Hans, I think you need to test the sms-200 again. Because it had so many updates in the last 5 years... And the last 4 updates have improved the SQ quite a bit..... Many thanks for everything 👍
Hans, many audiophile friends tell me Mac Mini is a very noisy device and there's no miracles when audio is born dirty. Did you have the chance to listen a dedicated transport in your system? I mean, a Auralic Aries Extreme, Aurender N100h or better, Chord Codex, Lampizator or Nimitra, even a Marantz NA-11s1? Is there really a abyss between these devices and a mac mini + SMS-200/MicroRendu plugged into a good dac?
Hi Hans great vid as always. I have a Musical Fidelity m5 and PMC Twenty.23. Is the sMS-200 ultra NEO a good fit for my system or is the sMS-200 NEO more appropriate?
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thank you audio guru! (That was absolutely sincere) Follow up question please: if I connect my server to the network by Ethernet . Would it effect the sound if the server is a MacBook?
Nice video Hans, again.... the only thing i cannot find on the web is wheter you can play or stream youtube audio directly via the sotm200. ok, via airplay this will work, but i don't find of any app / plugin that can stream web based audio content directly to te sotm ? any ideas or suggestions ?
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thank you hans, i know it is not the best quality, i stream DEEZER HIFI and FLACS mostly but on youtube a lot of concerts and mixes are found you cannot "buy" or stream through regular canals. For the rest, keep up the good work, and corona or not , music will always light up my day ! stay healthy!
Hi Hans, and good day. I am a proud owner of the SMS 200, and it use it to feed my Matrix SPDIF 2 via USB, which then feeds my PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC via I2S. I'm currently feeding the SMS 200 via ethernet from my router, but I'm VERY tempted to just get a USB WiFi dongle and plug it into the back of the SMS 200. I'm thinking this might get me better sound quality since I don't have a very nice router, galvanic isolation, or ethernet cable. What are your thoughts on this? I too have noticed that switching between ethernet and WiFi on my Node 2 yielded no difference in SQ, but I'm thinking this might indeed be a help in my system. Just curious about your thoughts since you seem to initially suggest that WiFi might be the noisier, less preferred option.
Thanks Hans for the knowledge and time you put into this. Would you say that endpoints like sMS-200 and Micro Rendu etc. are "great value for the money" and "good for being so small". Or are they just about as good as they get at any price point, especially when adding a linear PSU?
+High End TV I don't know all systems but within the boundaries of my knowledge the SMS-200 with SBooster psu is the best I have heard so far, directly and closely followed by the microRendu with SBooster or Ultracaps psu. It surely beats connecting a DAC directly to a Mac mini.
Hans, thanx for the quick reply. What I am looking for is a hard drive based set up that surpass what the digital side of my system can deliver today. It consists of an Oppo 105 (transport) > coax > Gryphon Diablo 300 with internal DAC. For me the inconvenience of swapping CDs is not enough for me to take the leap :-).
Great review Hans, I have subscribed to your channel now for the insightful reviews you give and not being swayed by manufacturers, but what you consider good enough to include in your sets. I am now considering the SMS200 to replace my ageing Linn Majik streamer (of 10 years) and will add an SBooster linear power supply. My quandary is on the voltage model. I note you said earlier to specify 9v or 12v when ordering the SMS200 but this option seems absent on both SoTM site and the local (UK) supplier. The voltage input spec is listed as +6.5 ~ 14Vdc. There seems to be a shortage of 9v SBooster ECO (even on SBooster website) but plenty of 12-13v models that I can purchase in the UK. So, finally my question is would it be safe for me to order a 12-13v SBooster to use with an SMS200 (not Ultra....yet!)?
Hello Hans. Let me see if I understood. I've (now, after watching yours videos) a Mac Mini 2012, SSD, connected by Supra USB on my Wadia 121 DAC. I use Jriver in Mac Mini controlled direct by ipad/iphone Jremote app. I use a external HD to store music. To improve the sound, I have to connect the HD to the SotmSMS200, then, my mac mini will play the music using network, send the music to SotmSMS200 again and there goes to DAC by USB? And all these additional pathes will improve the sound?
I never tried it, so I can't tell. It seems a bit elaborate. And I can't imagine I have ever suggested something in that direction. In general separating the library and DSP functions from the playback device does make sense so I rather connect the HDS tot the Mac mini and use the SOtM just as renderen. That would make sense.
Well, if you have less strict audio quality requirements the sMS-200 can work as an independent DLNA server/streamer. SOtM was just broadening the market.
I see. So, would be better for me buy only a USB regenerator, like SOTM Tx-USBHub or wait the incoming Tx-USBUltra, as I use my Mac Mini as server/streamer. I've friends using a built mini pc who claim extreme better audio performance using a internal Sotm Tx-USBexp Card compared to conventional USB port.
How about the Linear PSU? Is it necessary to have a Linear PSU for every equipment I have? One for Mac Mini, one for Wadia DAC and another for the SMS-200 (if it is the case)?
Thanks Hans. But did you compare both with switching power supplies instead of LPSU? If an equipment is made to be good only with expensive linear psu, it has an engineering failure, in my opinion.
Yes, of course. Supplying a cheap psu is fine for a given public and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The SOtM sMS-200 comes without a power supply so the choice is yours. But I would strongly advice against cheap switching power supplies, sound wise.
Hi Hans, I really appreciate your work and I based my purchase of SMS-200 on your recommendations as well. I already have a power conditioner GIGAWATT PC-4 EVO in my setup and I wonder if it still makes sense to invest in a good linear PS for SMS-200. Currently I got the standard wall wart adapter for SMS-200 plugged into the Gigawatt digital section. Do you have any experience with power conditioner and if the additional linear PS would make a difference? Thank you.
