About The AURALiC Leo GX.1 Reference Master Clock
Leo GX.1, AURALiC's reference master clock, continues providing trademark levels of performance in digital audio clocking. Offering "beyond-measurement" levels of precision, results detected while listening include a much 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 utilizing a new advanced multi-spring suspension system available on all G2 and G3 products, Leo GX.1 will dramatically enhance your listening experience.
Traditional Clocking: Normally, phase-locked loop circuits (PLL) in a DAC are used to synchronize its internal working signal with the more accurate incoming signal from a reference clock. But they're noisy. And 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's based on it — is ultimately limited by the DAC's own clock circuit.
Direct-to-DAC Design: Thanks to its unique Jitter-Free Operation, when a Vega G2 or Vega G3 join forces with the Leo GX.1 these devices accomplish something extraordinary. Instead of merely synchronizing with the Leo GX.1, the Vega actually uses the exceptionally high frequency incoming clock from the Leo GX.1 directly — as its own working signal. In other words the Leo GX.1 bypasses the internal Vega 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 aren't detailed enough to accurately represent what it can do. Instead, AURALiC have chosen to use Allan deviation to describe the resolution of the Leo GX.1, which is like looking at phase noise closely enough to detect shifts of +/-1Hz or even +/-0.1Hz. The Allan deviation of the Leo GX.1 Reference Master Clock comes in at 2E-12 (at 1 second), which is equal to a 10MHz rubidium atomic clock with phase noise of +/-1Hz at -110dBc/Hz, or an amazing 500 times less jitter than an 82fs 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: 90.316MHz for 44.1k-based audio signals, and 98.304MHz for 48k-based signals.
Optical Isolation: AURALiC's engineers have gone to great lengths to reduce interference and noise in the Leo GX.1, including the use of optical isolation techniques that keep systems physically separated from each other. Control signals from the processing circuit are sent to the clock circuit via fibre 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, where an outer case made from high-grade aluminium is supplemented with an inner layer made of nickel coated 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 with specially designed foot spikes that dampen and absorb vibrations, the Leo GX.1 is always rock-steady, for ultra-smooth signal delivery.
Dual Purer-Power Linear Power Supplies: AURALiC have given the Leo GX.1 two of their ultra-quiet Purer-Power linear power supplies, galvanically isolating them from each other in the 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 reduced to minimum, so there's nothing to get in the way of Leo GX.1's stellar performance.
Realize Full Potential: The Leo GX.1 is such a precise clock, running at very high frequency, you will need the best interconnect cable to realize its full potential. AURALiC have created a cable specifically for Leo GX.1, made from 60GHz bandwidth military aerospace-grade material and connectors. Handmade and precisely tuned, it comes with a performance data report so you can be sure its specs are well capable of the task at hand.
An Integrated Family of Devices: Built around cutting-edge transfer protocols, more powerful processing, and enhanced isolation engineering, G2 and G3 products are a new concept in component integration. All flagship series AURALiC products provide ultra-fast connectivity, due entirely to Lightning Link. Everything from audio signal, to digital clocking, and control signals are easily handled by Lightning Link. Every G2 and G3 product boasts a Lightning Link connection port, allowing them to be connected together as a stack.
Lightning Link: The HDMI-type, 18Gbps high-speed connection provides ultra-fast two-way communication and boasts the only real jitter-free link in the world of high-performance audio. As an added bonus, all G2 and G3 products can be linked without worry, allowing them to work seamlessly, as one contiguous digital source for an astonishing musical experience.
Our Take
The AURALiC Leo GX.1 Reference Master Clock redefines precision in digital audio clocking, delivering unparalleled sonic enhancements for high-performance systems. With its innovative Direct-to-DAC design, the Leo GX.1 bypasses traditional phase-locked loop circuits to drive Vega G2 or G3 models directly, ensuring jitter-free operation and unprecedented signal accuracy. The clock's exceptional Allan deviation rating of 2E-12, comparable to rubidium atomic clocks, underscores its revolutionary precision. Constructed with advanced materials and engineering, including a dual-layer Unity Chassis II, optical isolation, and dual Purer-Power linear power supplies, the Leo GX.1 minimises noise and interference for a pristine listening experience. This remarkable device integrates seamlessly with AURALiC's G2 and G3 components through the Lightning Link, setting new standards in performance and connectivity.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Reference Master Clock
- Enhances the performance of AURALiC Vega G2, Aries G2, Vega G3 & Aries G3 Models
- Benchmark
- Allan Deviation: 2E-12 (1 second)
- Equivalent Jitter: 500 times less than an 82fs femto clock (1Hz-10Hz)
- Equivalent Phase Noise: -110dBc/Hz@1Hz (Ref Frequency: 10MHz)
- The Clock
- Frequency: 90.3168MHz (44.1x fs) | 98.3040MHz (48x fs)
- Output Level: 3.3V CMOS (Direct-to-DAC Design)
- Reference: Temperature-controlled Rubidium atomic clock
- Oscillator: Temperature-controlled SC cut crystal
- Sampling Rate
- PCM: 44.1kHz to 384kHz in 32Bit
- DSD: DSD64 to DSD512 in 44x and 48x
- System Control
- Switch sampling rate automatically via Lightning-Link with G2/G3 DAC
- Power Supply
- Dual Purer-Power internal linear power supply
- 10uV low noise designed for audio circuits
- Noise Elimination
- Optical isolation between control and clock circuits
- EMI-shielding Unity Chassis II
- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet (For firmware upgrade use)
- Power Consumption
- Warmup: 30W at max
- Running: 15W
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
- Included Accessories: 60GHz Aerospace Grade Clock Cable, Hex Wrench, Power Cable, Lightning-Link Cable, User Guide
- Finish: Anodized aluminium case in matte black with copper EMI shielding enclosure
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 340 x 96 x 320mm
- Weight: 9.6 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 Year
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.