The only gripe I have is that I'm not a fan of Apogee's user-interface standards. Going back to the first Apogee device I ever used AD , I've often had to pull out the manual or do a web search to figure out how to change even simple settings. The lack of dedicated buttons and detailed front-panel labeling forced me to write explanatory notes onto strips of artist tape that I keep affixed to the Apogee devices at The Lodge!
Immediately following his review is my take on the Drawmer clocking system that I installed in my Boston studio. But first, here's what Mike had to say about the Apogee Big Ben. When I checked out Apogee's website, I took a close look at the Rosetta , but was annoyed to discover it doesn't include Apogee's top- of-the-line digital clock, the new "C Since I record at bit, Conventional wisdom has it that the addition of an external clock will create more digital jitter from the cable connection to the converters than the clock itself can possibly prevent.
But others say that a well-constructed external clock takes that added jitter into account and counteracts the ill effects. The Big Ben works like eyeglasses for your digital devices. I heard in the recording pretty much what I heard in my playback tests-better clarity in the highs and low mids when clocked to Big Ben.
But this time, I wasn't entirely sure I liked the result, until I mixed down to bit and burned a CD. When I heard the two versions over my stereo and then in my Walkman, the Big Ben version was clearly superior. While both recordings sounded very good, the Big Ben recording sounded the way it was supposed to- especially the tone of the electric guitar.
I say to hell with conventional wisdom, just plug it in, and let me hear for myself. What I heard was more clarity overall, especially in the highs and low mids, and when played back at bits, the difference was striking. Still, I would have liked to have had the time and resources to try a test with a Rosetta clocked to a Big Ben.
The PLL is a combination of analog and digital elements without the ability to dynamically adapt to the nature of the external clocks.
In other words, the better the clock performance, the less flexibility it has. And conversely, the more flexibility there is in a PLL, the less effective it is at jitter reduc tion. Apogee's new C is built to address these inadequacies. The result is the most aggressive jitter reduction ever. With the flexibility and stability provided the C, Big Ben is able to re-clock devices with excessive jitter and function as if it were the master clock.
The ultimate in flexibility combined with unprecedented levels of performance make the C unequaled in the world of clocking. Most importantly however, is that each and every performance improved by sounding more natural and free-flowing thus less aggressive. The Big Ben actually appears to create a better atmosphere for detail and image specificity. I hear more instrument separation, overtones, as well as harmonic cues.
This level of presentation offers a much more relaxed and inviting listening experience. This immediate improvement made me understand that the buzz that was created in the Tact Audio Users Group was no joke. I was somewhat mystified after hearing the improvements Big Ben had introduced into my system. It amazed me that it actually improves the sound of the Electrocompaniet CD player and Tact 2.
I was curious to find out how the Big Ben would sound with a lesser CD player. The Big Ben took the Marantz to another level by re-clocking it -- greatly reduc ing its internally high jitter for an improved one.
Audiophiles who have an analog system can still take the advantage of the Big Ben to improve the clock performance of their CD players and DAC to create a more natural musical experience. Finally, this Big Ben is not going anywhere it is now a part of my reference system. Address: Apogee Electronics Corp. Associated Equipment:. Key Kim's. The Apogee Big Ben.
Analog Front End. Digital Front End. Tact Audio 2. Power Conditioning. Key Kim's Associated Equipment:. Tact RCS 2. Ascendo System Z. Table Of Contents. Table of Contents. Previous Page. Next Page. Page 5: Service Information Apogee. This number will serve as a reference for you and helps facilitate and expedite the return process.
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