I know the sBooster power supply did improve the sound clearly in may setup 1. Whether that will also be the case at your place, I can't say. That depends on your stereo, your acoustics and your ears. I have not reviewed power conditioners since it is not clear to me if local conditions matter and to what degree. I just lack the knowledge to judge that.
Dear Hans. Once again, thank you for your valuable advice on computer audio. I have been listening to the Auralic Aries running Roon in my system this weekend, and to me it really sounds good - in a completely different league then the Aries mini, and the first computer based source and I actually enjoy listening to entire albums through, similar to viny LP's. Since you are very methodical in your approach - and since the Aries seems to be somewhat of a reference to many computer audiophiles - it could be interesting to hear your opinion of it, and especially how it compares to the more affordable MicroRendu and SOtM sMS-200. Kind regards, David.
Thanks Hans, just the video I was looking for! Please consider reviewing the new microRendu v1.5. Personally, I love the form factor of the Sonore much better. But I think that for these small hidden boxes, the superior audio quality for the money will usually win (the price did drop with the new model). So giving the Sonore a chance in a rematch will be very interesting! As always, thank you for the quality info and the enjoyable presentation!
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you. I also have to report that due to this lovely channel I finally installed Audirvana to test it. After years of listening from a digital source, not bit perfect, my jaw has officially dropped. I couldn't be happier 😄. This is an eye opening experience. I'm not sure if there should be any audio difference between Audirvana and Roon, but I will try that as well. Again, thank you!
Hans. I have really been enjoying your videos and getting educated, but I am still a little confused. I hope this doesn't violate your "I won't recommend components" rule. If I want to listen to files I have on an SSD, CDs and HiRes downloads, assuming I do everything else well, cabling, amp/speaker, would you, me, a critical audiophile notice a significant difference if I plugged the SSD into the SOtM 200 then the Elac Discovery vs just plugging it into the Discovery?
I would plug it into the SOtM since it will not disturb the critical SOtM to DAC USB connection. When connected to the SOtM, Roon in the Discovery will first take it to the Discovery and send it from there back to the SOtM.
Hi Hans, Quite curious about the Remedy. I'm still trying to decide which route to take as an SB Touch upgrade. microRendu or SMS-200 with SBooster or other PSU or the Remedy with my existing setup. I must admit I'm a bit skeptical about the Remedy.
In addition to below, one interesting parameter that supposedly separates the Aries from other computer interfaces is the so-called 'femto clock' i.e. a higher degree of precision? Kr D.
Hello Hans, Powering my microRendu with 6 AA batteries is a huge improvement over iFi adapter. I wonder a SBooster power supply can match the 6 AA battery supply. That said the 6 AA battery supply is such a hassle. It not a suitable long term solution. Greetings, Jaap
I wouldn't be surprised if you would find differences in audio quality when selecting other batteries - seriously. The internal resistance of the batteries determines how quick an array of batteries can supply current and matching it to the need of the microRendu might help. At least in theory. I would be surprises when the array of batteries would sound better than the SBooster. But if they do, please let me know.
I've got an Uptone LPS-1 now. It's not an other big step up from the 6 AA betteries. But I'm so glad I don't have to rechare every second day anymore :-)
I think I saw a glimpse of you on a photo in John Darkos article about the Innous Zenith SE. Will you be reviewing this unit (or similar) that can act both as core and endpoint?
They are different beasts altogether. The Mini has a DAC and all kinds of digital outputs, including USB, the sMS-200 has no DAC and only USB. But the audio quality you can achieve with the sMS-200 and a proper DAC is higher than when using the same DAC connected to the Mini.
In case Jriver transmits to the sMS-200 over the network, what is the client software on the sMS-200? If the DAC does not support upsampling this process could be performed on the Jriver? Thank you!
You could use MPD & DLNA and use it as a DLNA renderer that is fed by JRiver. And, yes, you can use upsampling. No problem as long as your network is fast enough (read: not busy doing other stuff that require a lot of bandwidth).
Thank you very much. Currently I upsampling or downsampling (in the case of SACD, DXD) in the Jriver and then DLNA to a BDP-S4100 (Sony) that enters the AVR through HDMI connection (24/192). My AVR does not support DLNA and I have study alternatives.
Hi got mine second hand and I can’t seem to get any sound from it! It’s visible in m-connect but it won’t play music. I’ve installed the app for the sotm and I’m only using my smart phone . Do I have to use a computer to set it up? I’m starting to loose hope in getting any sound from it ..
You need to install a DLNA server, LMS server or Roon server on a computer or use apps like JRiver Media Center or Audirvana on a computer. Then you can use your smartphone as remote.
Hi there Hans. I enjoy your videos very much. I'm thinking to get the Volumio Primo. It is a streamer that runs that OS in its core with a lot more options. I wonder if you could do a review on it and compare it to other. This two are a little different, but in essence they serve the same purpose: playing music on a network. Thank you again for your videos. I've learned quite a bit with them.
Your logic in comparing the Primo to the sMS-200 could also lead to saying that the Primo and your car might be a little different but they both can play music😀. I have reviewed the Primo here: ruclips.net/video/5jn1SWfK1VI/видео.html. The sMS-200 also needs a digital to analog converter and software like Roon, Audirvana or JRiver and thus is a more expensive solution and thus is not really comparable. And, indeed, you can obtain a even higher sound quality with it.
Bonjour Hans, I watched your reviews about the SOTM sms200 And the Auralic Aries mini, and I can't make up my mind! My future network audio adaptor is to be connected via USB to a FDA amplifier, Quloos 690. Thanks for your answer, j michel from the south of France.
I think this is what I have been looking for! Thank You for your great reviews. Before I purchase one, has anyone has issues or know of a better solution for the price? I will be using a Chord DAC as well. I have a NAS with all of my music as well as Tidal.
