In the AES protocol, the audio clock signal is embedded and carried from the source device. In NADAC-D, the AES input retrieves this clock signal and routes it into our [MF Advanced Clock Data Recovery System], which synthesizes a new, high-quality internal clock that drives the DAC.

With USB, things are quite different. USB audio transmissions do not carry a stable clock from the source. Instead, our [MF ZERO-ppm Sync Synthesizer] generates an Audio Master Clock for the USB Audio (UAC) system based either on the internal NADAC D clock, or on the NADAC’s external 10 MHz reference clock if present. This master clock, together with audio data, is then sent to the [MF Advanced Clock Data Recovery System], which synthesizes the precise clock needed by the DAC.

So regardless of whether the incoming signal is AES or USB, all clock paths converge into the [MF Advanced Clock Data Recovery System]. This is crucial because the true 1-bit DAC architecture in the NADAC requires multiple clock channels and is extremely sensitive to timing precision. Thus, our clock recovery system goes far beyond merely eliminating jitter—it manages the precise timing relationships between all clocks and data signals to preserve sonic integrity.

Please refer to https://www.master-fidelity.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NADAC-D-Block-Diagram-1.pdf