Charon
from $13,300 Made to order
Request a build slot Deposit, lead time and warrantyAll units in the photos are real. Some photos are AI-enhanced to improve image quality.
Sound
Wider, deeper, with more air
With cleaner timing the image becomes wider and deeper, and the treble gains air and ease.
Solid-state or tube
A tube stage, if you wish
The circuit is solid-state as standard; a tube stage is available.
An individual build
Set for your transport
The clock frequency is set for your specific transport, so every Charon is an individual build.
Power
A quiet supply for the oscillator
A multi-transformer linear supply with galvanic isolation keeps mains noise away from the oscillator; the output is heavy-duty BNC.
Charon
Numbered unit — Opus No. on the nameplate
- Model
- External master clock — solid-state or tube buffer, galvanically isolated, BNC outputs
- In brief
- An external master clock that takes over clocking from your transport and DAC, with lower jitter.
- Queue deposit
- 50% · from $6,640
- Lead time
- Seven pieces of gear a year, each built by hand to order. Current lead time: six months or more.
- Origin
- Made in Kazakhstan by Dmitriy Gubchenko
- Warranty
- 1 year (extra warranty available: +1 or +2 years)
- Music it suits
- Any digital source — the gain is in space and focus
From the atelier
Charon is an external master clock that takes over clocking from your transport and DAC, with lower jitter. With cleaner timing the image becomes wider and deeper, and the treble gains air and ease. The clock frequency is set for your specific transport, so every Charon is an individual build. The circuit is solid-state as standard; a tube stage on 6Zh4, EF14, EL8 or ML6 is available.
A multi-transformer linear supply with galvanic isolation keeps mains noise away from the oscillator.
- Output: heavy-duty BNC
- Clock frequency to match the target transport
- Custom-wound transformers, bespoke capacitors
- Additional digital inputs/outputs optional
| Component | Manufacturer | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|
| Oscillator board | Demograf Audio | Own manufacture |
| Linear supply transformers | Demograf Audio (custom-wound) | or analog by Hashimoto / Tango / Tamura |
| Buffer tubes (option) 6Zh4 / EF14 / EL8 / ML6 | NOS, selected | US / EU / UK (NOS) / Other Vintage |
| Contacts (option) FI-09 | Furutech | Japan |
Photo {n} of {total}
Simplified diagram of the stock configuration. The exact circuit for your options is confirmed with the atelier.
Specification
Download the brochure PDF · EN · 0.7 MB
Measured on the stock configuration; options may change the figures.
- Device type
- Reference External Master Clock Generator
- Output termination
- Premium Heavy-Duty BNC Connectors
- Clock frequency
- Customised configuration (depends entirely on target audio transport requirements)
- Internal wiring
- Proprietary “RareCoreFusion” Alloy wire (other options available)
- Circuit components
- Proprietary boards · Bespoke high-grade capacitors · Hand-matched vacuum tubes / transistors · Galvanic isolation modules
- Power architecture
- Isolated multi-transformer linear power supply stage
- Mains
- 100 / 120 / 230 V — set at order time, plug to match (NEMA, Schuko, BS 1363 / type G)
- Weight
- From 2 kg (varies depending on component and power supply configuration)
- Dimensions (W × D × H)
- 300 × 200 × 150 mm
Custom options
Stock items are included in the price. Every option is agreed with the atelier before the build starts.
Tube stage
- Solid-State Stock
- 6Zh4 Tubes
- EF14 Vacuum Tube
- EL8 Valvo Vacuum Tube
- ML6 Vacuum Tube
- Tube-Switching Module Upgrade
Component upgrades
- Premium Capacitors
- Custom Transformers & Chokes
- AMRG Resistors & Cardas Wiring Kit
- Top Connectors Suite
- Vintage Tubes
- One Additional Digital Input
- One Additional Digital Output
Mains inlet, outlets & contacts
- Standard Spec: IEC C14 Chassis Input Stock
- Heavy-Duty Spec: IEC C20 High-Current Inlet
- European Standard: Schuko (Type F) Stock
- US / Japan Standard: NEMA 5-15R (Type B)
- British Standard: BS 1363 (Type G)
- Universal Interface: Direct IEC C13 Outlets
- Pure Copper Unplated (e.g. MSound MS-06(Cu)) — Organic & Balanced Tone Stock
- Gold Plated Contacts (e.g. Furutech FI-09(G)) — Warmth & Rich Midrange Texture
- Rhodium Plated Contacts (e.g. Furutech FI-09(R)) — Fast Transients & Fine Detail
Finish & chassis
- Standard configuration Stock
- Priority build
- Precision-Milled Metal Chassis
- CNC Milling
- Contoured Bent-Metal Enclosure
- Exotic Hardwood Chassis
- Glass-Integrated Aesthetic
- Premium Wood Inlays & Accents
- Solid-Billet Metal Enclosure
- Advanced Galvanic Finishing
- Custom Dimensions & Form Factor
Regional version
- 230 V — Schuko plug (Europe) Stock
- 120 V — NEMA plug (North America)
- 100 V — NEMA plug (Japan)
- 230 V — BS 1363 / type G plug (UK · Middle East)
Pairs well with
Does the Charon use tubes?
Charon is solid-state by default. Tube versions use 6Zh4, EF14, EL8 or ML6; a tube-switching module lets you compare both.
How is the Charon serviced?
Each unit ships with its own measurement report. The circuit is kept simple and serviceable, and Demograf Audio gear is serviced for as long as parts exist.
How is it delivered?
Shipping and insurance are paid by the buyer and shown as a separate line in your quotation. Every unit is packed for long-distance transport in heavy-duty flight cases and a wooden crate.
Which mains voltage and plug?
Each piece of gear is built for 100 V, 120 V or 230 V mains with the matching plug (NEMA, Schuko or BS 1363 / type G). The voltage is fixed at order time, so tell us where the unit will be used.
How long does the Charon take to build?
Build time is six months or more from the queue deposit, depending on the configuration and the queue; delivery takes from one month after completion. The atelier builds seven instruments a year. A priority build is available for an extra 50% of the price: your unit is moved ahead in the build queue.
* Photos are taken from real systems and show the specific configuration of a particular customer; your unit can look the way you want — all our equipment is fully customisable.