Hans, I really appreciate your compreensive and straight reviews. You found an original and effective way to educate and share valuable information about audio technology. Congratulations. Well, a lot influenced by your review, I recently purchased a SoTM SMS 200. Being advised by you about the importance of a high quality PS, I was planning to purchase later the Sbooster PS. But because this gear is impossible to find in my country, and because my SoTM dealer had in stock the brand new PS from SoTM, the sPS 500, I decided to buy it together with the sMS200. The SoTM setup is sounding beatifully feeding my Chord Hugo, but I am certainly wondering how the Sbooster would compare versus the SoTM dedicated PS. Finally my question, have you heard the SMS 200 with the sPS 500 ? If not, do you plan to do so ? I am sure a lot of your audience would appreciate having your opinion. Thanks and keep the good work.
Hans, great video. please can you also devote attention to Chord DAVE, the new Auralic Altair and Polaris, good Roon servers and how to optimize them, etc
Thanks Hans. I would also be interested in your views on HQ player. I use it and love it but I would love to hear your thoughts on it, if it is in the scope of your channel.
Hans, do you use the LMS server on the sMS 200 itself? Or do you advice running a separate LMS server? Now trying to index my entire music directory on my Qnap Nas, but that goes terribly slow. I haven't tried running LMS server on my QNAP NAS since its limited.
Thanks Hans! Final question is which of the two following configurations you would choose for best SQ: 1) sms-200 with an upgraded power supply+ chord Hugo 2) Mac Mini+Intona USB Purifer (galvanic isolator)+ Chord Hugo If you haven't tested the Intona please still try to give me your comment!
Hans, I had a chat with Sotm marketing manager about the sMS-200 and she told me that the ethernet port is not galvanically isolated although it does have a noise filter (not better specified). I am now intrigued by which technology they are using to make the sMS-200 have such a good impact on sound quality.
Hans, do you think is possible a SMS-200 (US$ 490) be better than Auralic Aries Extreme (US$ 1200) (2 Femto Clocks), both powered with a good Linear Power Supply?
Do you know if clocks can really bring high improvement to sound quality? The new SMS-200 Ultra is three times more expensive than previous one, just because it has internal clocks.
But you have reviewed auralic altair, which is a combination of Aries and Vega. Did you tried use Altair dac port as bridge to Hugo? So, you can compare with Sms-200.
Hans, how you doing? Technically, if SMS-200 take bits perfect from LAN, the quality of the source should no be so important. So, if my server is a expensive nimitra, mac mini or a cheap US$ 50 chinese mini-pc, if it has a ethernet port, audio quality would be the same. Is it correct?
I can only confirm that I hear no difference between a Mac Mini and Intel NUC6i3 for that is what I have tested. I don't know about a cheap US$50 mini PC. You do need an Intel i3 processor, 8 GB RAM and SSD drive as minimum. If you can find that for US$ 50, please let me know;-). And then there is the matter of having the system do as little as possible but do that perfectly....
Yes. If there are limitations in feeding music to the endpoints it will be due to driver problems, i.e. the 'interfacing' of the hardware with the operating system. If that works good (and that appears to be more difficult when using a computer for audio than it looks), Roon will work like a charm. The same goes for Audirvana+ by the way. Choose proven hardware, the cheapest option being the Intel NUC6i3
Martyn, I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the Tidal functionality is handled by the player software. For example, I use the SOTM sms200 (and I agree with Hans about the comparison with the MRendu) with Roon, and Roon offers Tidal as an option. -- David
I don’t think there is a way to use the sms200 with the Tidal app. But you could use for instance the free Logitech Media Server on the sms200 and install the Tidally plugin.
Hans, Are you able to confirm that the sMS200 is compatible with the Mytek Brooklyn. Am I right in thinking that it will not be compatible with MQA. Thanks
I haven't tried the combo but I shouldn't know why it would not work. Both devices adhere to the USB Audio profile 2. The sMS-200 is fully transparent. Just make sure that sour player software is set to bit perfect; so no volume (or set to '100' or whatever is the loudest), no upsampling and so on. It is not the sMS-200 that would disturb MQA.
On the SOTM site under FAQ on the sms-200 page I found this: "The sMS-200 uses the latest Linux kernel and it has a compatibility issue with MYTEK DIGITAL STEREO192-DSD DAC USB2.0 ." I have no idea if that affects the brooklyn though
I can give you a whole list of non-compatible DAC's. But since there are chipsets available the support USB Audio Profile 2, all new designs - including the Brookyn - are compatible with all Apple and Linux computers - including the sMS-200 and with Windows computers using a standard USB Audio Profile 2 driver.
No worries Hans I read on CA that Alex from uptone has shipped an LPS-1 to you for review. Just wondering if you will do a comparo of the microrendu vs sms-200 when both powered from the LPS-1? I only ask because I have an LPS-1 on order and am going to get either an sms-200 or microrendu (Alex says that the LPS-1 will power the sms-200)....I will be feeding this into a mojo. Thanks in advance :)
Hans have you considered a review of pro audio technology Dante (IP audio) by Focusrite Rednet which enable you to use any software (audio player) of your choice like A+ on Mac to play music to Rednet via ethernet without usb audio disadvantages. the protocol is not dlna and is considered by many on headfi to be better than any usb audio ( even urendu is eventually usb audio)? see link:www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio
I understand but it seems that best audio gear comes from pro audio industry since it covers larger market and employs best audio experts. We (consumers) don't care who makes the gear but rather take note of how it sounds. Computer audiophile market as a niche market which only results mostly in overpriced (large margins on low sales) and underperforming gear.
