Article: SOtM sMS-200 Review

[AudioDoctor]

Are you reviewing the Mcintosh D1100?  I will be very interested in reading your review of that if you are.

[The Computer Audiophile]

8 hours ago, AudioDoctor said:

Are you reviewing the Mcintosh D1100?  I will be very interested in reading your review of that if you are.

 

Yes. Great product so far. 

[AudioDoctor]

3 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

 

Yes. Great product so far. 

 

I haven't heard one yet, but that's what I hear from others who have.  It will take a pretty great component to unseat the Luxman.

[Elberoth]

On 5.05.2017 at 10:48 PM, ElviaCaprice said:

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.

 

+1

 

I'm also puzzled by the metodology used in this and microRendu tests. 

 

What Chris basicly did, was a test of $640 Sonore microRendu with $1399 Sonore Signature Series Power Supply combination vs $450 SOtM sMS-200 with $450 SOtM mBPS-d2s PSU one. So basicly a $2039 combo vs a $900 one. 

 

I wonder, how many CA readers who bought one of those devices on Chris recommendation were able to afford those PSUs ? How many ended buing them ? I bet 90% of people who bought one of those devices, ended up using them with something like $49 iFi Power. Not a bad PSU, but nowhere near the performance of the much more expensive linear ones (like the 14x more expensive Sonore used here). 

 

IMO the very review headline is misleading. Instead of 'Sonore microRendu Review' or 'SOtM sMS-200 Review'  it should read: 

 

'Sonore microRendu +  Sonore Signature Series Power Supply combo Review @ $2039' 

'SOtM sMS-200 + SOtM mBPS-d2s PSU combo Review @ $900' 

 

Using automotive language, Chris described his impressions from driving fully loaded BMW M5 (which is fine), but failed to stress that the performance mentioned is not avalilable from stripped down, base BMW 520 model that majority will end up buying.

 

Chris have mentioned, that he wanted to make the review as uncluttered and accessible to their readers (the majority of them) as possible. I bet the majority of CA readers would welcome a review with a basic PSU, as that is what they will end up buying.

 

I understand that microRendu sells without a PSU, which creates a problem. But why accept one with the most expensive one instead of the excellent (and accessible) $49 iFi iPower that the majority will end up buying ? If I was writing this test I would ask for both - the cheapest and the most expensive one, to be able check what performance potential there is. But only the most expensive one ? Makes absolutely zero sense to me.

 

Worse still, he decided to make comparos using different PSUs, only because ... the units were suplied with them.  A company could be making a great end point and shitty PSU (or vice versa). Is that an useful info for someone, who has roughly $600 to spend on an endpoint (again - majority of CA readers) and is looking for an expert advice, which one to buy ? Definately not. 

 

IMO there is absolutely no excuse for not comparing those units under the same conditions, with the same PSU. Chris had the generic wall wart SMPS supplied by SOtM on hand, the SOtM battery PSU and Sonore premium linear one. He could easily buy/borrow the $49 iFi iPower PSU (iFi would probably send him not one but two for free, if he ever mentioned he needs one for a review) or UpTone LPS-1.

 

In my experience, PSUs make great difference in performance with both devces. I have bought both the microRendu and SOtM sMS-200 and tried all kinds of PSUs with them:

- UpTone JS-2 linear PSU

- SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU

- iFi iPower SMPS

- SOtM supplied generic wall wart SMPS

- UpTone LPS-1 supercapacitor PSU.

 

Tested under the same conditions (same PSU, same DAC), I have consistently prefered the SOtM sMS-200, as a better sounding of the two units. In my system, it was SOtM sMS-200 that was more organic and analog sounding, with better flow and dimensionality.

 

As far as PSUs are concerned, the SOtM supplied generic wall wart SMPS was the poorest performing one of the lot.

 

The $49 iFi iPower SMPS was a clear step up in performance and is highly recommended for both units. 

 

The SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU was a mixed bag. It didn't do much over the iFi iPower for the SOtM sMS-200, but was a suprisingly big improvement when paired with microRendu. Therefore, I cannot recommend the SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU for SOtM sMS-200 owners. I cannot recommend it for microRendu owners either, as there is LPS-1 ($445 with iFi iPower PSU) - which is $5 cheaper and sounds much better.

 

The $935 UpTone JS-2 linear PSU was a step up over the SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU when used with the SOtM sMS-200, but step down from SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU when used with microRendu (but still better than the iFi iPower). 

