Cybershaft users; I need your assistance.

mxk116

mxk116

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Currently using Aurender N20 music server/streamer with Esoteric K-01XD DAC/CD-SACD unit. The Aurender N20 is connected to the K-01XD via USB. My digital listening is 50/50 streaming v. optical media (CD/SACD).

I need some guidance on which Cybershaft clock to consider. I've had numerous exchanges with Kenji Hasegawa of Cybershaft, but once I go to the Cybershaft web shop I come away confused.

I have focused on the 4 input models, primarily the OP21A-D and OP21E-D. I am not certain (in addition to the price) what the differences between the two are aside from a slightly lower "Allan Deviation.”

Based on Mr. Hasegawa's recommendation any model I purchase should include the external power supply. Should the "spike insulators" also be considered a must have?

I will be eternally grateful for any insight and help in narrowing down the field. Thanks- Matt
 
Good questions! I look forward to the information as I’ve been considering a Cybershaft for my Esoteric N01XD.
 
brodricj said:
And why not an Esoteric master clock generator?
Click to expand...

The Esoteric is beyond the budget allocated for this part of the system. Unless Mike is feeling the urge to make me an offer I can’t refuse.;)
 
Whether you use Cybershaft or Esoteric, you're still going to be up for a $2K clock cable per device that needs to be figured into the budget.
 
[mention]SCAudiophile [/mention] is the Cybershaft expert.
 
Still looking for information regarding the proper Cybershaft clock for my system. My confusion surrounds whether I should get a single or multiple output master clock.

Reading the Aurender N20 and and Esoteric K01XD manuals, it appears that an external clock will have no effect when the 2 devices are connected via USB. Am I mistaken?

Anyone using an external clock with an Aurender server/streamer connected via USB to an Esoteric transport/DAC?

I've reached out to the manufacturers but have not heard back.
 
Do the multiple. You can then clock the aurender off it too. Different ohm rated cable, but the Cybershaft has adjustments on the back to accommodate.


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Mike said:
Do the multiple. You can then clock the aurender off it too. Different ohm rated cable, but the Cybershaft has adjustments on the back to accommodate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...

Hey Mike, thanks for the suggestion. I think I am leaning in that direction.

I did hear back from Aurender and it appears there are 2 use cases for an external clock in my current system based on which digital input is utilized on the DAC (K-01XD).

Use case 1 is continue to use the asynchronous USB connection between the N20 and K-01XD and connect only the K-01XD to an external master clock. The external clock should improve the overall signal path of the DAC and everything connected to it. Aurender made it clear that connecting the N20 to the external clock should have no effect while using USB. In this application a single output external clock could be used with one clock cable.

Use case 2 is to connect both the N20 and K-01XD to the external master clock and use the S/PDIF or optical digital input of the DAC (the K-01XD has 3 digital inputs; USB, optical, and S/PDIF via RCA) to connect to the N20. This scenario requires an appropriate digital cable, a 2 output external clock and an additional clock cable.

It seems impossible to predict which scenario would sound better without trying both. I asked Aurender if there are an problems with connecting 2 digital outputs at the same time. This could make comparing the sound of the different inputs/outputs somewhat easier by being able to toggle between them with the remote on the K-01XD.

Waiting to hear back from Aurender but leaning towards trying one of the alternative digital outs on the N20.
 
mxk116 said:
Hey Mike, thanks for the suggestion. I think I am leaning in that direction.

I did hear back from Aurender and it appears there are 2 use cases for an external clock in my current system based on which digital input is utilized on the DAC (K-01XD).

Use case 1 is continue to use the asynchronous USB connection between the N20 and K-01XD and connect only the K-01XD to an external master clock. The external clock should improve the overall signal path of the DAC and everything connected to it. Aurender made it clear that connecting the N20 to the external clock should have no effect while using USB. In this application a single output external clock could be used with one clock cable.

Use case 2 is to connect both the N20 and K-01XD to the external master clock and use the S/PDIF or optical digital input of the DAC (the K-01XD has 3 digital inputs; USB, optical, and S/PDIF via RCA) to connect to the N20. This scenario requires an appropriate digital cable, a 2 output external clock and an additional clock cable.

It seems impossible to predict which scenario would sound better without trying both. I asked Aurender if there are an problems with connecting 2 digital outputs at the same time. This could make comparing the sound of the different inputs/outputs somewhat easier by being able to toggle between them with the remote on the K-01XD.

Waiting to hear back from Aurender but leaning towards trying one of the alternative digital outs on the N20.
Click to expand...

I would do Use Case 2. I’ve tried both.


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That looks like the best alternative. I have a Kimber Select S/PDIF RCA cable on hand that I’ll try once I order the master clock. Which Cybershaft are you using?
 
Case 3: Sell a child or wife or something valuable and buy G1X.

Alternatively, Case 2. No need for dual output clock, just split the single output with a BNC tee.
 
You ideally want 50 ohm for Esoteric, 75 ohm for Aurender - output and 50 ohm and 75 ohm cables to match.


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Mike said:
I would do Use Case 2. I’ve tried both.


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Click to expand...

To close the loop regarding A/B comparisons of the USB and S/PDIF connections on the N20, according to Aurender the N20 "sends the same info to all digital outs simultaneously so all outputs are live at all times."

This confirms for me that Use Case 2 is the best path forward for me.
 
Hi

I have the same doubt... but as far as I understand, I think that Esoteric K01XD and K03XD only play DSD128 / DSD256 / DSD512 by USB, so:

Case 1: all the DSD resolutions with the clock only connected to the Eso,
Case 2: one clock connected to both machines but only plays DSD 64

Am I wrong?

Thanks!
 
Based extensive fiddling with upsampling a wide variety of CDs on my K-01XD, I would not get too hung up on which setup accommodates the highest resolutions. I play mostly classical music with a smattering of jazz and other. My conclusions were that the best, most realistic sound was almost always with the Esoteric default - no upsampling. I would expect similar with music streamed over the internet, but perhaps not for >192Kb resolution recordings streamed locally, depending on how the original master recording was produced. Obviously YMMV (as may mine as I travel further down this road).
 
Juanra said:
Hi

I have the same doubt... but as far as I understand, I think that Esoteric K01XD and K03XD only play DSD128 / DSD256 / DSD512 by USB, so:

Case 1: all the DSD resolutions with the clock only connected to the Eso,
Case 2: one clock connected to both machines but only plays DSD 64

Am I wrong?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

What is your network transport?


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Hi!

Y digital chain is Synology NAS - Lumin U1 - Esoteric K03XD (with Cybershaft OP21E-D)

When I stream QOBUZ I use the Lumin app, and if I want to play my files I run Audirvana in a Mac Book Pro (between the NAS and the Lumin)

:)

I am thinking of a server or streamer with master clock input, maybe Aurender N20, but for me Audirvana and ISO files are a strong marriage; so the Esoteric N03T maybe instead of Lumin...
 
To update the thread, I finally placed my order for the Cybershaft master clock; model OP21A. I must have gotten the last one since the Cybershaft web shop now shows it as "sold out."

Kenji Hasegawa has been exceptional to work with while I figured out what to purchase. Suncoast has hooked me up with Shunyata Sigma V2 clock cables (75 ohm for the Aurender N20 and 50 ohm for the Esoteric K-01XD).

I have asked Hasegawa-san this question and have not received his reply so allow me to pose it to this audience; I am using 2 of the 4 clock outputs on the Cybershaft master clock. Should I use shorting plugs on the unused outputs?

As always, any guidance is appreciated.
 
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