I am a veteran of computer audio and have NEVER heard the term NAA used outside of HQplayer. Moreover, any renderer/adapter that has an "NAA" mode is 100% referring to theisolated fifo buffer capability of the HQPlayer architecture. I would not use NAA outside of HQplayer; it's confusing and a disservice to Jussi's invention. My $.02
Hi, Hans, another comprehensible and logic review of your provenience, thanks for that! The only problem I have is your judgment about the audibility of the difference between two such sophisticated devices. If I judge it right we are about same age and our audible frequency range has decreased to 12 kHz or so (with corresponding decrease in the ability to detect transients resp. minimal transient shifts). I am aware of the fact that frequency range is not all but the difference between signal jitter (time domain of digital signal) of two sophisticated USB-devices should be in the -90 to -100dB range resulting in absolutely minor consequences in the frequency domain. I personally am not able to detect this in a blind test - no way. I should add I own audiphile level head phones... I gues with loud speakers you would be left out in the woods completely.
Well, you might have a slightly wrong view on things. As I have described in MQA part 1; Why 24 bit 192 kHz audio? (ruclips.net/video/r_wxRGiBoJg/видео.html), even if your hearing is limited to 12 kHz, you still hear over 9 of the 10 octaves a young person is able to hear. People might get deaf at our age, but that is a reduced sensitivy of the ears in the 1 to 5 kHz range and can easily be 20 dB down. You might also want to watch 'How to Listen part 1 and 2" (ruclips.net/video/_ysiTgPFKWs/видео.html). For as where the physical part of our auditory system decreases in performance, the all so important cognitive part of our hearing - the work of our brains - has learned to interpret and distinguish far more over the years (until the brains degrade at high age or due to a medical condition).
Very good point regarding the lack of only one octave. OTOH, as I already pointed out, I am aware of the fact that frequency range is not all to listening ;). But the higher order frequency components of transients should be deteriorated by a restrained listening range of an older ear, too. Again, you are right in stating that psychoacoustics will compensate for this. Psychoacoustics comprises not only hearing but also seeing and even tactile stimuli. That's why the overall impression of a real concert is much richer than only listening to it via an audio chain (even a super sophisticated audiophile listening chain in the same environment - I remember such setups done by B&W to demonstrate the superiority of their speakers). Coming back to our topic here I would argue that psychoacoustics will in fact compensate very well for any loss of information in an audio listening chain - or in the listener's physiological hearing capabilities. At least for me there exists no evidence that phenomena deep underneath the physiological listening capabilities will reach awareness because brainwise this is not economical nor important. Apart from this I am also continuously striving for new listening experience and testing ever new audiophile setups. Sometimes I hear "a difference" sometimes not. But I cannot tell which is "better" or which is "worse" - just different. But when I got to a classical concert there is so much more acoustic information that I cannot listen to my stuff at home for several days...
Ah, what is better and what is worse, is that your question. I can't answer that. I can only classify equipment into levels of performance, using the three reference sets (www.thehbproject.com/about). I discussed that in "What DAC is the best" (ruclips.net/video/EykkzxUstL4/видео.html).
in HBchannel veritas? Et quidquid agis, frui musica. n(Sorry, I couldn't resist😀) I am trying to find funds to have theHBproject.com contain all my videos in a way that is more accessible. But that wil take time.
Just received my sMS-200. Thanks for helping me decide. I plan to use the newly released W4S PS-1 modular LPS to power it as well as Chord 2Qute DAC
I just got the sms 200 and i have the chord 2qute. Can you let me know how the w4s ps1 performed with these 2 units?
Hans, I think you need to test the sms-200 again. Because it had so many updates in the last 5 years... And the last 4 updates have improved the SQ quite a bit..... Many thanks for everything 👍
I will check it out
Hans, many audiophile friends tell me Mac Mini is a very noisy device and there's no miracles when audio is born dirty. Did you have the chance to listen a dedicated transport in your system? I mean, a Auralic Aries Extreme, Aurender N100h or better, Chord Codex, Lampizator or Nimitra, even a Marantz NA-11s1? Is there really a abyss between these devices and a mac mini + SMS-200/MicroRendu plugged into a good dac?
Hi Hans great vid as always. I have a Musical Fidelity m5 and PMC Twenty.23. Is the sMS-200 ultra NEO a good fit for my system or is the sMS-200 NEO more appropriate?
I would go for the Ultra Neo and (eventually later) and audiophile power supply like an sBooster or SOtM's own PSU.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thank you audio guru! (That was absolutely sincere)
Follow up question please: if I connect my server to the network by Ethernet . Would it effect the sound if the server is a MacBook?
Nice video Hans, again.... the only thing i cannot find on the web is wheter you can play or stream youtube audio directly via the sotm200. ok, via airplay this will work, but i don't find of any app / plugin that can stream web based audio content directly to te sotm ? any ideas or suggestions ?
I do not stream RUclips audio.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thank you hans, i know it is not the best quality, i stream DEEZER HIFI and FLACS mostly but on youtube a lot of concerts and mixes are found you cannot "buy" or stream through regular canals. For the rest, keep up the good work, and corona or not , music will always light up my day ! stay healthy!
Hi Hans, and good day. I am a proud owner of the SMS 200, and it use it to feed my Matrix SPDIF 2 via USB, which then feeds my PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC via I2S.
I'm currently feeding the SMS 200 via ethernet from my router, but I'm VERY tempted to just get a USB WiFi dongle and plug it into the back of the SMS 200. I'm thinking this might get me better sound quality since I don't have a very nice router, galvanic isolation, or ethernet cable. What are your thoughts on this?
I too have noticed that switching between ethernet and WiFi on my Node 2 yielded no difference in SQ, but I'm thinking this might indeed be a help in my system. Just curious about your thoughts since you seem to initially suggest that WiFi might be the noisier, less preferred option.