 

By far the best one with both  SOtM sMS-200 and microRendu was the $395 UpTone Audio LPS-1 supercapacitor PSU powered by $49 iFi iPower  (the UpTone Audio LPS-1 cannot work on its own; it needs another PSU as a charger). It easily trumps the more expensive UpTone JS-2 linear PSU on sonics when used with those two endpoints.

 

So my final PSU rank is this:

 

SOtM sMS-200:

1. SOtM supplied generic wall wart SMPS

2. iFi iPower SMPS

3. SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU

4. UpTone JS-2 linear PSU

5. UpTone LPS-1 supercapacitor PSU.

 

microRendu:

1. SOtM supplied generic wall wart SMPS

2. iFi iPower SMPS

3. UpTone JS-2 linear PSU

4. SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU

5. UpTone LPS-1 supercapacitor PSU.

 

For all future microRendu and SOtM sMS-200 buyers, my advice is this:

 

If your budget is limited, get the $49 iFi iPower SMPS. 

If you want to maximise the performance and can stomach $445 - get the UpTone Audio LPS-1 supercapacitor PSU with the $49 iFi iPower SMPS. 

 

The UpTone JS-2 linear PSU is too expensive to justify its cost (it is still perfectly good for powering anything that needs more than just 1A of current or two different components, since it is dual output) . The SOtM mBPS-d2s battery PSU is simply just not good enough and not consistent enough. For a bit less you can get the LPS-1 which easily trumps it in performance. 

 

I would also like to mention two SOtM sMS-200 features that Chris somehow forgot to mention and which can be big selling points for some users. 

 

The first one is built in, simple music server, which allows SOtM sMS-200 to play from connected USB drives. In other words - you don't need a separate computer or a NAS to play music. 

 

The second one is WiFi feature. If you don't have an ethernet cable next to your audio system (still a suprisingly common situation) you can get a USB wifi dongle to make the SOtM sMS-200 wireless.

 

For fairness, I would like to add, that microRendu have added a separate Spotify Connect Output mode with their new software update, which at this point is not available from SOtM yet (you can still play Spotify on SOtM using the Shairport - but it is not as elegant solution). 

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Thanks for the detailed analysis Adam. 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

19 hours ago, ClothEars said:

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.

 

 

Thanks for the comments. Yes, I missed the DAC Information page in the V0.3.5 update. I've attached a screenshot for interested in seeing what it looks like. 

 

 

Version : V0.3.5 - Date : 13-03-2017

- Update Shairport-sync to 3.0

- Add Squeezelite audio options

- Add DAC information page

- Modify update check routine

- Fix empty DAC name

- Fix MPD streaming issue

 

 

Thanks again. This is a great example of the incredible value of the CA Community.

[guerph]

I have my sMS-200 paired with the W4S PS-1 and could not be happier. To all who read this review, I have to disagree strongly with assessment that the sMS-200 is more CD than 180 gram vinyl when compared to the microRendu. With a decent power supply, the sMS-200 has brought me closer to an analogue sound than any other upgrade in my system.

[Elberoth]

1 hour ago, guerph said:

I have my sMS-200 paired with the W4S PS-1 and could not be happier. To all who read this review, I have to disagree strongly with assessment that the sMS-200 is more CD than 180 gram vinyl when compared to the microRendu. With a decent power supply, the sMS-200 has brought me closer to an analogue sound than any other upgrade in my system.

 

That is probably 'cos Chris had used his microRendu with the excellent, but very pricey @ $1400 Sonore Signature Series linear power supply.

 

If he had used the same expensive PSU with the SOtM sMS-200, his conclusions might have been different. Mine certainly are.

[The Computer Audiophile]

5 minutes ago, Elberoth said:

 

That is probably 'cos Chris had used his microRendu with the excellent, but very pricey @ $1400 Sonore Signature Series linear power supply.

 

If he had used the same expensive PSU with the SOtM sMS-200, his conclusions might have been different. Mine certainly are.

