Aurender MC20 Master Clock

In the highest echelons of digital audio, the pursuit of perfection comes down to a single, fundamental element: time. The Aurender MC20 is a definitive statement in the art of digital timing, a reference-grade Master Clock designed to be the unwavering heartbeat of a state-of-the-art digital system. By generating a clock signal of breathtaking precision and stability, the MC20 dramatically reduces the jitter and phase noise that can smear detail and flatten the soundstage. It employs a Rubidium atomic clock module for the ultimate in long-term stability, alongside a reference OCXO for short-term precision. For the listener who seeks to unlock the final measure of realism, focus, and naturalness from their digital components, the MC20 is the essential foundation.

Key Features

• Rubidium Atomic Clock Module: A 10MHz master clock output generated by a Rubidium module, providing the ultimate reference for long-term frequency stability.
• Reference-Grade OCXO: A separate, ultra-high-precision Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) generates standard word clock frequencies with exceptional phase noise performance.
• Dual, Independent Clock Engines: The Rubidium and OCXO modules operate independently, allowing you to provide two different types of clock signals simultaneously.
• Multiple 10MHz Outputs: Features four 10MHz master clock outputs (two 75Ω BNC, two 50Ω BNC) to synchronize multiple high-end components.
• Versatile Word Clock Outputs: Four 75Ω BNC word clock outputs are arranged in two separately configurable channels (A and B), allowing you to output two different word clock frequencies at the same time.
• SPDIF Sync Input: A 75Ω BNC input allows the MC20's OCXO to synchronize with an external source if needed.
• Massive, Robust Chassis: Housed in a full-width, machined aluminum chassis designed for maximum stability and shielding from external vibrations and interference.
• Advanced Power Supply: A sophisticated internal power supply ensures immaculately clean and stable power is delivered to the highly sensitive clock modules.

The Foundation of Realism: Perfect Timing

In digital audio, jitter—tiny timing errors in the digital stream—is the enemy of realism. These errors can blur the focus of a stereo image, add a layer of grain to the sound, and rob music of its natural flow and decay. A master clock like the MC20 is designed to eliminate this problem at its source. By providing a single, ultra-precise timing reference for your DAC, music server, and other digital components, it ensures that every part of your digital system is operating in perfect lock-step. The result is a dramatic increase in clarity, a more stable and holographic soundstage, and a more natural, effortless musical presentation.

The Ultimate Reference: The Rubidium Clock

At the heart of the MC20 is a Rubidium atomic clock module. This technology, typically reserved for telecommunications and scientific research, provides a 10MHz reference signal of extraordinary long-term stability. This unwavering, near-perfect frequency is the ultimate foundation for a digital audio system, ensuring that the fundamental timing of the music remains absolutely true over any period of time. The MC20 provides four 10MHz outputs, allowing you to synchronize an entire system of reference-level components to this atomic standard.

Precision in the Moment: The OCXO Clock

While the Rubidium clock provides the ultimate long-term reference, the MC20 also features a separate, reference-grade Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) for generating standard word clock frequencies (e.g., 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and their multiples). This OCXO is selected for its exceptional short-term stability and incredibly low phase noise, which are critical for rendering transients and subtle details with unerring accuracy. With two independently configurable channels, you can, for example, send a 44.1kHz signal to one component and a 96kHz signal to another, all with the same reference-level precision.

Engineered for Stability

A component capable of this level of precision requires a chassis and power supply built to an equally high standard. The MC20 is housed in a massive, beautifully machined aluminum chassis that provides the mechanical stability and shielding necessary to protect the sensitive clock modules from any external interference. Inside, a sophisticated power supply delivers immaculately clean and stable power, ensuring that the performance of the Rubidium and OCXO clocks is never compromised. This fanatical attention to foundational engineering is what allows the MC20 to perform its critical task with absolute authority.

The Listening Room Difference

When you shop with The Listening Room, you get more than just gear. As a third-generation, family-run business with a passion for music and decades of experience, we offer personalized service that goes far beyond the sale. Call, text, or email, and you’ll get a real human who knows this equipment inside and out. From in-store demos to curated home system design and wide-radius delivery, we’re here to help you get the absolute best out of your purchase.

Specifications