Will I notice the difference if I use a better clock source?

[Brandon Hook]

Hey all.

I'm trying to determine whether I could improve my sound at all by using a different clock. I mostly deal with rock music...but really enjoy up close and very personal ballads with just acoustic guitar and vocal. I currently own the DM-24 interfaced via TDIF through a MOTU 2408 MK3. I have switched between which box is the master / slave and have heard no difference. Should I hear a difference? I really can't complain right now about the audio I'm getting. I'm very happy with the sound...but the latest and greatest is always somewhat exciting. So...is there a chance a new clock(...perhaps an apogee?) would cause an audible improvement?

Thanks for all your help in this matter,
Brandon

ps. I currently have cerwin vega bookshelf speakers that I am monitoring on which may have been the reason I haven't heard any change in clocking master/slave arrangement. However, I will be purchasing the ADAM p-11's fairly shortly.

[michaelhoddy]

Both of the clock sources you have are pretty similar in quality. Upgrading to an external word clock generator will show a noticeable improvement, expecially with better monitoring. I have noticed the difference since I began clocking my MOTU system externally (in my case with a Lucid GenX clock).

[JeffBarnett]

One of the biggest differences between a cheap converter (like those built in to most audio interfaces) and a great one (like an Apogee) is the quality of the clock. Switching to a better clock source can make a pretty dramatic difference in the sound, particularly in the high end "shimmer" and in stereo imaging.

An Aardsync or Big Ben would help you out a lot.