Soulnote X-3 Clock Generator
Best clock generator for audiophiles seeking ultimate signal precision and clarity.
The Soulnote X-3 Clock Generator redefines audio precision by prioritizing dynamic performance and time-axis accuracy. It features an SC Cut ultra low phase noise OCXO for exceptional sound quality, complemented by customized naked foil resistors. A robust 200 VA toroidal transformer and SiC diodes power the unit, with unnecessary circuits removed for a super-quiet operation. Its unique housing design minimizes vibration, ensuring unparalleled fidelity for discerning high-end audio systems.
$4999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 45
#3 in Crossovers
Price vs Category Average
+284%
Above average
Output Frequency
10
/ MHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute clarity and reduced digital timing jitter
- Listeners wanting expansive soundstages and improved dynamic range
- Purists preferring natural and musically engaging audio reproduction
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers building entry-level or mid-range audio systems
- Owners of digital equipment lacking 10MHz external clock inputs
- Listeners with less resolving audio chains or standard cabling
Performance breakdown
Phase Noise Suppression
The SC Cut OCXO core delivers industry-leading stability for jitter-free audio.
Power Supply Purity
Non-NFB discrete design eliminates electrical noise for a pristine signal floor.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty chassis construction effectively dampens micro-vibrations for consistent performance.
Transient Accuracy
Prioritizes dynamic waveform precision to reveal subtle textures in complex recordings.
Component Quality
Naked foil resistors and massive toroidal transformer ensure high-end electrical reliability.
System Integration
Single SMA output requires specific cabling but guarantees a secure connection.
Key Specs
Output Frequency
10MHz
Output Impedance
50 ohms
Output Level
1.0Vp-p
Oscillator Type
OCXO (thermostatic bath-type crystal oscillator)
Weight
7.5kg
Dimensions
430 (W) × 111 (H) × 376 (D) mm
Output Connector
SMA x 1
Included Accessories
SMA–SMA dedicated clock cable, SMA–BNC converter plug, spikes, power cable
Features
- SC Cut ultra low phase noise OCXO core
- Ultra-high precision naked foil resistors
- Single SMA output terminal
- Unique non-NFB discrete power supply
- Power supply stripped of unnecessary circuits
- Housing minimizes air dump and vibration
- Robust 200 VA toroidal transformer
- Focus on dynamic waveform accuracy
What customers say
The Soulnote X-3 Clock Generator is widely regarded as a transformative component for high-end digital audio. Users consistently praise its profound impact on sonic performance, specifically noting enhanced musical timing, coherence, and natural flow. A significant expansion of the soundstage and improved image specificity are frequently mentioned alongside a reduction in digital harshness. The unique design philosophy delivers an organic, analog-like presentation that deeply engages listeners. While the investment is considerable, audiophiles agree the performance gains justify the premium cost, establishing the X-3 as a reference grade product for achieving superior digital playback fidelity.
Know before you buy
The X-3 acts as an external master clock that provides a highly stable 10MHz reference signal to compatible digital-to-analog converters or network transports. By replacing the internal clock of your device with this ultra-low phase noise OCXO, it improves timing accuracy, which results in better soundstage depth and dynamic clarity.
Yes, the unit includes a dedicated SMA-to-SMA clock cable and an SMA-to-BNC converter plug. This ensures compatibility with most high-end audio components that feature a standard 10MHz BNC clock input.
An SC Cut OCXO (thermostatic bath-type crystal oscillator) is specifically engineered for superior frequency stability and significantly lower phase noise compared to standard oscillators. This precision is critical for minimizing jitter, allowing your digital equipment to process audio data with greater temporal accuracy.
By using a non-NFB (negative feedback) discrete power supply, the X-3 avoids the phase shifts and timing errors often introduced by feedback loops in conventional power circuits. This approach, combined with the removal of unnecessary internal circuits, ensures the cleanest possible power delivery to the clock core.
The X-3 features a specialized housing designed to minimize air dump and mechanical vibration, which can interfere with the delicate crystal oscillator. While the chassis is built to isolate the clock, placing it on a stable, vibration-dampened surface will help you achieve the best possible performance.
No, the X-3 is designed with a single SMA output terminal intended for a single high-precision connection. This design choice prioritizes signal integrity and avoids the potential interference or signal degradation that can occur when splitting a clock signal across multiple devices.
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