Thanks Hans for the knowledge and time you put into this. Would you say that endpoints like sMS-200 and Micro Rendu etc. are "great value for the money" and "good for being so small". Or are they just about as good as they get at any price point, especially when adding a linear PSU?
+High End TV I don't know all systems but within the boundaries of my knowledge the SMS-200 with SBooster psu is the best I have heard so far, directly and closely followed by the microRendu with SBooster or Ultracaps psu. It surely beats connecting a DAC directly to a Mac mini.
Hans, thanx for the quick reply. What I am looking for is a hard drive based set up that surpass what the digital side of my system can deliver today. It consists of an Oppo 105 (transport) > coax > Gryphon Diablo 300 with internal DAC. For me the inconvenience of swapping CDs is not enough for me to take the leap :-).
Great review Hans, I have subscribed to your channel now for the insightful reviews you give and not being swayed by manufacturers, but what you consider good enough to include in your sets. I am now considering the SMS200 to replace my ageing Linn Majik streamer (of 10 years) and will add an SBooster linear power supply. My quandary is on the voltage model. I note you said earlier to specify 9v or 12v when ordering the SMS200 but this option seems absent on both SoTM site and the local (UK) supplier. The voltage input spec is listed as +6.5 ~ 14Vdc. There seems to be a shortage of 9v SBooster ECO (even on SBooster website) but plenty of 12-13v models that I can purchase in the UK. So, finally my question is would it be safe for me to order a 12-13v SBooster to use with an SMS200 (not Ultra....yet!)?
Thanks Han, i have purchased my SMS200 after watching your review, have you tried to use it with sotm mBPS-d2s battery unit ?
Sorry, no. It is my experience that for audio batteries are slow in providing current when necessary.
Hello Hans. Let me see if I understood. I've (now, after watching yours videos) a Mac Mini 2012, SSD, connected by Supra USB on my Wadia 121 DAC. I use Jriver in Mac Mini controlled direct by ipad/iphone Jremote app. I use a external HD to store music. To improve the sound, I have to connect the HD to the SotmSMS200, then, my mac mini will play the music using network, send the music to SotmSMS200 again and there goes to DAC by USB? And all these additional pathes will improve the sound?
I never tried it, so I can't tell. It seems a bit elaborate. And I can't imagine I have ever suggested something in that direction. In general separating the library and DSP functions from the playback device does make sense so I rather connect the HDS tot the Mac mini and use the SOtM just as renderen. That would make sense.
So I didnt understood why Sm-200 has 3 USB ports.
Well, if you have less strict audio quality requirements the sMS-200 can work as an independent DLNA server/streamer. SOtM was just broadening the market.
I see. So, would be better for me buy only a USB regenerator, like SOTM Tx-USBHub or wait the incoming Tx-USBUltra, as I use my Mac Mini as server/streamer. I've friends using a built mini pc who claim extreme better audio performance using a internal Sotm Tx-USBexp Card compared to conventional USB port.
How about the Linear PSU? Is it necessary to have a Linear PSU for every equipment I have? One for Mac Mini, one for Wadia DAC and another for the SMS-200 (if it is the case)?
Thanks Hans. But did you compare both with switching power supplies instead of LPSU?
If an equipment is made to be good only with expensive linear psu, it has an engineering failure, in my opinion.
Yes, of course. Supplying a cheap psu is fine for a given public and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The SOtM sMS-200 comes without a power supply so the choice is yours. But I would strongly advice against cheap switching power supplies, sound wise.
I like the SOTM and your review. Could you make a comparison to the sound quality of the Atoll MS120, you also reviewed?
The SOtM is a network bridge, the Atoll is a network player. These can’t be compared directly.
Hi Hans, I really appreciate your work and I based my purchase of SMS-200 on your recommendations as well.
I already have a power conditioner GIGAWATT PC-4 EVO in my setup and I wonder if it still makes sense to invest in a good linear PS for SMS-200. Currently I got the standard wall wart adapter for SMS-200 plugged into the Gigawatt digital section. Do you have any experience with power conditioner and if the additional linear PS would make a difference? Thank you.
I know the sBooster power supply did improve the sound clearly in may setup 1. Whether that will also be the case at your place, I can't say. That depends on your stereo, your acoustics and your ears. I have not reviewed power conditioners since it is not clear to me if local conditions matter and to what degree. I just lack the knowledge to judge that.
Dear Hans. Once again, thank you for your valuable advice on computer audio. I have been listening to the Auralic Aries running Roon in my system this weekend, and to me it really sounds good - in a completely different league then the Aries mini, and the first computer based source and I actually enjoy listening to entire albums through, similar to viny LP's. Since you are very methodical in your approach - and since the Aries seems to be somewhat of a reference to many computer audiophiles - it could be interesting to hear your opinion of it, and especially how it compares to the more affordable MicroRendu and SOtM sMS-200. Kind regards, David.
Thanks Hans, just the video I was looking for! Please consider reviewing the new microRendu v1.5. Personally, I love the form factor of the Sonore much better. But I think that for these small hidden boxes, the superior audio quality for the money will usually win (the price did drop with the new model). So giving the Sonore a chance in a rematch will be very interesting! As always, thank you for the quality info and the enjoyable presentation!
Ill see wha I can do. No promises though
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thank you. I also have to report that due to this lovely channel I finally installed Audirvana to test it. After years of listening from a digital source, not bit perfect, my jaw has officially dropped. I couldn't be happier 😄. This is an eye opening experience. I'm not sure if there should be any audio difference between Audirvana and Roon, but I will try that as well. Again, thank you!
Hans. I have really been enjoying your videos and getting educated, but I am still a little confused. I hope this doesn't violate your "I won't recommend components" rule. If I want to listen to files I have on an SSD, CDs and HiRes downloads, assuming I do everything else well, cabling, amp/speaker, would you, me, a critical audiophile notice a significant difference if I plugged the SSD into the SOtM 200 then the Elac Discovery vs just plugging it into the Discovery?