 

I don't doubt your conclusions. However, if my aunt was a man he would be my uncle. If, if, if :~)

[Johnseye]

4 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

 

I don't doubt your conclusions. However, if my aunt was a man he would be my uncle. If, if, if :~)

 

The review in and of itself would have been just fine regardless of PSU used.  Where it became open to contention was when the two devices were compared.  This should have been, and still should be in a separate review.  Comparing apples with oranges regardless of the number of possible types of apples and oranges out there, are still apples and oranges.  Bob's your uncle.  I understand the mfg wanted you to use a specific PSU, and by all means that request should be honored, but if the mfg's wanted their products to be compared with each other's, I'm guessing they'd want the PSU playing field level and at least one would have chosen a different option.  A fair comparison would have either included the  iFi or LPS-1 for both devices.  The mR is even offered with the iFi, but the LPS-1 is the most common PSU being used to power these devices based on these forums.

 

If you haven't updated your references to the lack of DAC info in the review, that probably should be corrected before even more people read it.  It was a pretty big miss.  No one's perfect and the review is good overall.  These are just suggestions from your community. FWIW.

 

By the way, I really liked your honesty in critiquing both devices.  Because of your credibility people listen.  When people critique these devices in the forum, they tend to get flamed.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Thanks for the honest feedback John.

[ElviaCaprice]

Yeah, Chris, sorry I got a bit flamed in this thread.  Appreciate your doing these reviews.  Guess I shouldn't be so critical, always easier criticize than to build.  Thank goodness your have a thick skin. 

[rickca]

Has anyone else found they preferred the micro rendu to the SMS-200?  I think all the CA user feedback I've seen expressed a preference for the SMS-200.  

 

 

[Johnseye]

4 hours ago, rickca said:

Has anyone else found they preferred the micro rendu to the SMS-200?  I think all the CA user feedback I've seen expressed a preference for the SMS-200.  

 

 

 

I've had the mR for about 3 months and the sms-200 for about 2 months.  I haven't posted my opinion anywhere in these forums yet for a few reasons but might as well share some thoughts.  I use the LPS-1 to power them both and have listened to both extensively.  What I hear with the sms-200 is a crisp, clean but almost sterile sound.  The mR has a softer feel.  What you could either called veiled or rounded.  I can see why Chris would relate this more to analog, because analog can exhibit some of the same qualities.  I've been bothered by the latency issues with the mR, and with Chris's findings when using a Cisco switch there is even more making me question the interface.  But I like the sound from the mR.  It suits a purpose in my chain to slightly mellow the sound.  For that reason I've kept it, and have preferred it.

 

I have been talking with May at SOtM about upgrading the clocks in my sms-200 to make it an Ultra, as well as upgrading a switch.  This could change my mind based on some opinions about these new clocks.  We all know what opinions are like though, and before I sink more money into this rabbit hole I'm doing some more research.

 

I think the difference is subtle and considering the money I'm spending on these endpoints, the LPS-1 and the Paul Hynes SR7 which is coming soon, I wonder if it would have been better invested into a new DAC or preamp where the impact would be more significant.  It's very easy to start chasing dragons in search of small improvements and to forget there are other components with a potential for bigger impact.

[firedog]

Quote

If you want to maximise the performance and can stomach $445 - get the UpTone Audio LPS-1 supercapacitor PSU with the $49 iFi iPower SMPS. 

Not doubting what you hear in your system, but Uptone says the PS feeding the LPS-1 should make no difference to the LPS-1. 

The only possible difference is the amount of noise the feeder supply puts back towards the wall, and not to the LPS-1.

[rickca]

4 hours ago, Johnseye said:

But I like the sound from the mR.  It suits a purpose in my chain to slightly mellow the sound.  For that reason I've kept it, and have preferred it.

Thanks for your balanced assessment, @Johnseye.   

 

[Elberoth]

4 hours ago, firedog said:

Not doubting what you hear in your system, but Uptone says the PS feeding the LPS-1 should make no difference to the LPS-1. 

The only possible difference is the amount of noise the feeder supply puts back towards the wall, and not to the LPS-1.

 

I have measured both and found out, that the Meanwell kicks back up to 5x more noise into the AC line than the iFi iPower:

 

 

Full details of this test in THIS thread

 

Since the Meanwell is not free, but costs $15, I consider $34 more for the iFi money well spent.

[ElviaCaprice]

2 minutes ago, Elberoth said:

 

I have measured both and found out, that the Meanwell kicks back up to 5x more noise into the AC line than the iFi iPower:

 

 

Full details of this test in THIS thread

 

Since the Meanwell is not free, but costs $15, I consider $34 more for the iFi money well spent.

