The Trichord Clock 2 boldly goes where the Clock 1 has gone before, but refreshes the parts it didn't reach. Hi Fi Choice - October 1994.
Trichord Research, makers of the outstanding Pulsar 1 DAC, offer an intriguing modification for CD players/transports. This is to replace the quartz crystal oscillator (a single passive component) with a high precision active clock. This greatly improves sampling accuracy, reducing the jitter caused by time-domain errors between each digital pulse.
Trichord's clock modification has been available for over a year now, and has proven itself a very effective upgrade.
Recently however Trichord developed an even better version. The Clock 2 offers increased accuracy plus greater stability and consistency than the Clock 1. Both cost the same, but those with the Clock 1 can have the Clock 2 fitted in its place at a reduced price.
The Clock 2 is said to be as big an improvement over the Clock 1 as the latter was over a typical unclocked player. Given the excellence of the Clock 1 I had my doubts; but now I've heard the Clock 2 modification I'd say it's a fair claim.
Sonically, there are big gains in resolution clarity and precision.. The music sounds sharper and cleaner, while glare and harshness are much reduced. Detail and focus increase greatly, and imaging is considerably better.
The Clock 2 transformed a Marantz CD-12 from a one dimensional thin-sounding unit into something quite stunning. Unclocked, its lack of weight and solidity had been very apparent when compared to a Meridian 203 with the Clock1, as it wasn't as precise or vivid and lacked body.
With the Clock 2 upgrade, the Marantz trounced the Meridian, giving a bigger sound stage, cleaner treble, firmer bass and more detail. The CD-12 now sounded far more focused and solid. Subtle changes of timing dynamics and tone colour registered more positively, without unpleasant glare. Trichord claim an accuracy of 5ppm (parts per million) for the Clock 2 - considerably better than a Class 1 digital output.
With this sort of precision, the Clock 2 is able to transform the sound of most CD players, from modest to high class. At £141 (now £172 or £252 with Clock PSU), it's hard to think of a better or cheaper CD upgrade.
So confident is Trichord that it offers a money-back guarantee if not delighted. It's also possible to buy the circuit separately, so those with technical competence can fit it themselves and save money.
Clock 2 - CD Player Modification
For:
Simple way to update a CD player;
greater accuracy and stability
Against:
Can't think of any disadvantages other than
the fact that it invalidates the warranty.
