MUTEC GmbH of Berlin, manufacturer of professional and audiophile consumer audio equipment, has released the REF 10, their audiophile 10 MHz reference clock generator.

The MUTEC REF 10 is an audiophile reference master clock generating 10 MHz signals. Engineered around a handcrafted, ultra-low phase noise (i.e. jitter) oscillator (OCXO) made in Germany.

“Currently available digital converters, master clocks, and audio re-clockers perform acceptably when reproducing or processing digital audio. Even so, we felt that existing solutions fall short of delivering the full potential of audio productions. In our commitment to advancing the state of the art and science we set out to investigate the possibilities to further enhance the performance of digital audio systems. To do so, we recruited one of Germany’s most renowned RF engineers to join our R&D team. Together we developed a master clock generator with a technical performance beyond what we thought could be possible. The effects of the technical performance were then verified by a group of experienced audiophile beta testers to ensure that the high-end performance translates to best-in-class sound.” – Christian Peters, CEO

The final result of MUTEC’s extensive efforts is the REF 10: a superior 10 MHz reference master clock and the first Empyreal Class product combining “uncompromising engineering with the beauty of simplicity and the utmost clock precision”.

Key Features

• Mutec say it “Improves and enhances compatible DACs, audio re-clockers, music servers, and master clocks”
• Engineered around a handcrafted, ultra-low phase noise OCXO made in Germany
• Eight galvanically isolated, individually switchable BNC clock outputs with 50 and 75 Ω impedance for compatibility with clocks and DACs by other manufacturers
• Sub-Hz optimized, lowest noise power supply for every circuit section
• Efficient power line filtering 
• Integrated international linear power supply
• 3-year extended manufacturer-guaranteed warranty

The REF 10 is a match and upgrade for MUTEC’s 10 MHz ready products like the MC-3+ and MC-3+USB Smart Clocks. Eight simultaneous clock outputs at both 50 and 75 Ω impedance allow using the REF10 in combination with not just MUTEC products, but also 10 MHz compatible products by all other third-party manufacturers, such as Esoteric, dCS, or SOtM, for example.

The REF 10 was premiered at the Munich High End show this past May and will be available for a list price of 3598.00 € including German VAT at the end of July 2017.