Sorry, yes you and wijber are correct. Use which ever MCLK setting you like.
It’s all about synchronous vs asynchronous isn’t it?
“The synchronous interface ‘pushes’ the data. The computer is in control of what is sent, and the DAC has to re-clock it and sort it out for conversion. It’s the first and easiest to implement type.
The asynchronous interface ‘pulls’ the data. The DAC generates a clock and tells the computer when to send it. The DAC is in control. Requires latest OS/special drivers. Latest and presumably better interface.
Each have their proponents. In general, the async version can run higher bitrates.”
(Steve Hoffman)
? Most USB interfaces these days use async USB Audio, including the Matrix and the DS / DS Jr.
S/PDIF, AES3 and TOSLink can’t support async (there’s no feedback to the source.)
I2S in theory can support it, but there’s no defined protocol (e.g. how to negotiate who’s in charge of the master clock.) So the PS Audio I2S input isn’t async.
With the DS there’s no difference in that the DS works identically whether no matter what the input.
The Matrix would help as far as async if you had a DAC that didn’t support async USB.
I suppose that I don’t quite agree with Paul’s choice of terms. Async and sync USB are defined by the USB standard. But there are lots of other sync and async things in audio, e.g. sample rate conversion where async is arguably the worst way to go. And in a mastering house you want everything running synchronously with each other from a single master clock.
Thanks for clarifying Ted.
I’ve got all three switches OFF at this point, and it works. The above discussion is way above my head, otherwise.
Yes, would be nice to be told “do this to sound good. Don’t do that.” That’s about the extent of my understanding 
Question, I have a DS jr and I already have another device using the i2S input. Has anyone tried using the Matrix with the other outputs?
It would be no big deal to swap the hdmi cable between two devices, but it would involve standing up and no one wants that.
Edit: Oh what the heck, I ordered one. I’ll find out for myself.
I tried Isoregen with dsd sr and it was not my liking ,but havent tried Sotm usbultra.They are doing pretty much the same thing but Sotm being the better choice of the two if transparency is valued over denser tone.
But im pretty sure that your usbultra will end up to market place after installing Matrix and lps 1.2
Cost is low,benefits are huge ,so just order the Matrix and be amazed.
Thanks Ted, The change to the sound is not subtle when you switch the clk switch over is it? Now we’re going to have another round of discussions about which settings sound best. I predict another survey coming along!
Upgrade to the DS Sr…it’s got 2 i2S inputs ;^ )
I got iFi iPower 9v as well as the OneConvey HDMI cable. This opened up the sound quite a bit and provided the separation that I can say now is on par with Bridge II. They still sounded different, but now it’s preferences. Bridge II is a tad clearer sounded, while the Matrix has a more weighty presentation, leaning toward the matrix atm.
So what does the mclk switch actually do? It changes the sample rates for incoming DSD? Or something else? And why or how would any of this effect the sound, in theory?
MCLK isn’t connected in the DS. For some DACs it would provide a clean version of the clock for the DAC to follow. In general I2S it’s the master clock of a system and can go from the DAC to the source to cut down system jitter, but with the I2S over HDMI the master clock is not really well defined and since the DS doesn’t pay attention to incoming clocks anyway MCLK is just dropped on the floor.
I am curious. What is the purpose of the microrendu-because your computer/server is at a distance? Does it add much Do you use HQ Player?
mark.
I’m not the one to ask on this. I’m a computer dummy. So, I do what’s recommended to me.
I do know that I wanted the computer running Roon and Tidal in another room. I also needed an ethernet connection because USB is not too good over long distances. So, I’m on a network. I control Roon with my IPAD, in my lap, in the listening room.
The system just grew by small increments, and I’m happy with what I’m hearing and the control I’ve got. -HQ player might be the next step.
The microRendu is the network streamer. It pulls the music off the server and sends it to the DAC. Without it, there’s no way to communicate between the devices over an IP network.
The primary reason is computers are noisy and the Microrendu separates the noisy pc from the DAC. The Microrendu can run Roon with or without HQPlayer. But HQP makes Roon sound much better.
So by the sounds of it the mocha is allowing crosstalk, inducing noise into the signal path from MCLK. I.e the individual wires are not screened well enough.
I have read this entire thread and now that I have a Matrix coming I was wondering if anyone could write a brief summary of the common wisdom about running it via USB power vs. an external PS. It would be nice to see a list of tested external power supplies and the basic cost for each.
I read the test report where he found adding the one external power supply he had on hand added more measurable, but possibly not audible noise. I recall one user here stating he was pleased with the sound he was getting with just USB power.
Money isn’t my concern, be more extravagant than I need to be is more what I would like to avoid.
(It’s bad enough that I love my DSjr so much that I am tempted to get a DSsr)
Thanks for any attempt you might make in answering this.