SOtM sMS-200 Ultra NEO streamer and networked audio interface
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- Опубликовано: 2 ноя 2024
- Almost a year ago the original sMS-200Ultra made me extremely enthusiastic. Viewer Ian Sharp posted: “Wow, never seen you like that Hans”. The Ultra brought true high-end closer to affordability. And now SOtM comes with an improved NEO version…..
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The "Neo" mod costs $30 and it comprises a power supply capacitor change. If you also want to change the faceplate (the faceplate reads "Neo" on the top right corner), it's $80. I have ordered the capacitor through my dealer and have performed the swap. Most dealers can provide this service (as it's super easy to do,) so that one does not have to ship the unit to Korea, which would propably be a bit uneconomical.
Thanks Theodore!! That is great to know!
SOtM provided the part to the dealer. It is their policy (a wise one, if you ask me) that such a minor mod be performed locally. The mod can ofcourse be performed at the dealership. These days, most dealers of audio equipment also deal with minor servicing of the equipment they sell and quite rightly so, thus this minor cap change shouldn't pose any problems for the vast majority of them.
Can somebody give the spec of the capacitor involved?
It is unlikely that just knowing the capacitance and voltage is sufficient. You need to know brand and model too. This kind of tweaks are rather critical.
Hello Hans.
I've just bought the SOtM SMS-200 Ultra Neo Special Edition from Crux Audio USA (they offered me a good deal on a demo unit).
All I can say is WOW!!!
Right out of the box it sounded better than my Notebook + Audioquest Jitterbug + Wyred4sound USB Reclocker chain, but after a week, like you say in your video, the sound was just incredible.
And thats not the end, after a couple of weeks, its just beyond words to describe it. I f... love it!!!
I know there are MANY variables in a system, but seriously, my SOtM SMS-200 Ultra Neo SE + Gustard U16 + Audio-gd R8 Ladder DAC chain sounds better (to my ears) than a few multi thousand dollars streamers + DACs I've heard. Just amazing sound coming out of these digital rig.
Thank you for your videos about the SMS-200 family as it helped me decide to buy them and I couldnt be happier!!
😁
Did you purchase the special edition with a master clock connector and an ethernet switch or just the basic model?
Is it necessary to buy a USBultra as well?
I use it without clock but that is a monetary driven decision.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Hello Hans, my music source is Tidal and my current set up is MacBook connected via USB cable to the Mytek Brooklyn DAC. Do I need the SMS-200 Ultra Neo or do I need the tx-USBultra? There are so many different models to choose from and I would appreciate it if you could give me some guidance.
@@ysk249
In my opinion, you should get the SOtM SMS-200 Ultra Neo as the USB signal from a computer is crap and, for me, it will be always the weakest link on the chain.
Wow! I'm famous. I am the "Viewer Ian Sharp". Thanks for another interesting review Hans.
Gongrats Ian🎂
Thank you Hans, for another great review. What did you mean that refinement might not be to everyone's taste? What specifically were you referring to?
Some mistake resolution and lack of distortion for dull sounding.
Thank you.
Hi Hans, could you confirm how the ultra Neo is marked on the outside to differentiate it from the standard ultra. Thanks
It says NEO on the front, next to the power button (not in my video, I used the old photos) and on the bottom there is a sticker that holds the model number. There it says NEO.
In 2023, is this still a shining star of a product at this price point, or should I be considering another option(s)?
Yes it is
Hello Hans.
Thank you for the video again!
I would like your personal opinion.
How do you think the SOtM SMS-200 Ultra Neo, with the SOtM SPS-500 Power Supply and streaming Tidal with Roon, compares (soundwise) to a good CD player directly connected to a DAC?
With a good CD player I mean an audiophile one within normal price range, not a super high end (expensive) one.
Thank you!
I can't tell as I don't have the Ultra Neo (yet). But, I do have a normal good cd player as Cambridge CxC, and I taped Dynamat Xtreme (i think 3mm) at the inside of chassis to limit vibrations (it's an awesome device for its price, but the chassis is clearly the compensation they made). I'm so happy with the results (I guess you'll loose all warranty). Coming close to that sound is my ultimate goal with streaming through the Ultra Neo.