I would plug it into the SOtM since it will not disturb the critical SOtM to DAC USB connection. When connected to the SOtM, Roon in the Discovery will first take it to the Discovery and send it from there back to the SOtM.
Craig Chandler e
Hi Hans,
Quite curious about the Remedy. I'm still trying to decide which route to take as an SB Touch upgrade. microRendu or SMS-200 with SBooster or other PSU or the Remedy with my existing setup.
I must admit I'm a bit skeptical about the Remedy.
A Remedy is supposedly on its way. So please be patient, proper testing does take some time. Sorry.
In addition to below, one interesting parameter that supposedly separates the Aries from other computer interfaces is the so-called 'femto clock' i.e. a higher degree of precision? Kr D.
Hello Hans,
Powering my microRendu with 6 AA batteries is a huge improvement over iFi adapter. I wonder a SBooster power supply can match the 6 AA battery supply. That said the 6 AA battery supply is such a hassle. It not a suitable long term solution.
Greetings, Jaap
I wouldn't be surprised if you would find differences in audio quality when selecting other batteries - seriously. The internal resistance of the batteries determines how quick an array of batteries can supply current and matching it to the need of the microRendu might help. At least in theory. I would be surprises when the array of batteries would sound better than the SBooster. But if they do, please let me know.
I've got an Uptone LPS-1 now. It's not an other big step up from the 6 AA betteries. But I'm so glad I don't have to rechare every second day anymore :-)
Thanks for the update.
I think I saw a glimpse of you on a photo in John Darkos article about the Innous Zenith SE. Will you be reviewing this unit (or similar) that can act both as core and endpoint?
+High End TV I am waiting for a review sample.
Hans, what you can tell me comparing Aries Mini (US$ 499) and SMS-200 (US$ 490) both powered for Sbooster BOTW?
They are different beasts altogether. The Mini has a DAC and all kinds of digital outputs, including USB, the sMS-200 has no DAC and only USB. But the audio quality you can achieve with the sMS-200 and a proper DAC is higher than when using the same DAC connected to the Mini.
In case Jriver transmits to the sMS-200 over the network, what is the client software on the sMS-200? If the DAC does not support upsampling this process could be performed on the Jriver? Thank you!
You could use MPD & DLNA and use it as a DLNA renderer that is fed by JRiver. And, yes, you can use upsampling. No problem as long as your network is fast enough (read: not busy doing other stuff that require a lot of bandwidth).
Thank you very much. Currently I upsampling or downsampling (in the case of SACD, DXD) in the Jriver and then DLNA to a BDP-S4100 (Sony) that enters the AVR through HDMI connection (24/192). My AVR does not support DLNA and I have study alternatives.
Hi
got mine second hand and I can’t seem to get any sound from it!
It’s visible in m-connect but it won’t play music.
I’ve installed the app for the sotm and I’m only using my smart phone .
Do I have to use a computer to set it up? I’m starting to loose hope in getting any sound from it ..
You need to install a DLNA server, LMS server or Roon server on a computer or use apps like JRiver Media Center or Audirvana on a computer. Then you can use your smartphone as remote.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks Hans! Really appreciate it
How do I chose my dac in the dlna mode?
I have connected the sotm to my dac with usb .
Mconnect finds the streamer but doesn’t Play
Hi Hans,
I’ve seen a preowned Sbooster at a very good price 12v 3 amps max. Do you know the correct voltage-amps for SMS200? Thanks
There are two options for the SMS200: 9 volts and 12 volts. You can specify that when ordering.
Hi there Hans. I enjoy your videos very much. I'm thinking to get the Volumio Primo. It is a streamer that runs that OS in its core with a lot more options. I wonder if you could do a review on it and compare it to other. This two are a little different, but in essence they serve the same purpose: playing music on a network. Thank you again for your videos. I've learned quite a bit with them.
Your logic in comparing the Primo to the sMS-200 could also lead to saying that the Primo and your car might be a little different but they both can play music😀. I have reviewed the Primo here: ruclips.net/video/5jn1SWfK1VI/видео.html. The sMS-200 also needs a digital to analog converter and software like Roon, Audirvana or JRiver and thus is a more expensive solution and thus is not really comparable. And, indeed, you can obtain a even higher sound quality with it.
Anyone experienced this with a Devialet and compare to AIR 3? What about combining this NAA with a external clock like the Mutec MC3+?
Makes it sense to connect the SOtM sMs200 with the elac discovery or bluesound node 2 by means of USB A?
It doesn’t. It is even impossible and won’t work.
Thanks for the clear and swift answer
Bonjour Hans, I watched your reviews about the SOTM sms200 And the Auralic Aries mini, and I can't make up my mind! My future network audio adaptor is to be connected via USB to a FDA amplifier, Quloos 690. Thanks for your answer, j michel from the south of France.
That is something you have to decide for yourself. Watch the reviews.
Does it sound better than Mac Mini as source? I meant, much better or only subtly better?
yep
In that review did you use Sbooster BOTW 5-6v or 12-13.2v?
I used the BOTW P&P ECO 12V - 13.2V
I think this is what I have been looking for! Thank You for your great reviews. Before I purchase one, has anyone has issues or know of a better solution for the price? I will be using a Chord DAC as well. I have a NAS with all of my music as well as Tidal.
Not that I know of
Hans,
I really appreciate your compreensive and straight reviews. You found an original and effective way to educate and share valuable information about audio technology. Congratulations.
Well, a lot influenced by your review, I recently purchased a SoTM SMS 200. Being advised by you about the importance of a high quality PS, I was planning to purchase later the Sbooster PS. But because this gear is impossible to find in my country, and because my SoTM dealer had in stock the brand new PS from SoTM, the sPS 500, I decided to buy it together with the sMS200.
