ I had no reason to return it to Thomann.
However, the BNC clock cables and power cables (and mains phasing) are not to be neglected, actually quite important. This may explain the ’so-so’ feedback from some users.
BUT, complementing the MC3+ with a small Cybershaft OP13 grade (second hand for about 1K€) to reclock the Mutec was much more rewarding sound wise. The 10MHz reference is fundamental for the MC3+.
For about 2K€ (one MC3+ and one OP13 second-hand) I have a rather satisfying solution to drive my Vivaldi DAC. It’s undoubtedly better with this Clock combo than the DAC alone by itself.
I’m pretty sure it would work just very fine on a Bartok. And no need to break the bank !
However, don’t forget that the frequency output must be manually selected on the MC3+ (unless you use two MC3+, one for each frequency).
Many thanks, this sounds an interesting combo, will investigate further.!
If the price increases reported by @Ermos are correct and international then the pairing of Bartok with Rossini Clock ( up circa. 20%) could now become quite unusual.
The Rossini Clock was € 6.450 on 1st September, 2018, € 7.100 on 1st August, 2020, and now, July 2021, € 8.900.
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UK prices of Rossini Clock by way of comparison ( if the information I have is correct):
2018 £5,520
2020 £ 6,599
2021 £ 7,999
So it has increased by around 30% in 2.5 years. The current UK price at current exchange rates is the equivalent of € 9,319.
This gives one pause for thought, no?
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I agree - prices are definitely getting up there. Sooner or later they might start losing new people to the brand.
I spend a lot of time on Headfi. The Bartok HA was a great gateway drug for dCS - I returned mine after a month for a Rossini and Clock which ultimately kicked my Linn Klimax DS out of my Naim 500 system. The Bartok HA is now getting quite pricey for the headphone crowd. The new Naim Atom HE is $3200. I do not care how good the Bartok is - one can buy 5 Naim’s - one for every room - for the same price. I wish dCS luck.
PS perhaps dCS is jealous of the new Linn Organik DSM at $39,000 and felt the Rossini/Clock needed to be there as well. I can tell you however there are many Linnies who are taking a pass on the upgrade this time around. I kept my Klimax DS when I moved to the Rossini/Clock and it now resides in my headphone system. I will not replace it with a $39,000 streamer to use with headphones. Linn lost me there.
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I don’t speak for dCS of course… but coming from someone who works in the networking equipment space, I’m pretty sure this price increase is mostly due the severe global silicon chip supply constraints 
In order to maintain any kind of reasonable lead time offering, many manufacturers, especially those with heavy reliance on silicon chips, have little choice but to pay extra to guarantee the required supply of chips.
Just watch, it won’t be long before other audio system manufactures start lifting their prices. Supply constraints are expected to last another 12-18 months.
Thanks for that timely observation Anup. However, what size of bet would you want to place on the possibility that when the supply constraints are overcome in 12-18 months and competition returns chip prices to more normal levels, audio manufacturers will not reduce their prices in line?
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Reduce prices? Only in our dreams 
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Folks Hi
Many thanks for your continuing thoughts! Has anybody tried pairing a TEAC CG-10M Master Clock Generator with a Mutec MC3+ re-clocker? On paper at least, this looks to be potentially a rather cost-effective combo for my Bartok. Or have I got this wrong?
Parenthetically, I should like to comment here how refreshing it has been this far to participate in this forum. Clearly, and putting aside for the moment my default state of cynicism, dCS owners appear to live on a more exalted plain of civility and technical knowledge than participants from other high-end fora I have dealt with; unlike some groups in which I have been involved (no names!), it seems not to be crammed to the gills with trolls, drongos, knowitalls, showoffs and other assorted undesirables. Bravo!
On a more troubling note, after two returns to Oxford Audio, my Bartok remains with dCS. Rather than needlessly mutating this thread, I shall probably start a new one to examine Bartok reliability and determine whether any other Bartok owners share some of these issues…
Regards
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