Auralic Leo GX.1 Reference Master Clock

Description

The Auralic Leo GX.1 master clock provides reference level clocking of digital audio signals. It offers extreme levels of precision, delivering a wider sound stage, pinpoint instrumental accuracy and dynamic range beyond expectation. By circumventing the DAC’s internal clock, shielding the unit from noise with an internal copper enclosure and utilising a new advanced multi-spring suspension system, Leo GX.1 will dramatically enhance your listening experience.

Traditional Clocking

Normally, the phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits in a DAC are used to synchronise its internal working signal with the more accurate incoming signal from a reference clock, but they are noisy. Even though the working signal can be nudged a bit to match up with the reference signal, its frequency and the precision of the analogue waveform that the DAC outputs are ultimately limited by the DAC’s own clock circuit.

Direct-to-DAC Design

Thanks to its unique jitter-free operation, when the Vega G2.x or G3 joins forces with the Leo GX.1 these devices accomplish something extraordinary. Instead of merely synchronising with the Leo GX.1, the Vega DAC actually uses the clock signal from the Leo GX.1 directly, as its own working signal. In other words, the Leo GX.1 bypasses the Vega’s internal clock circuit entirely and drives waveform creation directly with its signal. No more PLL and no more limitations.

A New Description of Performance

The Leo GX.1 clock is so precise that existing benchmarks are not detailed enough to accurately represent what it can do. Instead, Auralic uses Allan deviation to describe the resolution of the Leo GX.1, which is like looking at phase noise closely enough to detect shifts of ±0.1 Hz. The Allan deviation of the Leo GX.1 reference master clock comes in at 2E-12 (at 1 second), which is equal to a 10 MHz rubidium atomic clock with phase noise of ±1 Hz at -110 dBc / Hz, or an amazing 500 times less jitter than an 82 fs Femto clock oscillator.

Clock Structure

LEO GX.1 hardware starts with two temperature-controlled rubidium atomic reference clocks. Each is paired with an oscillator using stress-compensated cut crystals, for thermal and mechanical resilience and low phase noise performance. The result is the Leo GX.1’s remarkably high signal frequencies of 90.316 MHz for 44.1k-based audio signals and 98.304 MHz for 48k-based signals.

Optical Isolation

Auralic has gone to great lengths to reduce interference and noise in the new Leo GX.1, including the use of optical isolation techniques to keep systems physically separated from each other. Control signals from the processing circuit are sent to the clock circuit via fiber optic cables instead of electrical pathways, so the source of Leo GX.1’s impeccable timing is never disturbed.

Unity Chassis II

The Leo GX.1 chassis has been designed as a double enclosure, with an outer case made from high grade aluminium and an inner layer of copper. A high mass base and enhanced four foot multi-spring suspension system complete the quiet, noise defeating performance of the Leo GX.1’s Unity Chassis II.

Perfectly Balanced

Leo GX.1’s internal circuits are physically distributed to enhance overall balance and performance. And its specially designed foot spikes dampen and absorb vibrations so the operation of its internal clock always starts with a rock-steady foundation.

Dual Purer-Power Linear Power Supplies

Auralic has given the Leo GX.1 two of its ultra-quiet Purer-Power linear power supplies, galvanically isolating them from each other in their obsessive quest to reduce noise and create a pristine working environment. One Purer-Power supply feeds the Leo GX.1’s processing system, while the second powers the clock circuit. Interference between the areas is virtually eliminated, so there is nothing to get in the way of Leo GX.1’s stellar performance.

Realise Full Potential

The Leo GX.1 is such a precise clock and runs at such high frequency that you will need the best interconnect cable to realise its full potential. Auralic has created a cable specifically for Leo GX.1, made from 60 GHz bandwidth aerospace-grade materials and connectors. Handmade, precisely tuned and individually tested, each cable comes with a performance data report so you can be sure that its specs are well capable of the task at hand.

Lightning Link

Lightning Link is a proprietary Auralic technology which repurposes HDMI connectors and cables to provide 18 Gbps ultra high speed two way communication of audio, clock and control signals between G2.x, GX.x and G3 components. It is the only truly jitter free digital interconnect in the world of high performance audio. G2.x, GX.x and G3 components can be linked simply and conveniently, allowing them to work seamlessly as one contiguous digital source, for an astonishing musical experience.