dCS
Lina Master Clock
$7,750.00 USDFeatures
Standalone design with dedicated chassis and electronics minimizes risk of clock signal interference
Oven-controlled oscillators ensure a consistent and stable performance, even under changing conditions
Minimises risk of jitter and delivers a notable increase in sound quality when streaming or listening via USB
Delivers clock signal accurate to > +/-1 ppm
Uses proprietary clocking technology refined over three decades, for unrivaled precision and longevity
What's in the Box?
Lina Master Clock
$7,750.00
When timing is everything, the Lina Master Clock delivers a precise and stable clocking reference for all audio formats and frequencies. Designed for maximum reliability and longevity, the Lina Master Clock is a silent but powerful component engineered to operate with absolute precision and consistency so you can experience the best possible performance from your audiophile system. The Lina Master Clock is designed to work seamlessly with the dCS Lina Network DAC and dCS Lina Headphone Amplifier as a full system Lina stack. When used as a part of a complete Lina system, it enhances all aspects of sound, minimizing jitter and irregularities that can cause distortion. It allows the Lina Network DAC's internal clock system to be locked to a master signal for even greater precision and audio performance. To celebrate the continued success of the dCS Lina system line, the Lina Master Clock is available in two finishes—silver and black. The Lina Master Clock is the glue that holds the entire Lina system together, greatly improving the performance and sound quality of the Lina Network DAC and Lina Headphone Amp for an immersive headphone listening experience.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: For connecting the Lina Master Clock to the Lina Network DAC we recommend our Silver Dragon Coax Digital Cable with BNC connectors. You'll get the best possible digital transmission when timing matters the most. The Silver Dragon Digital Cable will provide plenty of detail and open presentation. The Silver Dragon is fairly flexible, making bends fairly easy so make sure to never kink a digital cable as it will introduce jitter...and nobody wants that!
Features
- Dual crystal oscillators - one for 44.1kHz sample rates and one for 48kHz - ensure accurate clocking for all audio formats and frequencies
- Standalone design with dedicated chassis and electronics minimizes risk of clock signal interference
- Oven-controlled oscillators ensure a consistent and stable performance, even under changing conditions
- Minimises risk of jitter and delivers a notable increase in sound quality when streaming or listening via USB
- Delivers clock signal accurate to > +/-1 ppm
- Uses proprietary clocking technology refined over three decades, for unrivaled precision and longevity
Expertly Crafted Design
As with all dCS products, the Lina Master Clock is hand-assembled in Cambridgeshire, England, by a highly skilled team of experts who extensively test and inspect every unit before shipping. With its own dedicated chassis and power supplies, the Lina Master Clock provides the perfect environment for sensitive clocking circuitry. Its design ensures clock signals are protected from power interference, crosstalk, and other factors affecting signal integrity. On the front of the Lina Master Clock is a power button and status indicator light. To switch the unit on or enter sleep mode, briefly press the power button and the status indicator light will turn dim white. When the unit is on, the indicator is bright white. On the back panel are two word clock outputs with BNC connectors, an RJ45 input, and a power socket, fuse, and power switch. The unit is configured to work with the Lina Network Streaming DAC and Lina Headphone Amplifier, creating a full high-end headphone system (Lina stack) that can be stacked or arranged horizontally.
A High-Performing Master Clock
The Lina Master Clock uses dual crystal oscillators to deliver a precise and stable clocking reference.
The Lina Master Clock's standalone design ensures sensitive clocking components are protected from factors that can cause interference. Each crystal oscillator is oven-controlled to ensure its performance remains consistent, even under changing conditions and temperatures. Flexible, FPGA-based architecture ensures long product lifespan, with new features and enhancements delivered via simple software updates.
dCS research has shown that adding a master clock to your hifi digital audio system can have a dramatic impact on the sound reproduction. The Lina Master Clock will improve imaging, resolution, dynamic expression, and localization, plus add a greater sense of rhythmic movement and flow. The Lina Master Clock plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance and sound quality of your dCS Lina full system.
dCS: Crafting Audio Perfection
Renowned British manufacturer, dCS Audio has been producing high-end digital audio equipment for over 30 years. dCS consistently pushes the boundaries of digital audio, introducing groundbreaking innovations such as the world's first 24-bit DAC, Ring DAC, and the first-ever DSD-capable DAC. The company's product lines, which include the Vivaldi, Rossini, dCS Bartók Apex, and Debussy series, are highly sought after by audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide for professional and home use. Each series offers a range of meticulously crafted components, including CD/SACD transports, DACs, upsampling converters, master clocks, and network audio players, all designed to work together seamlessly to deliver an immersive listening experience with exceptional playback.
What's In the Box?
- dCS Lina Master Clock
- Power Cable (2m)
- 2x BNC Cable (0.5m)
- Power Link Cable (0.5m)
- Getting Started Guide
- Welcome Letter
FAQ
Why is a master clock important in a digital audio system?
A dedicated external master clock like the dCS Lina Master Clock helps to minimize jitter and clock drift, ensuring that the digital-to-analog conversion process is as precise as possible, resulting in a more faithful reproduction of the original audio signal.
Does the dCS Lina Master Clock have a display?
No, the dCS Lina Master Clock does not have a display that illuminates the front panel, but there is a status indicator.
Is the dCS Lina Master Clock Roon Ready?
No, the dCS Lina Master Clock is not Roon Ready, but the dCS Lina DAC is a Roon Ready and Roon Tested device.
| Clock Type | Grade 1 Master Clock, with oven-controlled crystal oscillators |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions / Weight | 121.5mm (H) x 220mm (W) x 339mm (D) / 7kg |
| Shipping Dimensions / Weight | TBC |
| Finish | Black machined aluminium |
| Clock Accuracy | Better than +/-1 ppm when shipped over an ambien ttemperature range of +5°C to +45°C |
| Startup Time | Typically 10 minutes to rated accuracy |
| Word Clock Outputs | 2 x independently buffered TTL-compatible output on 75Ω BNC connectors |
| Output 1: fixed at 44.1kHz | |
| Output 2: fixed at 48kHz | |
| Power Link (synchronising on/off state with other products) | 2 x RJ45 |
| Power | 90-120v & 220-240v, 50/60Hz nominal |
| Consumption 10W | |
| Certifications | CE / EMC |
| CCC | |
| KC | |
| FCC | |
| Included with your Lina Master Clock | 1 x Mains cable [2m] |
| 1 x Power Link cable [0.5m] | |
| 2 x BNC [0.5m] |