Hello Hans. Have you checked the 100BASE-T link speed setting on latest firmwares? (4.57 and above) You 'll like what you'll hear .
Hi Hans, thanks for continuing to produce such informative videos. Based on your experience I’ve added an SOtM sMS-200 Ultra Neo and the sPS-500 LPS. Question - do you have suggestions on whether a quality USB cable from the SOtM to my RME ADI-2 DAC FS would make an incremental audible difference? If yes, and based on your experience, can you suggest a quality USB cable under 300€? Thank you & wish you a happy new year.
I can't say if you would appreciate the increment. Just buy a cable at a dealer or on-line seller that allows you to return the cable within reasonable time and judge for yourself.
Hello, Hans. Your videos are quite astounding. Thank you so much.
I purchased yesterday the NEO streamer based on your recommendation. I have not received the unit yet. However, I just realized that my receiver has USB A input but it is for firmware updates and reading music files directly from an attached drive only. It will not accept input from the NEO. I was attempting to go straight from the out of the NEO to the receiver without purchasing a DAC.
What is the best way to resolve this without compromising audio quality? These are my choices are far as I am able to discern:
1. Buy a DAC
2. Buy a receiver that accepts streamed USB input
3. Buy a USB adapter that outputs RCA, toslink, or coaxial
Thoughts?
Go for option 1 or 2, an adaptor will most likely have influence on the sound quality.
Thank you Mr. Beekhuyzen. If you have time, I would appreciate you answering a question.
As you likely know, Roon recently made the Chromecast Audio a Roon endpoint. The sounds I’m able to achieve using a toslink cable to my headphone DAC are very nice, and the Chromecast Audio is very versatile.
I understand that the SMS 200 Ultra allows USB, and therefore higher sample rates. In terms of sound quality, though, how is this different from a Chromecast Audio to a DAC with a Toslink connection? I’m in Australia and have no way of hearing the ultra without purchasing it first.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Comparing the Chromecast to the sMS-200ultra NEO is like comparing a good hamburger from a fast food restaurant to a gourmet dinner at a three star restaurant. But please do realise that you do need a digital/analogue converter wit headphone amp too.
Thank you very much. I figured as much, but thank you for the definitive confirmation. I better start saving...
I have both and as Hans points out, there can be no comparison, Its a bit like, or to put it this way its like comparing Ajax FC to the Australian Cricket team.
Thank you Jules Barry. I'm very interested in hearing the SMS 200 Ultra for myself, but unfortunately I can't without buying it. Specifically, how is the sound of a standard song from Tidal through the SMS 200 Ultra better than through the Chromecast Audio? Deeper? Warmer? Clearer? Thank you for your help!
I have never used Tidal so can't help you there. Does any dealer there not have a return policy if you do not like a product? other than taking a gamble as Hans has given it a raving review (the original Ultra) It maybe worth taking a little bit of a risk. I bought mine purely on Hans' review, and it sounds rather excellent. Then again If you are happy with the Chrome cast, why waste good money on the SOtM? It, at $450 US Dollars for the non Ultra version is a risk i would personally take.
I'm having real problems with the SMS-200 Ultra Neo and SPS-500. I've tried two different units of each and I'm getting, what I can only call 'DC output' or DC feedback via the USB output. Its making very low level noises (output via my sub at
Sorry to hear that but I can't do support. Please contact your dealer or SOtM directly at sotm@sotm-audio.com
You mentioned picking a format source for streaming to set up the Sotm. I only playback downloaded digital files, no streaming. My digital player is the Aurender n100c to a Holo Spring 3 kte dac via usb. Would the Sotm still work and benefit my sound quality?
I have no experience with the Aurender, so I can't say. Sorry.
Fantastic review! Is it in someway possible to feed the SMS-200 with a signal improved with Dirac e.g. by use of some the supported protocols? I have looked at the Minidsp Studio, but this device lacks a usb output to connect a usb dac. I cannot find any other high quality Dirac streamers with usb output. Please advice if possible.
