MUTEC Launches Improved REF10 SE120 10 MHz Reference Master Clock

Berlin-based MUTEC GmbH, the respected manufacturer of audio equipment for studio and highest-quality demanding consumers, just announced the release of its REF10 SE120, the company's new 10 MHz Reference Master Clock, improving on the original REF10, premiered at the 2017 Munich High End and launched in July that year. The project is the result of MUTEC's extensive research, now engineered around an elaborately manufactured and selected OCXO made in Germany. with outstanding low phase noise.
The improved REF10 SE120 10 MHz reference clock generator features a phase noise value of <‑120 dBc, measured at 1 Hz distance from the carrier frequency of 10 MHz. And the REF10 SE120 produces uniquely low jitter measured values of an average of <15 fs in the crucial measuring range between 1-100 Hz. This outstanding technical quality, MUTEC argues, has a clearly audible impact on the sonic performance of connected devices. 

"The REF10 SE120 marks a new top position within its product category in terms of technology and performance. Thanks to its extremely noise-free and exact clock, the MUTEC REF10 SE120 improves and enhances the sound quality of compatible DACs, audio re‑clockers and music servers. Precision, transparency, spatiality and dynamics of the musical presentation now reach an unprecedented level," MUTEC states.

The MUTEC REF10 SE120 is a special version of its successful REF10 predecessor launched in 2017, now further enhanced in terms of signal performance. The REF10 SE120 differs from the standard REF10 in regards to its much more elaborately manufactured and selected oven‑controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO).  This oscillator is selected according to the strictest standards in test procedures lasting many hours with the help of exceptionally precise and expensive measuring technology. Only after three‑stages of in‑depth measurements, individual specimens from large production quantities can be selected successfully as the best oscillators for use in the REF10 SE120 model.
 
“Without doubt, the REF10 was and is a milestone in the development of audiophile reference clock generators. During the development, we noticed that its sonic performance in particular is decisively influenced by the crystal oscillator used. As a result, our REF10 developer and our oscillator supplier came together to optimize the oscillator’s production so that a sufficient quantity of oscillators can be produced in the quality level required for the REF10 SE120. We are sure that with the REF10 SE120 we are offering our customers a product that fully meets the continuously increasing demands for audiophile improvement of audio components as well as delivering perfect clock synchronization in a commercial studio environment,“ states Christian Peters, MUTEC's CEO.

Because of its versatile connectivity, the REF10 SE120 is extremely flexible while maintaining an easy operation. Eight simultaneous available clock outputs at both 50 Ω and 75 Ω impedance not only allow to use the REF10 SE120 in combination with MUTEC products having a 10 MHz input - such as the MC3+/MC3+USB Smart Clocks and iClock/iClock dp - but also 10 MHz compatible components by third-party manufacturers. As the company explains, it will improve significantly compatible DACs, audio re‑clockers, music servers and master clocks.
Due to the limited availability of these meticulously tested and selected crystal oscillators, the MUTEC REF10 SE120 is available only in small batches and will be shipped with either a black or aluminum colored front plate for the list price of EUR 5,498.00 (including VAT).
www.mutec-net.com