Have borrowed an Apex Rossini with Master Clock for a few days with a view to purchase. I use Accuphase and Bowers and Wilkins.
It was a bit of a rush collecting it - it’s a bit more complex than I expected (and dare I say needs to be - software definitely feels pro rather than domestic) - and the manuals aren’t super clear - but I’m after some help if I may.
Really simple question - I’ve connected the clock up as per the manual with two BNC cables - and I’ve configured it via the app - how do I know it’s setup correctly and actually doing its stuff?
Is there an indication on the screen? …is there a simple way to tell the clock is locked in on both frequencies?
I will add that the wordclock cables should have a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms which so am sure that you already know. Cables do make a difference and, as a shortcut, I would recommend using cables specified for word lock use rather than just any 75 ohm BNC/BNC wires. Of course the latter may “work” but are they optimum?
All of this is irrelevant if you can’t hear the difference. Do not expect a “wow” moment as the separate wordclock’s addition may be subtle in effect, at least from the usual audiophile expectation concerned with bass, treble and imaging. Think instead of naturalness, musical phrasing etc. Many use the clock for days, remove it because they have not heard any change and only then realise what they are missing.
…I did hear quite a big difference - which is what made me think I’d got it right. I’m a long time Naim user - and the improvements (and I think not just differences - but time will tell!) are pretty clear. We Naimies call it PRaT of course, and that’s what I’m looking for
Cables wise - I’ve borrowed then too - AudioQuest Diamonds (the ones with the funny little battery box on the end ) but it’s interesting you say that they make a difference. Makes sense - will experiment and look for the sweet spot if I keep the dCS.
Oh wow - I’ve not seen that section at all - had assumed it was a channel into dCS support. This is why we have dealers do the initial installs I guess - feels a bit seat of the pants doing it all myself, but the opportunity arose!
There are cables specified for wordclock useat various price ranges including comparatively inexpensive ones. However this may be found only in the manufacture’s blurb rather than in the headline description or technical spec. So this requires a bit of diligence.
Incidentally I am not saying that other cable types cannot be used so long as they are 75 ohm . Only that by limiting ones search to the manufactures’ own specified suitability the bewildering choice of 75 ohm cables is reduced to a more reasonable number ( why I said “shortcut”). As seems to be the case but without any reliable technical evidence, cables do seem to produce different sonic results even within the same brand ( e.g. Shunyata Alpha v. Omega?).
I run 4 digital cables (Vivaldi stack) in my set up. I have not done a comparison between Black Cat and Siltech sets however, if I were to speculate, I would say performance between the two is about on par.
Prior to Black Cat I ran the recommended starter set of Apogee Wyde Eye cables. With these there was no contest, my original Black Cat cables easily showed their superiority. I had two audio friends over and they immediately heard the difference as well.
I for anyone wishing to try, be careful as I have found that there seems to be another UK based cable vendor called Black Cat. They are not the audio focussed one whom we may be interested in. So check that the company you find is run by Mayu, Chris Sommovigo’s widow.
Wyde Eye cables have not been made by Apogee for years as they closed a long time ago. The cable continued with another vendor, Geistmote, but I am unsure of availability. One could get them in the UK years ago but have been listed as out of stock for at least the last four years.
Thanks Erno. Given Gregg’s preference it might be worth bearing in mind that Black Cat now costs 18 times that of Wyde Eye.
I might be vaguely interested but unfortunately this lies beyond my willingness to buy blind especially as I would need 5 of them for a 4 box stack. Oh, plus VAT.
Correct - Geisnote has taken over manufacturing (here in the States) for Wyde Eye
With regards to Black Cat costing 18 times Wyde Eye - that is a bargain. I remember years ago when I acquired my Rossini + Clock the dealer tried to convince me to purchase a set of Transparent Clock cables - at a price greater than the cost of the Rossini Clock !!
) but it’s interesting you say that they make a difference. Makes sense - will experiment and look for the sweet spot if I keep the dCS.
