MUTEC REF10 SE120
The ultimate audiophile 10 MHz
reference master clock
The REF10 SE120 is a special version of the successful audiophile reference clock generator REF10, which the developers of Mutec GmbH have further improved on the signal performance. The exceptional quality of the original REF 10 has been confirmed several times since its market launch in 2017 - in numerous reviews of professional journals and through enthusiastic user feedback. A clock generator from MUTEC significantly increases the quality of digital music playback, also and especially for demanding high-end systems and studio installations. Because it is the basis for perfect signal processing in a digital audio chain: the extremely low-phase noise reference clock.
Features
- 10 MHz reference clock generator with ultimate low phase noise of -120 dBc at 1 Hz
- Optimizes compatible D/A converters, audio re-clockers, music servers and clock generators
- Most carefully selected OCXO with outstanding low noise from German production as a clock basis
- Square-wave output signal with extremely steep edge for extremely precise synchronization of the receiver
- Parallel use of 50Ω and 75Ω outputs for maximum compatibility with audio devices from different manufacturers
- Eight galvanically isolated, individually switchable outputs
- Ultra low-noise power supply of each circuit part optimized down to the sub-Hz range
- Integrated high-quality linear power supply for international use
- Highly efficient mains input filtering
- Uncomplicated, user-friendly user interface with a noble appearance
- Rack mounting possible with optional mounting set for studio use (2U)
Exclusive and limited
Of course, only a few oscillators have successfully passed a rigorous testing process for selection. Therefore REF10 SE120 can only be supplied in small quantities. The lucky owners who can experience the exclusive REF10 SE120 in their high-quality audio chain will have a fascinating experience. The musical reproduction quality of their high quality audio chain, which is further enhanced by this special edition of REF10, increases significantly - especially in the areas of precision, transparency, spatiality and dynamics. The REF10 SE120 is currently not only the absolute top product in MUTEC's Empyreal Class, but also claims the industry leading position in the field of audiophile reference clock generators.
Stability factor vs. myth of the atomic clock
The so-called "atomic clock" is generally considered a prime example of exceptional frequency accuracy. However, Mutec's investigations have shown that the high clock stability of atomic clocks based on a rubidium or cesium oscillator is limited to the long-term time domain. In fact, the accuracy of the time interval from one sample to the next determines the sound quality, i.e. the stability that is considered in a very short time range. Changes in this short-term stability are usually measured as jitter or phase noise. These are crucial for the sound quality of all digital audio devices.
In opposite to these atomic clocks, the REF10 SE120 is constructed around MUTEC's extremely carefully selected, handmade, oven controlled quartz oscillator (OCXO) made in Germany. This OCXO offers a standard determining frequency stability in the time domain relevant for audiophile music reproduction.
Perfect conditions
MUTEC has created a perfect environment for the exclusive OCXO within the REF10 SE120.
It starts in a segment that is essential for every high-end component: the well-designed main power supply. Therefore a double linear power supply is used, based on a toroidal transformer from Germany. It has its own transformer winding for the sensitive OCXO, which is completely isolated from the surrounding circuitry. Networks of capacitors with lowest ESR (equivalent series resistance) from renowned manufacturers ensure best interference suppression for the supply voltages. Sub-Hz-optimized, low-noise voltage sources, arranged in several stages, then supply each part of the circuit independently to avoid mutual interference.
For the heart of the REF10 SE120, the handmade OCXO, Mutec has gone even further and developed a voltage source with exceptionally low noise. Accordingly, extremely low-noise clock distribution and amplification circuits ensure that the reference signal of the crystal oscillator is transported loss-free (!) to the eight outputs of REF10 SE120 in the audio-relevant measuring range of 1-100 Hz distance from the carrier frequency (10 MHz).
