Abstract: A disk apparatus having a readout circuit for providing readout data signals and capable of immediately detecting runaway of a readout clock signal generated from a VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator) in the readout circuit if such occurs. The disk apparatus is free from a read error due to a permanent defect on a disk, e.g., an optical disk, or other causes. The disk apparatus includes a head for picking up signals from a disk, and a readout circuit for providing a readout signal and a readout clock signal, including a digitizing circuit for receiving and digitizing a data signal picked up by the head into a binary data signal, a reference clock generator for generating a reference clock signal and a variable frequency oscillator for receiving a read-gate signal, the digitized binary data signal and the reference clock signal and generating a readout data signal and a readout clock signal, each synchronized with the reference clock signal.