Or one could just plug into a separate circuit those meanwells or any other switching power supplies.  A better option is to get an isolation transformer and again plug in those noise switching supplies outside the isolation transformer.  An isolation transformer is a very good investment for it's return.  Less than $200, sometimes under $100

[Elberoth]

20 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Thanks for the detailed analysis Adam. 

 

 

IMO it wouldn't be a bad idea to update both mR and sMS-200 reviews with stuff you did not know exist / was not available at the time of writing. 

 

(mR: Spotify Connect; SOtM: WiFi, built-in media server, added DAC info page)

 

Both tests are will be read for months to come and are one of the most popular CA buys. 

[Elberoth]

1 minute ago, ElviaCaprice said:

Or one could just plug into a separate circuit those meanwells or any other switching power supplies.  A better option is to get an isolation transformer and again plug in those noise switching supplies outside the isolation transformer.  An isolation transformer is a very good investment for it's return.  Less than $200, sometimes under $100

 

In my measurements, a simple 1:1 isolation transformer was only able to reduce the AC noise by 40%. You would sill be getting less noise with iFi iPower, with less cost and less system complexity. 

 

In a perfect world and unlimited budget, it would be best to use both (which is what I'm doing: I have all my SMPS sinked in a power conditioner with multiple EMI filters and isolation transformers). 

[Elberoth]

10 hours ago, rickca said:

Has anyone else found they preferred the micro rendu to the SMS-200?  I think all the CA user feedback I've seen expressed a preference for the SMS-200.  

 

 

 

A friend of mine, to whom I sold my second microRendu, did. He tried both with his UpTone Audio JS-2 PSU and dCS DAC and prefered the mR. 

 

It seems that those devices are very system dependent. 

[rickca]

7 minutes ago, Elberoth said:

A friend of mine, to whom I sold my second microRendu, did. He tried both with his UpTone Audio JS-2 PSU and dCS DAC and prefered the mR. 

Thanks for your input, @Elberoth.  I'm not cheering for either side. I just want a balanced perspective.

[Johnseye]

7 hours ago, rickca said:

Thanks for your balanced assessment, @Johnseye.   

 

 

I have done everything within my budget to provide the lowest noise and distortion levels possible.  I have tuned my system to be very detail oriented and neutral.  The amp and speakers with silver cables between them make the sound very revealing.  I've essentially worked my way backwards from the speakers with this specific signature.  The downside of doing this is there is a potential for brightness or crispness that can have a hard edge, especially at loud levels.  The mR softens it very slightly.  Much more slightly than if I had chosen a different pair of speakers, or a tube amp.  This is why these devices can be so subjective to your other equipment.  If I wasn't using the AHB-2 with its low noise and distortion levels, I may have a different opinion all together.

 

I'm very tempted to give the new Benchmark DAC3 an audition.  The AHB-2 is so clean and neutral that if the DAC3 follows the same engineering there could be some magic going on there.  A little more research to do first.

 

Based on some of the experiments @romaz and @austinpop are doing, a switch and my sms-200 will be going to SOtM shortly for an upgrade.  This is all cutting edge, home audio, digital music reproduction, and some great community involvement here to help it along.

[ShawnC]

I thought this was a review about the device, it's functions, and does it work as stated by the manufacture, not the power supply.   Power supplies for some are very important, I get that, but the this review like the rendu review, was/is about the product first and foremost. You could start arguing that he should change his interconnects, or use a variety of different speakers and amps, then when would you stop questioning everything about his review.  For those of us who've read all his reviews, this is Chris's style, not to everyone's liking of course but it's his.  You also won't find many comparisons within the review, again it's about the product being reviewed first.

 

I don't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers here, just my 2 cents.

[Elberoth]

11 hours ago, ShawnC said:

I thought this was a review about the device, it's functions, and does it work as stated by the manufacture, not the power supply.   Power supplies for some are very important, I get that, but the this review like the rendu review, was/is about the product first and foremost. You could start arguing that he should change his interconnects, or use a variety of different speakers and amps, then when would you stop questioning everything about his review.  For those of us who've read all his reviews, this is Chris's style, not to everyone's liking of course but it's his.  You also won't find many comparisons within the review, again it's about the product being reviewed first.

 

I don't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers here, just my 2 cents.

 

You are right. Chris could have chosen not to discuss the sound quality, instead - focus on features and build quality only. But he hasn't. That was his choice. So your point is moot.