Article: SOtM sMS-200 Review

[The Computer Audiophile]

View full article

[ElviaCaprice]

It's too bad you waited so long to make this review and soon the Ultra version will be out.  Things are moving far faster than these reviews and yesterdays technology is already old today.

[austinpop]

Hi Chris,

 

Did you try the sMS-200 and mR, both powered by the LPS-1?

 

In my own review here on CA, I found them both to sound very, very good, but I felt the sMS-200 edged ahead by, as I put it, "a nose." 

 

Obviously, with components this close in quality to each other, YMMV!

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I know it's hard to believe, but I don't even have an LPS-1!

[austinpop]

4 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I know it's hard to believe, but I don't even have an LPS-1!

 

That is mind-boggling, my friend!

 

So you used the mBPS-d2s with sMS-200. With what were you powering the microRendu in this comparison?

[phusis]

Thanks for adding this long-in-the-wait review. I'm a bit confounded why you didn't try out a variety of power supplies to come about the sonic differences between the sMS-200 and the mR, instead of resorting to the bit perfect "analysis" tool (which didn't amount to anything anyway). It seems to me interesting light could've been shed with a range of PSU's here.

 

If anything I'd have guessed this review has seen a significant shelf life prior to publication.. 

[stevebythebay]

1 hour ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I know it's hard to believe, but I don't even have an LPS-1!

How about the Sonore Signature?  Or was that one never a "keeper" in your system, to go along with the microRendu?  It would seem logical to at least try and keep relative/comparable financial combinations of such products.  I know the Signature does not exactly fit that criteria, but what did you use for the microRendu? Since you're doing a bit of comparison here, it's only fair to reveal what power supply you're using in conjunction with the microRendu.

[The Computer Audiophile]

10 minutes ago, stevebythebay said:

How about the Sonore Signature?  Or was that one never a "keeper" in your system, to go along with the microRendu?  It would seem logical to at least try and keep relative/comparable financial combinations of such products.  I know the Signature does not exactly fit that criteria, but what did you use for the microRendu? Since you're doing a bit of comparison here, it's only fair to reveal what power supply you're using in conjunction with the microRendu.

 

Yes, thanks for bringing this up. I used a prototype Sonore Signature PSU for the microRendu.

[The Computer Audiophile]

34 minutes ago, phusis said:

Thanks for adding this long-in-the-wait review. I'm a bit confounded why you didn't try out a variety of power supplies to come about the sonic differences between the sMS-200 and the mR, instead of resorting to the bit perfect "analysis" tool (which didn't amount to anything anyway). It seems to me interesting light could've been shed with a range of PSU's here.

 

If anything I'd have guessed this review has seen a significant shelf life prior to publication.. 

 

Hi phusis - Thanks for the comments. You touched on what makes CA a bit different from other publications.

 

On front page reviews we lean more toward information that a majority of people in this hobby can digest. We try to limit the number of variables and limit the number of words in a review. For example, the sMS-200 review could have been 6000 words and covered every power supply capable of driving the unit and the mR and every PSU and other similar devices and all the PSUs etc... I know some people would like this type of review and I don't blame them for wanting more information. On the other hand, some people don't want to know too much about how the sausage is made and want a review they can digest without blocking off an hour of their schedule.

 

Fortunately, CA also has a user forum where the nitty gritty details are all there for anyone to read and ask questions. Crowd sourcing this information from people all over the world with all kinds of systems etc... is an unmatchable way to really get deep knowledge about a product. 

 

Some reviews we dig deeper and write more words, but for the most part we try to condense down what we find interesting and what we think will benefit the readers. We also realize when we aren't the first publication to review a product and we try to offer something that people haven't received from elsewhere. it's all a fine balance. We hope that between the front page reviews and the forum, most people will be able to extract the information that suits their style of reading and absorbing the info. 

[stevebythebay]

47 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

 

Yes, thanks for bringing this up. I used a prototype Sonore Signature PSU for the microRendu.

I don't suppose you happened to test the Signature PSU with the sMS-200.  Seems that might have put this combination sonically ahead of the one you tested.  But then, that might violate what you intended to do here.  And unlike the microRendu, which suggests different alternative power supplies, I don't see that suggested by SOtM. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

2 minutes ago, stevebythebay said:

I don't suppose you happened to test the Signature PSU with the sMS-200.  Seems that might have put this combination sonically ahead of the one you tested.  But then, that might violate what you intended to do here.  And unlike the microRendu, which suggests different alternative power supplies, I don't see that suggested by SOtM. 

