Cybershaft users; I need your assistance.

**mxk116** · August 1, 2022, 12:31 PM

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

**Ritmo** · August 1, 2022, 04:45 PM

Good questions! I look forward to the information as I’ve been considering a Cybershaft for my Esoteric N01XD.

**brodricj** · August 1, 2022, 07:10 PM

And why not an Esoteric master clock generator?

**mxk116** · August 1, 2022, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

And why not an Esoteric master clock generator?

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.

**brodricj** · August 1, 2022, 08:08 PM

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.

**kzhtoo** · August 1, 2022, 09:42 PM

[mention]SCAudiophile [/mention] is the Cybershaft expert.

**mxk116** · August 4, 2022, 12:44 PM

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.

**Mike** · August 4, 2022, 12:56 PM

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

**mxk116** · August 4, 2022, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

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

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.

**Mike** · August 4, 2022, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by mxk116

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.

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

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

**mxk116** · August 4, 2022, 07:27 PM

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?

**brodricj** · August 5, 2022, 08:26 AM

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.

**Mike** · August 5, 2022, 08:51 AM

You ideally want 50 ohm for Esoteric, 75 ohm for Aurender - output and 50 ohm and 75 ohm cables to match.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Thread: Cybershaft users; I need your assistance.

Thread Tools

Display