Mutec MC3+ Smart Clock USB re-clocker and USB interface + MCRU linear PSU

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When my upgraded AN DAC comes back in the near future it will feature a host of improvements including a tubed USB-SPDIF converter, a tubed SPDIF receiver/clock interface, and various changes on the internal digital side of things.

This makes my beloved Mutec MC3+ Smart Clock USB somewhat redundant.

What is it you might ask? Well it’s a gizmo from the professional recording/digital mastering world where a master clock is required to ensure synchronisation of the various digital components - some domestic audio gear can also accept a master clock signal. The original Mutec MC3+Smart Clock (much cheaper - though people have been confused into buying this and then disappointed) provides only this master clock function. The model I’m selling adds the capability of re-clocking all input signals to the internal master clock (making quite a major difference with many transports), and also adds a USB-SPDIF converter which uses the same hyper-accurate master clock. It’s also a swiss army knife of RCA, optical, BNC and AES/EBU inputs and outputs. The USB interface is high-performance and handles up to 32bit and DSD. The unit can be used to re-sample and output at other resolutions, again input and output master clock aligned.

Quite a lot online about this gizmo but the conclusion seems to be that it’s a major step forward - I’ve certainly found it a big benefit even though digital is only a small part of my listening.

I bought this on the advice of Hugo from Ammonite Audio (he just uses one, he doesn’t sell them) and I also took his advice to add a linear PSU. As there’s a small modification to be carried out, I asked Nick Gorham of Longdog Audio to do this for me, and he provided an MCRU 5V linear PSU as well as modified the unit to accept a external 5V power. The unit still works off proper mains on its original internal switching power supply if required (just insert a normal mains lead as usual, without the 5V supply plugged in), but the linear unit is a very handy upgrade.

The Mutec MC3+Smart Clock USB retails at 999 Euros or about £860 https://www.thomann.de/gb/mutec_mc_3...usb_silver.htm (don’t confuse this with the cheaper, less functional original model https://www.thomann.de/gb/mutec_mc_3_smart_clock.htm)
The MCRU unit retails at £336 https://mcru.co.uk/product/dual-regu...v=79cba1185463

Plus shipping, plus Nick’s work take what this owes me to well over £1250. I’m looking for £750 all up which has to be the digital bargain of the year.

Factory description here:

https://www.mutec-net.com/product_mc...hp#description

Specs:

https://www.mutec-net.com/product_mc-3-plus-usb.php

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Some reviews I forgot to add last night:

https://hifipig.com/mutec-mc-3-smart...dif-converter/

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/revi...-mc-3-usb.html

https://andreweverard.com/2016/07/12...digital-audio/

[Ammonite Audio]

I have one of these and it transformed digital replay for me, significantly bettering the USB inputs of two well regarded digital components that claim to do just what the Mutec does. It also works wonders between a CD transport and the DAC, via coaxial digital cable. I can't listen to digital without my Mutec which brings refinement, tonal colour and musical sense to any digital medium, so it gets a 'highly recommended' award from me. Whoever buys this from Tom will not regret the purchase!

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Thanks Hugo!

Sold pending payment.