February 2024
MC3+ USB & REF10 NANO: “This pairing is like rocket fuel!”
The British specialist magazine the ear
reviewed the established MC3+ USB re‑clocker together with our new compact 10 MHz reference clock generator REF10 NANO. Renowned audio journalist Jason Kennedy was very impressed by the sonic impact of these two devices on a digital audio system. As a result, both were awarded the EDITOR`S CHOICE
seal of approval.
In the review, the author took a step‑by‑step approach and first tested the influence of an MC3+ USB by connecting it between a Lumin U2 Mini streamer and Bricasti M1S2 DAC:
This is a pretty impressive pairing before you add any more devices to the chain, yet this reclocker proves that there is a surprising amount of information that is not getting through. The gains were most obviously with dynamics with more power coming through without any change to volume, it does this by seemingly increasing perceived dynamic range, and the effect is electrifying with a decent piece of music.
Imaging also improves with greater solidity and three dimensionality, notes have depth and shape that makes them sound flat without the MC3+ USB, which must ultimately come down to more precise timing.
The sound enhancing effect of an MC3+ USB was also evident to the tester when used between a CD transport and a D/A converter:
The MUTEC appears to push the noise floor down so that all the quiet detail that defines the hall's acoustic can be heard, it really is like being in the audience. You can hear the fine detail that makes the performance real and lifelike, the atmosphere, the reverb and the feet tapping on the stage all combine to bring the full impact of the performance into the listening room.
This positive impact of an MC3+ USB interface on the sonic performance was further enhanced by the REF10 NANO reference clock generator, who now externally controlled the MC3+ USB:
Adding this to the equation does what you might expect, it makes the timing more subtle and sophisticated, a bit like upgrading to a considerably more pricey DAC. It brings a control and ease to the sound that removes any trace of rush or urgency that was still there.
After an additional side‑by‑side comparison with a competitor's product and the evaluation of the influence of an external power supply unit on the REF10 NANO, Jason Kennedy came to a clear conclusion:
I am becoming more and more convinced that re‑clockers of the calibre found in the MUTEC MC3+ USB offer something to digital music users that no other components can match at the price. If you have a decent digital source and a separate DAC I highly recommend giving one a go. The REF10 NANO is the icing on the cake, and a very tasty icing it is too, bringing a refinement and precision to the result that is extremely engaging in a revealing system.
The MUTEC components are made for the studio, they do not have milled aluminium cases and beautifully knurled controls but they cost a lot less as a result and deliver the sonic goods in a powerful fashion. In a high end streaming system this pairing is like rocket fuel
Download the complete review (PDF)