 

Correct, I didn't test the Sonore PSU with the SOtM D-to-D. 

[ChrisG]

34 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

 

Hi phusis - Thanks for the comments. You touched on what makes CA a bit different from other publications.

 

On front page reviews we lean more toward information that a majority of people in this hobby can digest. We try to limit the number of variables and limit the number of words in a review. For example, the sMS-200 review could have been 6000 words and covered every power supply capable of driving the unit and the mR and every PSU and other similar devices and all the PSUs etc... I know some people would like this type of review and I don't blame them for wanting more information. On the other hand, some people don't want to know too much about how the sausage is made and want a review they can digest without blocking off an hour of their schedule.

 

 

Personally I like the fact that you don't have a lot of "accessories" in your system since it makes it easier for readers to know if the results you are hearing are due to the piece of equipment you are reviewing and not because of added tweaks that are in your system (such as super expensive cables, power conditioning, linear power supplies, isolation bases, etc.). Now if the review had been about the LPS-1, it would make perfect sense to try it against its competition, but since this is about the sMS-200, IMO, you did the right thing for the review comparing it to its competition. 

And, for my system, I preferred the sMS-200 over the mRendu (both powered by LPS-1), but I have tubes in my preamp (VTL TL7.5 III) which may be why I didn't need more "analog" sound added. 

[LarryMagoo]

I am blown away that the HD-Plex LPS are not more popular.  They are incredibly versatile...4 DC rails.  5-19 Volts and one rail is adjustable.   They use XLR connectors/cables and are included with the LPS.

[ElviaCaprice]

1 hour ago, LarryMagoo said:

I am blown away that the HD-Plex LPS are not more popular.  They are incredibly versatile...4 DC rails.  5-19 Volts and one rail is adjustable.   They use XLR connectors/cables and are included with the LPS.

 

That's because the HDPlex doesn't even come close to the LPS-1 impedance levels, let alone the blocking of stray DC current.  In other words the HDPlex is not in the same league.  Works fine for a noisy mobo and temporary power supply.

[davide256]

Appreciate the review, tells me to stick with mRendu. Would be nice to see a "full potential"  review with optical Ethernet, both powered  by a good LPS and something like the Mutec 3 + USB. Suspect that could take you into "extreme pin drop" sound resolution with both which to me is the hallmark of the mRendu.

[ElviaCaprice]

2 hours ago, stevebythebay said:

I don't suppose you happened to test the Signature PSU with the sMS-200.  Seems that might have put this combination sonically ahead of the one you tested.  But then, that might violate what you intended to do here.  And unlike the microRendu, which suggests different alternative power supplies, I don't see that suggested by SOtM. 

I don't get it.  How can we get a true comparison without the same power supply.  A special power supply add on for the mR and a switching power supply for the sMS-200?  Not even a fair comparison.  Oh well, it don't matter anymore, the Ultra sMS-200 is just about out and from all reviews from those that already have it, it is a night and day difference with the new clocking board.  Of course the price is dramatically different also.

[The Computer Audiophile]

I encourage you to lighten up a bit Elvis. 

 

Each company sends a product how they want it tested. In this case the battery supply for the sotm and the signature for the mR. 

[ElviaCaprice]

12 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I encourage you to lighten up a bit Elvis. 

 

Each company sends a product how they want it tested. In this case the battery supply for the sotm and the signature for the mR. 

No problem, my bad,  didn't know that the sotm had a battery supply, guess I missed that, you do say so in your review, and was supplied by the company. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

All good. Have a great weekend. 

[grinner]

Thanks Chris.

 

Very nice review. 

 

I have the microRendu.

 

As you say, this class of device allows one to preserve any investment in DACs, amps etc and yet keep up with playing and streaming developments like Roon, Tidal, NAS and so on. 

[bensoundresearch]

Nice review Chris,

I have also noticed some quirks in the SMS-200 and want to get one soon.  It would be my first server and the dac either a starting point DAC3 or Metrum Musette will be my first DAC.  I have lots of CDs and vinyl and my CD player just died.

 

My question, for the large assembled gallery of SMS-200 users, is what type of hard disk device will successfully plug directly into the SMS-200?  On stereonet.com.au it has been noted by some that USB drives that draw 5V power from the SMS-200 don't sound great.  Any one want to speculate as to why?  Does the extra current draw cause more electrical noise in SMS-200 perhaps?

