"re-clocking" the Ultra digital out ?

[thierryb92]

I use the Ultra + VibeLink combination (with either Pro-Ject SpeakerBox S2 or Klipsch RB-61, via a passive speaker switch).
I have used alternatively analog to analog and optical to optical link between the two WiiM devices, and never could decide what sounded best (I did run room correction routine with every change). I listen to Tidal Connect or my own flac files, direct on the WiiM Home or from roon.

Recently, I stumbled upon a video on YouTube from the Cheap Audioman, suggesting to put a 're-clocker' between both devices. I happened to have an 'SMSL PO 100 AK' unused (it is an AKM AK-4493S DAC, but also a USB to optical/coax DDC, based on the XU-316 XMOS chip) and gave it a try: to my surprise, the sound improved significantly both in clarity, punchiness AND in overall volume !

What do you think ? Does the digital signal from the Ultra really need re-clocking ? Is it something else ? I did not (yet) dare to plug the analog out from the SMSL as an AKM DAC into the analog input of the VibeLink, but who knows ...

SMSL now sells a more simple XU-316 DDC (no DAC) for €38 on Amazon, and I think it's worth a try if you want to check by yourselves.

T

 

[pieterv1]

I use the Ultra + VibeLink combination (with either Pro-Ject SpeakerBox S2 or Klipsch RB-61, via a passive speaker switch).
I have used alternatively analog to analog and optical to optical link between the two WiiM devices, and never could decide what sounded best (I did run room correction routine with every change). I listen to Tidal Connect or my own flac files, direct on the WiiM Home or from roon.

Recently, I stumbled upon a video on YouTube from the Cheap Audioman, suggesting to put a 're-clocker' between both devices. I happened to have an 'SMSL PO 100 AK' unused (it is an AKM AK-4493S DAC, but also a USB to optical/coax DDC, based on the XU-316 XMOS chip) and gave it a try: to my surprise, the sound improved significantly both in clarity, punchiness AND in overall volume !

What do you think ? Does the digital signal from the Ultra really need re-clocking ? Is it something else ? I did not (yet) dare to plug the analog out from the SMSL as an AKM DAC into the analog input of the VibeLink, but who knows ...

SMSL now sells a more simple XU-316 DDC (no DAC) for €38 on Amazon, and I think it's worth a try if you want to check by yourselves.

T

His video has been addressed on these forums many times and the general consensus seems to be that the Ultra doesn't need any re-clocking.
I tend to agree with these opinions as well. I find it hard to believe how adding an additional box and an additional conversion step could result in a more stable clock.

 

[Ronnie D]

Never trust a man with a beard selling cheap razor blades

 

[thierryb92]

Never trust a man with a beard selling cheap razor blades

Well that's the point: I did not trust him, that's why I had to try it before admitting he was right. As I said, I was not a believer initially. It just works for me (beyond a mere impression). By the way, he is also selling coffee now ... probably a joint venture with Darko on its way !

I do not want to argue on this (looks like others did already), just wanted to share my own experience and check if it would resonate with others.
By the way, I did not hear a 'more stable clock', I heard better sounding music.

T

 

[Ronnie D]

I do not want to argue on this

I don't want to argue with you either. If you get a different/ better sound then I am honestly pleased for you.

 

[MonoMariop]

I use the Ultra + VibeLink combination (with either Pro-Ject SpeakerBox S2 or Klipsch RB-61, via a passive speaker switch).
I have used alternatively analog to analog and optical to optical link between the two WiiM devices, and never could decide what sounded best (I did run room correction routine with every change). I listen to Tidal Connect or my own flac files, direct on the WiiM Home or from roon.

Recently, I stumbled upon a video on YouTube from the Cheap Audioman, suggesting to put a 're-clocker' between both devices. I happened to have an 'SMSL PO 100 AK' unused (it is an AKM AK-4493S DAC, but also a USB to optical/coax DDC, based on the XU-316 XMOS chip) and gave it a try: to my surprise, the sound improved significantly both in clarity, punchiness AND in overall volume !

What do you think ? Does the digital signal from the Ultra really need re-clocking ? Is it something else ? I did not (yet) dare to plug the analog out from the SMSL as an AKM DAC into the analog input of the VibeLink, but who knows ...

SMSL now sells a more simple XU-316 DDC (no DAC) for €38 on Amazon, and I think it's worth a try if you want to check by yourselves.

T

Dont waste your money..that is useless and stay FAR away from Cheapaudio dufus. He has a severe lack of knowledge of the things he talks about like he was an expert. He is a snakeoil believer with an agenda to promote whatever is the product in his rotation at that time.
waste of bandwidth...