New Network Bridge/Streamer inbound

[Puma Cat]

Today I purchased an SoTM SMS200Ultra Neo network bridge/streamer. Should be here in a couple of weeks, right in time for the Sonore OpticalModule.

The UltraNeo will replace my Sonore microRendu.

[Puma Cat]

I had a good question on another forum, given that I have a fiber setup, why I didn't go with the new Sonore OpticalRendu.

Good question. Here's why, hoping this will help the thinking of others considering streaming setups...

Bottom line: I think the SoTM will sound (quite a bit) better. As far as I can figure, the OpticalModule is an UltraRendu with an SFP port. 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:
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; 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 their D-link switch or use the purpose-built 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.