TEAC CG-10M - MASTER CLOCK GENERATOR

The CG-10M is a master clock generator that provides a highly accurate clock signal to enable digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to perform at their best.

It is a well-known fact among audiophiles that the clock signal is the basis for all digital signal processing.

For example, digital signals such as PCM are extremely finely divided into tens of thousands of parts per second along the time axis. If that fundamental time axis fluctuates during the D/A conversion process, it's much more difficult to make an analog audio waveform look identical to the original. This is all the more true with DSD audio signals running at MHz speeds in the time axis. For this reason, having as accurate a clock signal as possible is very important for recreating digital audio signals, especially for high-resolution files that use ultra-high sample rates such as DSD 22.5 MHz or PCM 768 kHz.

The main clock generator is a quartz oscillator, enclosed in a temperature controlled box (the "oven") to maintain the best and most stable performance under an ideal temperature condition for quartz oscillation. This Oven Controlled Quartz Oscillator (OCXO, for short) generates a highly accurate 10 MHz clock signal that is within ±3 ppb of frequency temperature characteristics and within ±0.1 ppm of frequency accuracy. The elegant analog indicator on the front panel provides a visual indication of the status of the internal quartz oscillator at all times.

The CG-10M is a master clock generator that delivers the best performance from USB DACs, network players, CD players, and any other type of device that supports a 10 MHz clock input.

New Reference OCXO - a furnace controlled quartz oscillator

Since temperature has a huge effect on the accuracy of the quartz oscillator, minimizing temperature variations and keeping it at an ideal level are extremely important for generating an accurate clock signal. The CG-10M uses an innovative furnace-controlled quartz oscillator, the TEAC Reference OCXO, to reduce oscillation frequency fluctuations caused by temperature changes.

A class-leading ultra-precision clock

Thanks to the TEAC Reference OCXO, the CG-10M delivers a very high precision 10 MHz clock signal (within ±3 ppb of frequency temperature characteristics and within ±0.1 ppm of frequency accuracy) to USB DAC and digital players. The unique laser engraved TEAC Reference OCXO serial number and logo on each OCXC case is proof of the rigorous quality control carried out during the manufacturing process. ppm=10–6n ppb=10–3 Frequency Temperature Characteristics: A value of the frequency fluctuation caused by temperature change Frequency Accuracy: An actual frequency range

Four BNC clock output connectors

Four gold-plated (50 ohm) BNC connectors are included to provide clock signals to multiple devices. Up to four devices that support 10 MHz input can be connected simultaneously, including USB DACs, network players and SA-CD players.

Design of independent and isolated circuits

Every circuit in the CG-10M, from the power supply section to the buffer amplifier in the output stage, is fully isolated to prevent cross interference when multiple devices are connected to the BNC connectors. By incorporating a buffer amplifier in each circuit, there is no signal waveform degradation when the generated clock signal is shared by multiple devices.

Oven status indicator for monitoring clock stability

The analog OVEN STATUS indicator located in the center of the unit, a TEAC trademark in recent years, shows the stability of the quartz oscillator when in use.

When the temperature of the oven containing the quartz oscillator reaches the ideal temperature for accurate clock generation, the oven's power consumption decreases and the indicator points to zero, signaling the user that the digital processing on the connected device is now controlled by a highly accurate 10 MHz clock signal.

The gauge is a backlit type with a dimmable control (including the ability to turn off the backlight completely). Note: The oscillator is generally stable after about 2 minutes after power up. However, it takes at least 10 minutes for the clock to reach an ideal condition.

Toroidal power transformer

A high-capacity toroidal core power transformer constantly supplies a stable and constant current which greatly contributes to the effectiveness of the crucial clock generation and its subsequent high-precision output.

Patented three-position "pin-point" feet for perfect stability

The CG-10M uses TEAC's patented "pin-point" feet.

These ingeniously comprise two separate metal sections in an integrated housing. One has a spiked top and is attached to the bottom of the frame; the other is a basin-shaped base that hangs from the spiked section with a flange-shaped cup for simple installation.

Three 'pin-point' feet are used for support, two at the front and one at the rear, for excellent stability, even on an uneven floor. As a result, the three 'pin-point' feet help improve clock oscillation accuracy, while minimizing vibration and resonance. This in turn reduces mid and low frequency clutter, improves soundstage and enriches the detail of the sound. *Japanese patent no. 4075477 and no. 3778108

A sturdy all-metal chassis, combined with an A4-sized footprint

Designed to match the established Reference 500 series, the CG-10M features aluminum panels and a sturdy metal frame (which also isolates it from electromagnetic noise), with a compact A4 footprint that fits in any situation .

Summary of features

"TEAC Reference OCXO" high precision - "oven controlled" quartz oscillator

Frequency temperature characteristics ±3 ppb

±0.1ppm frequency accuracy 4 x 10MHz clock output connectors (gold-plated BNC)

Completely independent and isolated circuit

High capacity toroidal power transformer

OVEN STATUS indicator (oven status) for monitoring oscillation stability with dimmable backlighting

Patented "pin-point" feet to minimize vibration*

Three feet for perfect support

Fully metal body to eliminate input electromagnetic noise

Detachable 3-prong IEC power socket RoHS Compliant

Supplied accessories: 1 power cord 3 mats Instruction manual (including warranty card)

For further specifications, see the datasheet