Converter and External Clock Recommendations

ORIGINAL: Ed Evans

I will be buying 16 channels of ADC in the near future. My budget is around $3,000-3,600. I think I have it narrowed down to either the Lynx Aurora16 or the Apogee AD16X. In addition I’d be willing to spring for a Black Lion Audio MK2 clock ($475).

I like the idea of the Aurora because it has both AD/DA conversion. The common criticism heard is that it has a thin sounding bottom end. However, it’s also commonly heard that a good clock (like Big Ben $1,350) brings out the bottom end.

The Apogee certainly has a good reputation… seems more like the “sure thing” although the mid highs are probably not quite as clear as the Aurora16.

My biggest concern (aside from good quality ADC) is not losing the bottom end. I’d love to hear some comments about peoples experience with these, espeically with a good clock.

Thanks!

Ed

ORIGINAL: Ed Evans

Thanks for the quick feedback, Frank. I know you've been a longtime proponent of Lynx (as have I)! The Lynx PCI card that I have is really nice!

It's very tough to make these kinds of decisions (at least for me) because it's nearly impossible to do an A/B comparison of products. I suppose I could buy one of each from a retailer that has a liberal return policy, but I'm a little concerned about shelling out that kind of money and trusting that I'll get it back!

I am not looking to the converters to color the sound. But, from what I've been reading the external clock can have a significant impact on the sound of the digital capture. Maybe the Lynx is the safe way to go. At least I know I like the way they sound. But I can't help but ask "Does something else sound better?"

Again, thanks for the feedback. I'll see if anyone else chimes in on this one!

Ed

ORIGINAL: mlockett

I've heard different stories on external clocks. Dan Lavry says that unless you have a bad internal clock, the external will not improve it. I have an AudioFire (which I quite like) and a Mytek which would be considered fairly high end. I tested the AudioFire using it's internal clock, and clocked to the Mytek using RightMark Audio Analyzer and there was no measurable difference. I'd be surprised if you get much, if anything, from an external clock on an Apogee or Lynx. I also doubt if you'd be disappointed with either.

ORIGINAL: wst3

if I had the budget and the need this is what I would do... I'd arrange to audition both of them in my studio. There is no other way to make an informed choice.

I have had the opportunity to work with both of them, and the Prism stereo converter in a really good room. They absolutely sound different. I don't think one is better than the other two, but I do believe that in the appropriate setting almost anyone would hear differences. None of them sounded thin or harsh or anything bad. Just different. I've also had the opportunity to audition the Apogee and the Lynx in my temporary studio where I normally use a pair of Frontier Design Tangos. I can not reliably pick any one of them out. Clearly my current space needs to be upgraded!

If my space were up to the task I'd pick the Apogee... I just like them. That's all. And I wouldn't turn down the Lynx... in fact it'd most likely come down to price.

As far as the master clock goes... if you have lots of digital devices and no clear way to establish a solid master then you might benefit from one, but in the same space where we auditioned converters we played around with clocks... no reliably discernible difference was detected.

Oh, and if a master clock helps a converter you need to look for a different converter... that's just marketing hype! Once upon a time there were otherwise solid converters that benefited from external clocks, at least that's been reported by reputable folks. I've not run across it myself.

Always let your ears be your guide, and always take into account the rest of the system and you'll do fine.

Bill

using an excellent external clock increased the clock jitter of most interfaces.