 

One user, Bilbo, the initial SMS-200 reviewer, reported that his Geiseler 12V LPSU powered hard drive dock, the Astone 250E, sounded much better.  He  suggested this is because it does't use the SMS-200's power.  He also mentioned he had a NAS (also a self powered device) that worked directly plugged into SMS-200, but did not sound as good as the Astone 250E.  The Astone 250E is superseded and no longer available.  Another poster mentioned that a newer incarnation of the Astone HDD dock was not recognised or seen by his SMS-200.  

 

So has anyone else experimented with self powered hard drive docks vs bus powered usb drives vs self powered NAS drives on the SMS-200?  If so have they noted any sonic differences or simply which ones were actually "seen" by SMS-200.  And if they used the self powered variety which power supplies did they prefer, e.g., battery or LPSU?

 

Using a hard drive device plugged directly into the SMS-200 appeals to me because no computer is required.  (My computers travel to work and back daily).  SOtM's software and Lumin etc allow the hard drive's files to be directly accessed via iPad.  I wish to avoid the expense and complication or Roon, Tidal etc for now.  Thanking everyone for there input in advance

 

Kind regards,

 

Ben

 

 

[jtwrace]

The article should say that the sMS-200 is $450 with a 2 month trial or $510 with a one year subscription.  I've attached the pictures as well. 

 

 

 

 

 

sMS with one year.tiff

 

sMS with trial.tiff

[jtwrace]

3 minutes ago, jtwrace said:

 

sMS with one year.tiff

sMS with trial.tiff

[ClothEars]

Nice review but I think you may have missed some functionality in the Eunhasu software available since version 3.6.  "The mR offers several places to get information about the connected USB DAC."

 

If you go to the System Config page in Eunhasu, there are two useful links provided at the bottom left of the page. One is "Detailed system information" and the other is "DAC information".  They only appear as small text but they are actually links to reports.  Have a look and you may find what you are looking for.

 

[ClothEars]

23 hours ago, bensoundresearch said:

Nice review Chris,

I have also noticed some quirks in the SMS-200 and want to get one soon.  It would be my first server and the dac either a starting point DAC3 or Metrum Musette will be my first DAC.  I have lots of CDs and vinyl and my CD player just died.

 

My question, for the large assembled gallery of SMS-200 users, is what type of hard disk device will successfully plug directly into the SMS-200?  On stereonet.com.au it has been noted by some that USB drives that draw 5V power from the SMS-200 don't sound great.  Any one want to speculate as to why?  Does the extra current draw cause more electrical noise in SMS-200 perhaps?

 

One user, Bilbo, the initial SMS-200 reviewer, reported that his Geiseler 12V LPSU powered hard drive dock, the Astone 250E, sounded much better.  He  suggested this is because it does't use the SMS-200's power.  He also mentioned he had a NAS (also a self powered device) that worked directly plugged into SMS-200, but did not sound as good as the Astone 250E.  The Astone 250E is superseded and no longer available.  Another poster mentioned that a newer incarnation of the Astone HDD dock was not recognised or seen by his SMS-200.  

 

So has anyone else experimented with self powered hard drive docks vs bus powered usb drives vs self powered NAS drives on the SMS-200?  If so have they noted any sonic differences or simply which ones were actually "seen" by SMS-200.  And if they used the self powered variety which power supplies did they prefer, e.g., battery or LPSU?

 

Using a hard drive device plugged directly into the SMS-200 appeals to me because no computer is required.  (My computers travel to work and back daily).  SOtM's software and Lumin etc allow the hard drive's files to be directly accessed via iPad.  I wish to avoid the expense and complication or Roon, Tidal etc for now.  Thanking everyone for there input in advance

 

Kind regards,

 

Ben

 

 

 

Sorry Ben, but I have to correct a couple of things.

I don't have a Geiseler LPSU - it was a friends we used as a test. Subsequent to that, I now use a 12V 3A DIY LPSU which also sounds better than the battery.

My NAS was not connected direct into the SMS-200 but via ethernet into my router which made it available as a netwrok device that the SMS-200 could "see".

 

I also recommend using the Soundirok app to control the SMS-200 in MPD mode.

A great app with a good interface and that setup is very simple and works a treat!

Cheers

Bilbo