I am afraid not.
The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel thanks for the very fast response. I have figured out that maybe Audirvana with a Dirac VST3 plug-in connected to the SMS-200 (powered by a S-booster) via DNLA will work. Or will this “ruin” the qualities of the SMS-200?
Is this a bluetooth player that receives music signals from the computer wirelessly, and then feed the DAC?
Hi Hans. I consider to purchase this great device. A question - will it pass MQA to A Mqa- enable Dac such as IFI PRO IDSD or MYTEK BROOKLYN ?
Absolutely!
Why am I able to upgrade the 200-Ultra for a minimal cost?
??
The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel I went to inquire about pricing in the USA and it says upgrades are available for $80 plus shipping costs to/from S. Korea.
Well, that’s good news!
The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel So I guess it's just a software upgrade. I got the wrong impression from the video.
I'm sure the neo has had a power board capacitor change .. therefore the cost is relatively low .
Hi Hans, did your review unit include the optional master clock input to sync with the Mytek Brooklyn? If not, do you think it might lead to further improvement in sound quality?
I didn't so I don't know. Sorry.
Hi Hans, have you used any of the sotm ethernet cables with any of the sotm products that are ethernet enabled? Wondering if you heard any difference vs a stock cable if you have had the opportunity to try that out, thanks!
No, I haven't. But you might find this video interesting: ruclips.net/video/tPWS3Lk6y1g/видео.html
Hi Hans, do you use the Ultra Neo and the Minidsp SHD together (or one or the other)? Thanks for the videos.
I use both since the SHD doesn't do Roon (yet?)
Thank you for your useful information. Is it possible to install this player in Audirvana other than Roon?
Yes, see the review. You can have it work as DLNA renderer and then Audirvana can send the audio to it. It’s a good combo
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thamk you.
Is the Ultra still the best at its price?
What power supply did you find worked best for it?
It's still my favourite in this price class. I used it with an sBooster.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Hans I've been watching your videos for a while now I was pretty sure it was a sbooster but which model?
Hallo Hans, Thanks for your fine review! Do you think its advisable to upgrade the SMS200 ultra to the NEO version if you have a Tx USB ultra as well??
Can’t say. Have no hands on experience with the Tx
Well, to do a review I should have had a hands-on.....
Hi Hans, have you had the chance to compare their PSU SPS-500 with the sbooster on the sms200 ultra (neo) and can you give some details ? thanks
I couldn’t hear a difference so I use the SBooster
Hello Hans.
Thank you for the video, a very good one!
I've been watching your other videos on the SMS-200 and the SMS-200 Ultra.
Im not a tech guy and Im still not sure how these devices work.
Today I listen to all of my music streaming Tidal with Audinirvana+ on Windows 10.
I understand these SMS devices work as stand alone streamers that I could comand from my Android phone, of course connecting them to my switch with an Ethernet cable and with a USB cable to my DAC, or USB to Gustard U16 USB to I2S converter. Am I correct?
Kind regards
I have no experience with Android but if your phone manages to send a DLNA stream to the SMS - like Audirvana 2+ can - it will work. If your DAC has a USB input, I would skip the USB to I2S converter.
Hey Hans, as you like the original sMS200-Ultra so much will you be getting the upgraded NEO?
Listen carefully at the end of the video and find the answer😊
You are a business man, so as well as a tax break it must be a better proposition for your system number 1. Thanks for the video of the NEO, as there is not much Interest in SOtM gear on the web. Cheers!! and not forgetting, Enjoy the music!!! Oh yes, on one of your other videos you say the Jennifer Warned album suffers from sibilence I beleive, I have to respectfully disagree with you..still, enjoy the music sir!!!
Perhaps I wasn't specific enough about Famous Blue Raincoat: it is a cd that, if the equipment isn't very good, produces sibilance problems. That is why I use it as a benchmark. On a very good player, the problem doesn't occur.
