Vivaldi Master Clock is a powerful yet simple to use Grade 1 master clock based on dCS pioneering developments in studio and home audio. Featuring two banks of clock outputs capable of outputting different frequencies, Vivaldi Master Clock uses the latest groundbreaking technology from dCS.
In a digital audio system samples must be accurate in level and time but jitter, which exists in all digital systems, can result in timing errors in these samples causing the analogue signal to be reconstructed inaccurately. In a dCS system our DACs can act as the system master clock, but listening tests have shown that there is no substitute for a highquality, dedicated master clock.
dCS were pioneers in the use of external clocks in digital audio systems and our clocking technology has been continually refined so that our latest multi-stage Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) system sets world-beating standards for accuracy and control of troublesome jitter from the incoming audio stream.
All dCS Master Clocks are subjected to rigorous in-house testing. The crystal oscillators are pre-aged and selected for long term stability and then individually calibrated over a wide temperature range to ensure consistent optimal performance. Vivaldi Master Clock uses a sophisticated microcontroller system to ensure smooth correction as the temperature changes and this approach gives a more stable result than either oven controlled crystal oscillators or even atomic clocks.
All dCS master clocks are designed to generate industry standard Word Clock on 75 ohm co-axial cable. Other anufacturers’ equipment that has been designed to accept standard Word Clock can be used with our clocks.
Vivaldi Master Clock may be slaved to an external reference (such as an atomic clock or GPS reference) if increased accuracy is desired. Our sophisticated multi-mode Phase-Locked-Loop (PLL) significantly reduces jitter from the reference source.
The dCS ‘soft’ approach to programmable logic allows the user to easily update Vivaldi Master Clock software, whether this is to add new features, improve performance or adapt to changes in digital formats.
Used as part of the Vivaldi digital audio playback system Vivaldi Master Clock improves on an already spectacular sound
and takes it into an entirely new domain. With a clock added to a dCS system images snap into sharper focus and the music displays a substantially greater sense of authority and power as well as, most importantly, offering noticably higher resolution of detail.
Key Features
Utilising the latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform which offers stateof-the-art measured performance and unrivalled musical experience.
Designed for maximum flexibility as output configuration can be optimised in systems with a variety of digital audio sources.
Dual crystal oscillators with microcontrollerenhanced temperature correction.
New auto-clocking mode used in the Vivaldi range improves ease of use and minimises jitter.
Improved power supplies give lower running temperature and improved tolerance to AC supply variations.
Multi-stage regulation ensures sensitive analogue circuitry is not affected by digital interference.
Aerospace grade machined aluminum chassis fitted with tuned acoustic damping panels reduces magnetic effects
and vibration.
Specifications
Type
Class 1 Master Clock.
Clock Frequencies
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz.
Clock Accuracy
Better than +/-1ppm when shipped.
Typically +/-0.1ppm when shipped and stabilised.
Word Clock outputs
Two groups of 4 independently buffered outputs on 75Ω BNC connectors.
Each group may be set to a different clock frequency.
Reference Input
External Reference Input on 1x 75Ω BNC connector. Accepts either Word Clock or AC coupled signals at 1MHz, 5MHz & 10MHz. Lock range is +/-300ppm.
Start Up Time
Typically 1 minute to rated accuracy.
Software Updates
Loaded from CD-R via reference input.
Local Control
dCS Premium Remote handset is supplied with Vivaldi DAC.
RS232 (controlled by a third party device).
A dCS-programmed Nevo Q50 is available for the Vivaldi range as an optional extra.
Power Supply
Factory set for 100, 115, 220 or 230V AC, 49-62Hz.
Power Consumption
10 Watts typical/123 Watts maximum.
Dimensions
444mm/17.5” x 435mm/17.2” x 126mm/5.0”.
Allow extra depth for cable connectors.
Color
Silver / Black
