Esoteric G-02 Initial Impressions

[crwilli]

This morning I started more critical listening to my system with and without the Esoteric G-02 connected to my K-03X using a new 0.5 meter WW Gold Starlight BNC. I have the G-02 set to 44KHz in the main menu and output A frequency at 10MHz.

The session included CDs and streams from my NAS. The K-03x filters are set the same for any input; ORG and SL_DY 2, DSDF ON. (I bounce around on DSDF off and on in normal listening as I can't really hear much difference)

First up, RBCD Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin, Title song. I love the effects of the intro of this song. The cymbals, drum and bass guitar each held in their own space in the soundstage and then her voice coming in perfectly hung about 3' above the ground, dead center.

I listened to this song four times with and without the clock engaged which I controlled by the CLK option on the K-03X. The G-02 remained powered on continuously.

What I heard comparing with and without the Clock engaged was a slight heavier nature without it. With the G-02 engaged, the instruments were even more separated and held in space and the overall character of the sound became clearer. The decay into the quiet parts of this song were beautiful and oh so real. From this song, the most obvious difference with the clock engaged is in the upper range. Cymbals are clearer and decay with added realism.

Moving on to a DSD stream from my NAS using ROON.

The Dialogue with Bass from Accuphase Sampler II, SACD rip. Similar result here. This drum and stand up bass duet abounds with cymbals and brushes which sound more real and 'in my room' with the G-02 engaged. The stand up bass sounds equally real but the benefit of the G-02 is a little less noticeable on it.

Moving to more 'complicated' compositions and jumping right in with Yes from Close To The Edge, SACD rip to DSD track Track 2, And You and I: Cord of Life/Eclipse/The Preacher and Teacher/Apocalypse. Easily reviewed. Much higher overall resolution with the clock engaged. This resolution brings no downsides such as fatigue or brightness only space in the music between instruments voices and sounds. The overall impression is that each instrument is playing with the other not 'over it'. I suppose it is just more realistic? Without the clock engaged this piece sounds warmer but there is a noticeable reduction in space within the sound stage. More of the sound is combined, not at all displeasing but now that I have heard this piece with the clock, it sounds more like the radio without it. Geesh!

My G-02 with its new WW Silver Electra PC and Gold Starlight BNC now has about 24 hours of run time and from my initial impressions it is a worthy upgrade to my system. It is not a subtle improvement. I don't claim to have good ears but loud complicated music such as YES played loud can fatigue even on the best systems. The G-02 has removed that fatigue by resolving the music.

I haven't read about a burn in period for the clock but I assume the cables will improve with time so I will repeat this session next week when the G-02 and cables have about 100 hours on them.

--- After leaving the G-02 on overnight, it readily locks with the K-03X when I switch from SACD/CD mode to USB mode. I had initial issues with that but they have disappeared this morning.

Craig

[audio bill]

Congrats Craig, sounds like a very nice addition to your fine system. Excellent analysis of the benefits it provides, enjoy it in the best of health!

[jameslrock]

Thanks Craig. Looking toward to learning more.

[dixon007]

Excellent review. Looking forward to your impressions after more burn in time.

[bart]

Craig, interesting first review!
Looking forward to your further impressions.

[crwilli]

Thank you gentleman. I have to admit I was skeptical even while I was buying it. Now I find myself reading all I can about Master Word Clocks so I can understand exactly what it is doing. I have a long way to go but don't really care because it sounds so darn good.

[justubes]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Thank you gentleman. I have to admit I was skeptical even while I was buying it. Now I find myself reading all I can about Master Word Clocks so I can understand exactly what it is doing. I have a long way to go but don't really care because it sounds so darn good.

You will need to try masterclock of 22 or 24 straight to the k03x.

Different sound yet again ompared to fee it 10m signals.

[streetspirit]

Congrats Craig, look forward to hearing more about the positive impact the clock is having on your system. There's so much more to learn and it's fun!

Mitch

[SCAudiophile]

Craig,

Great initial listening impressions, congratulations on the new clock! Like any other component, a master clock (have owned several) needs some degree of burn-in as do the cables. My experience has tended towards the first 100-ish hours being the biggest change and the point to due some detailed listening. Unlike transports, DACs, pre-amps, etc...I did not hear all that much change after 100-125+ hours; there may have been changes; they were very subtle if they occurred at all (at least to my hearing).

I would suggest definitely trying 22.xx Mhz master clock frequency, particularly if you are using a 75-ohm cable and play alot of RBCD/XRCD material.

Enjoy!!!

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by SCAudiophile

Craig,



Great initial listening impressions, congratulations on the new clock! Like any other component, a master clock (have owned several) needs some degree of burn-in as do the cables. My experience has tended towards the first 100-ish hours being the biggest change and the point to due some detailed listening. Unlike transports, DACs, pre-amps, etc...I did not hear all that much change after 100-125+ hours; there may have been changes; they were very subtle if they occurred at all (at least to my hearing).



I would suggest definitely trying 22.xx Mhz master clock frequency, particularly if you are using a 75-ohm cable and play alot of RBCD/XRCD material.



Enjoy!!!

I am trying the 22.5MHz frequency now but my K03X will not lock on it only flashing 'CLOCK 22M!'.IMG_2194.JPG