The SoTM setup is sounding beatifully feeding my Chord Hugo, but I am certainly wondering how the Sbooster would compare versus the SoTM dedicated PS.
Finally my question, have you heard the SMS 200 with the sPS 500 ? If not, do you plan to do so ? I am sure a lot of your audience would appreciate having your opinion.
Thanks and keep the good work.
Thinks for your kind words. I am currently reviewing the sMS-2w00Ultra and the sPS-500. The review will be due in a few weeks.
I'll know when I have finished testing.
Thanks for the quick reply.
We will be eagerly waiting for your conclusions. Please make a comparison between the Sbooster and sPS 500.
Hans, great video. please can you also devote attention to Chord DAVE, the new Auralic Altair and Polaris, good Roon servers and how to optimize them, etc
The Chord Dave is beyond the scope of this channel. The others I'll place on the (long) bucket list
Thanks Hans. I would also be interested in your views on HQ player. I use it and love it but I would love to hear your thoughts on it, if it is in the scope of your channel.
Peter Jauhal HQplayer have not responded to my request for a reviewers licence. They didn't even bother to answer with a rejection. So no.
Hans, do you use the LMS server on the sMS 200 itself? Or do you advice running a separate LMS server? Now trying to index my entire music directory on my Qnap Nas, but that goes terribly slow. I haven't tried running LMS server on my QNAP NAS since its limited.
I wouldn’t run it on the sms-200 either.
So don’t use LMS at all? Struggling all day with it, can’t get any music out of it. Really frustrating.
No, I have it installed on an iMac.
Will try that, so do not set any libraries in the library config and then turn Squeezelite on in Eunhasu?
Install LMS of a computer, set Eunhasu to Squeezelite and select the SOtM as player in the SqB software
Hans, is not clear to me if this device does provide galvanic isolation between computer and DAC? And if so, how?
It doesn't. My fault. Sorry
Thanks Hans! Final question is which of the two following configurations you would choose for best SQ:
1) sms-200 with an upgraded power supply+ chord Hugo
2) Mac Mini+Intona USB Purifer (galvanic isolator)+ Chord Hugo
If you haven't tested the Intona please still try to give me your comment!
I don't know the Purifier, but I'll probably go for the sms-200 for I know that to work very well.
Hans, I had a chat with Sotm marketing manager about the sMS-200 and she told me that the ethernet port is not galvanically isolated although it does have a noise filter (not better specified). I am now intrigued by which technology they are using to make the sMS-200 have such a good impact on sound quality.
OK I'll check
when you say "NAA" we think HQPlayer, the terms are associated. I guess you should avoid confusion. Good review anyway!
The term NAA is also used by others. There are already more TLA's than is comfortable, let's just stick to those that are known.
Hans, do you think is possible a SMS-200 (US$ 490) be better than Auralic Aries Extreme (US$ 1200) (2 Femto Clocks), both powered with a good Linear Power Supply?
I can't answer that since I have not been able to review the Aries Extreme.
Do you know if clocks can really bring high improvement to sound quality? The new SMS-200 Ultra is three times more expensive than previous one, just because it has internal clocks.
But you have reviewed auralic altair, which is a combination of Aries and Vega. Did you tried use Altair dac port as bridge to Hugo? So, you can compare with Sms-200.
The Altair is not identical to the Aries and even if it was, I wouldn't make such conclusions.
Hans, how you doing? Technically, if SMS-200 take bits perfect from LAN, the quality of the source should no be so important. So, if my server is a expensive nimitra, mac mini or a cheap US$ 50 chinese mini-pc, if it has a ethernet port, audio quality would be the same. Is it correct?
I can only confirm that I hear no difference between a Mac Mini and Intel NUC6i3 for that is what I have tested. I don't know about a cheap US$50 mini PC. You do need an Intel i3 processor, 8 GB RAM and SSD drive as minimum. If you can find that for US$ 50, please let me know;-). And then there is the matter of having the system do as little as possible but do that perfectly....
Do you know if Roon is able to buffer the music from external HD to server SSD before play, like Audirvana and Jriver?
Yes. If there are limitations in feeding music to the endpoints it will be due to driver problems, i.e. the 'interfacing' of the hardware with the operating system. If that works good (and that appears to be more difficult when using a computer for audio than it looks), Roon will work like a charm. The same goes for Audirvana+ by the way. Choose proven hardware, the cheapest option being the Intel NUC6i3
I'm using the SMS-200 connected direct to server. It's a mac mini.
Roon is really amazing. Sadly is so expensive compared to Jriver and Audirvana.
NICE!!
Is it possible to play Tidal on this?
Martyn, I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the Tidal functionality is handled by the player software. For example, I use the SOTM sms200 (and I agree with Hans about the comparison with the MRendu) with Roon, and Roon offers Tidal as an option. -- David
You are correct David.
Can the SMS 200 play tidal masters without Room?
I don’t think there is a way to use the sms200 with the Tidal app. But you could use for instance the free Logitech Media Server on the sms200 and install the Tidally plugin.
Excellent review thanks.
Hans, Are you able to confirm that the sMS200 is compatible with the Mytek Brooklyn. Am I right in thinking that it will not be compatible with MQA. Thanks
I haven't tried the combo but I shouldn't know why it would not work. Both devices adhere to the USB Audio profile 2. The sMS-200 is fully transparent. Just make sure that sour player software is set to bit perfect; so no volume (or set to '100' or whatever is the loudest), no upsampling and so on. It is not the sMS-200 that would disturb MQA.
On the SOTM site under FAQ on the sms-200 page I found this:
"The sMS-200 uses the latest Linux kernel and it has a compatibility issue with MYTEK DIGITAL STEREO192-DSD DAC USB2.0 ."
