I got my upgraded Synchro Mesh back a few days ago. My best 100 bucks I spent on audio gear since I am into this hobby!
I can’t think of an aspect of reproduced sound that is left unimproved by this further reduction in SPDIF jitter, provided the cable from SM to DAC is up to the task. Empirical Audio’s digital reference cable truly is a killer combination in my setup. I am still puzzled by our ear’s sensitivity to jitter induced distortion mechanisms in DACs, almost 40 years after the introduction of CD... But since it is so, why should one let the chance pass by to transform any digital audio stream into a world class source by this little wonder box?
I actually didn’t think digital audio could sound this close to Vinyl with the added benefit of avoiding its inherent drawbacks. Sound is compellingly liquid and high frequencies are now so well integrated in instruments and voices that it conveys a lifelike plasticity to them. All traces of residual hardness that I could spot in some recordings and that would hold me back from turning the volume fully up seem to have vanished, but not the dynamics! Guitars and bass are to die for.
Steve, would all the recent upgrades including this latest oscillator upgrade be included in new SM units?
Happy listening, /path