I did wonder why you made that comment, my system obviously is superb........to my ears anyway,lol
Hallo, ik weet niet of het via dit kanaal zal zijn waar ik contact met u kan opnemen. Zo niet, kunt u mij dan vertellen hoe? Bedankt
DM me op Facebook. Link in video descriptions.
Hans, thanks for your review. Can you provide further detail about how you see the dynamics of neo comparing to previous version? It sounds like midrange etc will be an improvement on many systems, but I know quite a few owners of non-neo versions are concerned about SOTM’s comment about reduction in dynamics.
As I described in the video there is no real loss of dynamics but since the distortion of the NEO is lower, some people might get the impression it is.
I wish May from SOtM would look at your video and chip in with some comments Hans....
Hi Hans , one user said me that the original version has more tight and clearer bass than the neo. Can you comment on that? I am thinking to upgrade too. Thank you.
I don't agree with the 'one user'. Although the slight 'edge enhancement of the non NEO version' I mentioned in the video might be experienced by some as tighter bass.
You guys may answer the question, using SoTM and home computer through a home network, say I want to use Roon software, is this software resident in the home computer or Sotm?
On the computer
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel If Roon is on the computer how does the SOTM know the Roon is resident in the computer?
When the SOtM is set to Roon, it will be recognized by the Roon software when the setup Meno is chosen.
Hi Hans, on the SOtM website they have some further mods on this model and an mod switch with clock input, interested?
The Ultra models already have a precision clock board inside. Their separate clock generator costs UD$ 3500 so it might even be better than the internal clock board. But I limit my reviews to gear up to € 2000. Doing reviews all over the place doesn't give a coherent picture of (a part of) the market.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannelWhy do you need a clock on a streamer???
Any digital device needs at least one clock to to define the pace of the digital process.
Hi Hans! Just bought an ultra Neo but don't know how to use any of it and normally i'm quite good with Tek. Just want to play files on the usb stick i put in it for now till i understand the rest. Don't understand why they ask for a path since the "stick" isn't connected to anything but the Neo? Tried to use MP daemon but windows won't allow it, even with admin use? Tried downloading the MPD app on my phone and it won't open? Tried opening up the wifi feature and it doesn't accept my password? Worst instruction manual ever! This device is not very user friendly for now... I paid 1500$ for this and i can't even play files on a USB stick... Any advice?
The sMS-200 and 200 Ultra are essentially network bridges aka network audio interfaces. The best way to use them is in combination with server software like Roon or Logitech Media Server (Squeezebox). It does have MPD functionality and it should work that way, but I don't know that goes wrong at your place.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel to understand better the difference with a streamer. Please correct me where wrong. A streamer does all the streaming management by itself, so you don't need to switch on your computer. With the Ultra Neo I would continue to use Audirvana at the computer, but the digital input would not go through the USB of my computer. My question is if the signal would be pulled by the Ultra Neo to the original streaming IP address, or it's the computer who pushes the signal to the SOtM. If the last is correct, how come that it's bitperfect (as Audirvana intends bitperfect, but a computer is not able to do so)? somehow it'll work cause nobody ever told that Ultra Neo is worse than a good streamer... but why is that?
Surprised you never reviewed the accompanying sotm sPS-500. Yes it's a switcher but from impressions it seems to be very high quality. The large range of output voltage is convenient as well.
Absolutely. As there are a million other interesting tests to think of. And I only have 50 video a year🤔
Can you run this with Audivana?
Yes, you have to set it to DNLA.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thank you
do you use the 12V or 9V version?
I have used both, I hear not difference (it is internally switchable between 9 and 12 VDC).
too bad neo is only available from Sep in Hong Kong
Patience is a virtue😞
Ryan Yuen where in the world are you? USA availability I’m pretty sure.
Hello Hans, thanks a lot for your informative reviews, in Sep 2022, I would appreciate your thoughts of
SOTM sMS-200ultra Neo ? Is it still noteworthy anymore? feeding a Pontus II, Thanks @TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
Yes it is
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks Hans, your prompt reply is truly appreciated , GOD bless you