SMS200Ultra Neo Network Bridge/Streamer Inbound...
- Thread starter Puma Cat
- Start date
MPW
Member
I would be interested in understanding why you chose the SoTM product over the Sonore opticalrendu if you are using the opticalmodule. The full Sonore solution would allow you to take optical directly into the streamer. I am considering a similar setup myself and would be curious to understand your logic.
Puma Cat
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #3
Hi Morgan,
Very good question.
I think the SoTM will sound (quite a bit) better. As far as I can figure, the OpticalRendu is an UltraRendu with an SFP port for accepting a optical transceiver. Acc to a review I've read, if the UltraRendu was an "8" on absolute scale of 10 (with nothing on the market being a 10), the microRendu was a 7. Not much of a difference.
Also, I've found that Sonore is not particularly forthcoming about detailed specifications or the components inside their products. For instance, for the difference between the microRendu and the UltraRendu, they they state: "The ultraRendu utilizes a new proprietary printed circuit board with only the essential components and many updates to match its ultra designation." Well, what are the many updates?
Here's the only differences I can discern between the two:
Microrendu:
Four (4) high-quality ultra low noise regulators
Fixed frequency high-quality low jitter oscillator
Ultrarendu:
6 high-quality ultra low noise regulators
Fixed frequency high-quality ultra low jitter FEMTO oscillator
2 more noise regulators and a FEMTO oscillator.
SOtM is a lot more forthcoming, and when they make a new or better product, they tell what the new specification is, or the parts used in the upgrade that provide the improved performance.
Also, the SMS200 Ultra has a very, very good specification clock, the sCLK-EX, with 4 ports on it. The SOtM clock bare circuit board alone sells for $700. If I ever decide to go with, or need, an audiophile grade ethernet switch, I can send the Neo back to SoTM have them mod my Ultra Neo and the D-link switch or use the SOtM switch so that I can use the switch with one clock's four ports (the Ultra Neo itself uses 2 of the 4). So, I wouldn't have to buy an extra clock for the switch. Additionally, if I ever wanted to spring for the current Special Edition upgrade or future upgrades, SOtM can install that, too. SOtM is very good about supporting upgrading existing products with their newest mods/upgrades for existing owners. For example, SoTM will upgrade a SMS-200Ultra to an UltraNeo specification for only $80. Sonore does not provide an upgrade or mod service, as far as I know.
Lastly and this one of the most important reasons, the OpticalRendu only works over a range of 6-9 Volts. I can order a 12V version of the SMS200 UltraNeo. This will let me use a Keces P3 power supply with Zone 1 running at 7 volts to power the OpticalModule and Zone 2 at 12V to power the SMS200 UltraNeo. Keces doesn't make a power supply where both Zone 1 AND Zone 2 work at 7 volts. Zone 1 supports 5, 7, or 9 V, and Zone 2 only supports, 12, 15, or 16V.
Lastly, SOtM-USA had a Memorial Day 4-day special with 10% off, I saved $215 vs the price of an OpticalModule, money I can put towards a Keces PS.
still-one
Active member
I am a bit confused. Are you still planning on using the opticalModule to isolate your ethernet connection. Where does it go with this set-up? Just in front of the endpoint? What will the endpoint be?
Puma Cat
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #5
Hi Jim,
Yes and yes. The OpticalModule will replace the current "downstream" FMC, which currently is a cheap TP-Link SC/SC one. Ethernet will go from the OpticalModule to the SMS UltraNeo; which will be the Roon endpoint. USB from the UltraNeo to Gumby.
Basically, the SMS200 UltraNeo will replace the Sonore microRendu.
still-one
Active member
In that set-up where is the other FMC besides the input to the opticalModule. In a switch?
Also. Have you heard any update on when they will ship yet?
Puma Cat
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #7
Hi Jim, sorry for the confusion.
So, in essence, my sytem is this configuration:
Mac Mini->Ethernet->Router->Ethernet->upstream FMC (TP-link)-> 7M run of OM1 fiber->downstream FMC (soon to be OpticalModule)->Ethernet->Network Bridge (currently uRendu, soon to be sMS-200UltraNeo).
Both the OpticalModule and SOtM sMS-200UltraNeo should arrive either the first or second week of June. I'll burn them in for a week, 24/7 before putting them into the system.
still-one
Active member
Got it. So then the sMS-200UltraNeo will be outputting USB to a DAC?
UltraFast69
New member
Hey Puma
I’m excited to see you chose SOtM, they appear on all accounts to make some serious products and look forward to reading your comments.
Down the road, I am sure with certainty, based only on reading that coupling the benefits of their clock to an their switch will bury the performance needle.
With that being said, they need help on making their information posted on their site more clear, they are worse than me [emoji851]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I’m excited to see you chose SOtM, they appear on all accounts to make some serious products and look forward to reading your comments.
Down the road, I am sure with certainty, based only on reading that coupling the benefits of their clock to an their switch will bury the performance needle.
With that being said, they need help on making their information posted on their site more clear, they are worse than me [emoji851]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
MPW
Member
Totally agree with UltraFast69 regarding the clarity of the SOtM website. Difficult to understand functionality of each piece.
UltraFast69
New member
Regardless the gear appears to be cool, and would seriously consider it if I had not gone a different route.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