I have no idea if that affects the brooklyn though
I can give you a whole list of non-compatible DAC's. But since there are chipsets available the support USB Audio Profile 2, all new designs - including the Brookyn - are compatible with all Apple and Linux computers - including the sMS-200 and with Windows computers using a standard USB Audio Profile 2 driver.
No worries Hans
I read on CA that Alex from uptone has shipped an LPS-1 to you for review. Just wondering if you will do a comparo of the microrendu vs sms-200 when both powered from the LPS-1?
I only ask because I have an LPS-1 on order and am going to get either an sms-200 or microrendu (Alex says that the LPS-1 will power the sms-200)....I will be feeding this into a mojo.
Thanks in advance :)
I will test a number of power supplies using the Raspberry Pi and HifiBerry Digi+Transformer.
Hans have you considered a review of pro audio technology Dante (IP audio) by Focusrite Rednet which enable you to use any software (audio player) of your choice like A+ on Mac to play music to Rednet via ethernet without usb audio disadvantages. the protocol is not dlna and is considered by many on headfi to be better than any usb audio ( even urendu is eventually usb audio)?
see link:www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-rednet-3-16-review-aes67-sets-a-new-standard-for-computer-audio
I do not get involved with pro audio gear on this channel. Sorry but I have to draw the line somewhere:-(
I understand but it seems that best audio gear comes from pro audio industry since it covers larger market and employs best audio experts. We (consumers) don't care who makes the gear but rather take note of how it sounds. Computer audiophile market as a niche market which only results mostly in overpriced (large margins on low sales) and underperforming gear.
I ran a magazine for the professional audio market for 21 years and have reviewed many AD-DA's but I don't recognise what you say.
I am a veteran of computer audio and have NEVER heard the term NAA used outside of HQplayer. Moreover, any renderer/adapter that has an "NAA" mode is 100% referring to theisolated fifo buffer capability of the HQPlayer architecture. I would not use NAA outside of HQplayer; it's confusing and a disservice to Jussi's invention. My $.02
Well, it also functions as an HQPlayer NAA as well.
Yes, my point exactly. Show me where something is called an NAA and doesn't involve HQplayer.
www.toa.jp/products/network_audio_adapters.html
www.aliexpress.com/network-audio-adapter_reviews.html
www.gtrbd.com/product/ip-network-audio-adapter/
www.elsiscom.co.id/products/149-network-audio-adaptor.html
www.cmxaudio.com/productshow.asp?ArticleID=T78Z4R34RX&id=1632&cid=003001
gigaom.com/2014/02/08/how-i-turned-my-chromecast-into-a-45-networked-audio-adapter/
www.martinloganowners.com/forum/showthread.php?16222-Network-Audio-Adapters-(NAA)
Hi, Hans, another comprehensible and logic review of your provenience, thanks for that! The only problem I have is your judgment about the audibility of the difference between two such sophisticated devices. If I judge it right we are about same age and our audible frequency range has decreased to 12 kHz or so (with corresponding decrease in the ability to detect transients resp. minimal transient shifts). I am aware of the fact that frequency range is not all but the difference between signal jitter (time domain of digital signal) of two sophisticated USB-devices should be in the -90 to -100dB range resulting in absolutely minor consequences in the frequency domain.
I personally am not able to detect this in a blind test - no way. I should add I own audiphile level head phones... I gues with loud speakers you would be left out in the woods completely.
Well, you might have a slightly wrong view on things. As I have described in MQA part 1; Why 24 bit 192 kHz audio? (ruclips.net/video/r_wxRGiBoJg/видео.html), even if your hearing is limited to 12 kHz, you still hear over 9 of the 10 octaves a young person is able to hear. People might get deaf at our age, but that is a reduced sensitivy of the ears in the 1 to 5 kHz range and can easily be 20 dB down. You might also want to watch 'How to Listen part 1 and 2" (ruclips.net/video/_ysiTgPFKWs/видео.html). For as where the physical part of our auditory system decreases in performance, the all so important cognitive part of our hearing - the work of our brains - has learned to interpret and distinguish far more over the years (until the brains degrade at high age or due to a medical condition).
Very good point regarding the lack of only one octave. OTOH, as I already pointed out, I am aware of the fact that frequency range is not all to listening ;). But the higher order frequency components of transients should be deteriorated by a restrained listening range of an older ear, too. Again, you are right in stating that psychoacoustics will compensate for this. Psychoacoustics comprises not only hearing but also seeing and even tactile stimuli. That's why the overall impression of a real concert is much richer than only listening to it via an audio chain (even a super sophisticated audiophile listening chain in the same environment - I remember such setups done by B&W to demonstrate the superiority of their speakers). Coming back to our topic here I would argue that psychoacoustics will in fact compensate very well for any loss of information in an audio listening chain - or in the listener's physiological hearing capabilities. At least for me there exists no evidence that phenomena deep underneath the physiological listening capabilities will reach awareness because brainwise this is not economical nor important.
Apart from this I am also continuously striving for new listening experience and testing ever new audiophile setups. Sometimes I hear "a difference" sometimes not. But I cannot tell which is "better" or which is "worse" - just different. But when I got to a classical concert there is so much more acoustic information that I cannot listen to my stuff at home for several days...
Ah, what is better and what is worse, is that your question. I can't answer that. I can only classify equipment into levels of performance, using the three reference sets (www.thehbproject.com/about). I discussed that in "What DAC is the best" (ruclips.net/video/EykkzxUstL4/видео.html).
Wow, will take some time now to digest your superb input.
in HBchannel veritas? Et quidquid agis, frui musica. n(Sorry, I couldn't resist😀)
I am trying to find funds to have theHBproject.com contain all my videos in a way that is more accessible. But that wil take time.