T10 Time Reference

In digital audio timing is not just technical detail it is essential to fidelity. Even the smallest irregularity blurs resolution smears transients and diminishes realism. The T10 Time Reference addresses this at the source supplying an ultra-stable 10 MHz signal that locks DACs transports and streamers (CH or third-party) to a single precise standard.​

At its heart is a custom oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) thermally stabilized in a solid billet-aluminum block and isolated from vibration. Each stage (oscillator, buffer, and outputs) is powered by dedicated galvanically isolated ultra-low-noise supplies fed by a shielded toroidal transformer. The result is vanishing phase noise tighter coherence and a truer sense of musical flow.​

Whether anchoring a CH Precision digital chain or elevating compatible components from other brands the T10 delivers the same result: heightened resolution greater spatial definition and a more natural expressive connection to the performance.

The T10’s performance begins with its extraordinary oscillator section. At its heart is a precision oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) encased in a massive solid aluminum block to ensure maximum thermal stability. This housing is further suspended on a bed of soft silicone gel isolating it from mechanical vibration and environmental interference. The result is an internal timing core of exceptional consistency critical for maintaining the ultra-low phase noise that defines the T10’s sonic contribution.​

Where conventional word-clock systems rely on crystals cut to the 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz families CH Precision takes a different path. The T10 generates a 10 MHz reference that is then divided down digitally using an advanced all-digital PLL. This approach begins with a cleaner spectrum and produces measurably lower in-band jitter than “direct” audio-rate crystals no matter how neat their integer relationships appear on paper. The result is not just mathematical accuracy but time-domain stability exactly the quality to which the ear is most sensitive. Published data shows the T10 operating at femtosecond-level jitter (10⁻¹⁵ s) roughly 1000× more precise than the picosecond-level performance typical of most competing designs. In practice that translates into lower noise sharper transients and greater spatial coherence.​

This precision extends to the T10’s output stage. Six individually buffered outputs are provided each independently configurable to deliver either a 10 MHz sine or square wave signal at selectable 1 V or 500 mV peak-to-peak levels. These transformer-coupled outputs are routed through 75 Ω BNC coaxial connectors a design that minimizes phase distortion and allows the T10 to synchronize multiple devices simultaneously without crosstalk or degradation. Unlike word-clock systems limited to distributing 44.1/48 kHz signals the T10 can integrate an entire digital chain (whether a C10 Master DAC, D10 Reference Transport, or even third-party sources that accept a 10 MHz input) into one coherent time domain.

The T10 Time Reference is designed not only for performance but for versatility. It integrates effortlessly into complex systems offering external synchronization through a GPS input (CH GPS option) or a 1 PPS TTL signal delivering long-term timing accuracy from either satellite or terrestrial sources. Control and maintenance are equally considered with Ethernet connectivity for full remote access via the CH-Control app and a USB port for easy firmware updates.​

Beneath its precision interface lies an equally exacting power supply architecture. Each section of the T10 (the OCXO, its buffer, and the output stages) is powered by its own ultra-low-noise discrete regulated supply with full galvanic isolation to eliminate interference. A magnetically and electrostatically shielded toroidal transformer mechanically decoupled to minimize vibration ensures a clean and stable electrical foundation. This meticulous engineering is not just about better measurements it’s about preserving musical integrity at the most fundamental level: time.

The CH Precision 10-Series redefines the frontiers of digital audio through modular design uncompromising engineering and an architecture built for future evolution. Central to this vision is the C10 system anchored by the Conductor control unit the Master DAC and now elevated further by the T10 Time Reference. The T10 brings ultra-high-stability clocking and GPS-disciplined accuracy to the digital front end enhancing time-domain precision across all connected components. With this trio in place CH Precision delivers an unparalleled platform for low-noise high-resolution digital playback marked by extraordinary coherence spatial focus and musical realism.​

In its stand-alone form the C10 DAC already sets a formidable standard with stunning tonal balance phase integrity and sub-femtosecond clocking. The Conductor builds upon this foundation by offloading DSP processing and refining clock distribution dramatically reducing jitter and internal noise. The T10 Time Reference takes this a step further supplying an ultra-precise master clock (internally generated or GPS-disciplined) that unifies the system’s timing with unmatched stability.

​Together these 10-Series components embody CH Precision’s core values: rigorous engineering modular scalability and long-term relevance. Whether configured as a standalone DAC or as a complete multi-chassis digital reference system the C10 platform is built to evolve delivering performance that grows with your system and deepens with your musical experience.

Available for Apple iOS and Android the CH Controller provides complete app-based control of CH Precision systems including input selection volume mute configuration settings and playback functions. It also allows users to access UPnP devices on the network and browse the music stored there bringing system control and local music access into a single interface.​

Its structure follows the same operational logic as the componentsthemselves preserving a direct relationship between front-panel control and the mobile experience. True to CH Precision’s engineering culture the control platform is designed as an extension of the component architecture rather than a separate control layer. It adds convenience and flexibility while preserving the integrity precision and musical priorities that define every CH Precision system.