SOtM Trifecta

[thyname]

For you guys with the Trifecta, did you buy the optional Clock connectors for both sms-200 Ultra and Tx-USBultra?

 

If so, In anticipation of the upcoming SOtM Master Clock?

[George Hincapie]

What is this trifecta I keep reading about? Is it a collection of 3 products, or the name for a single product?

[thyname]

54 minutes ago, George Hincapie said:

What is this trifecta I keep reading about? Is it a collection of 3 products, or the name for a single product?

 

Yes, collection of three SOtM products:

 

https://sotm-usa.com/products/ultra-trifecta-bundle

 

I have seen several people have it, but nobody appears willing to share the wealth of knowledge 

[ElviaCaprice]

52 minutes ago, thyname said:

 

Yes, collection of three SOtM products:

 

https://sotm-usa.com/products/ultra-trifecta-bundle

 

I have seen several people have it, but nobody appears willing to share the wealth of knowledge 

Nobody wants to have to write a dissertation again.  A little search and reading can tell you all, right here in the forum in the following thread.

 

 

[thyname]

2 minutes ago, ElviaCaprice said:

Nobody wants to have to write a dissertation again.  A little search and reading can tell you all, right here in the forum in the following thread.

 

 

 

I appreciate you directing me to a 189 page thread, but my question was very simple. Please read the OP. Is it so hard to answer with a phrase or two?

[ElviaCaprice]

8 hours ago, thyname said:

For you guys with the Trifecta, did you buy the optional Clock connectors for both sms-200 Ultra and Tx-USBultra?

 

If so, In anticipation of the upcoming SOtM Master Clock?

It's not so simple of an answer, which can lead to a long discussion.  Thus the reference to the thread.

In short,  yes, some did, some didn't, opt for the master clock input. 

This option was available long before SOtM's announcement of an upcoming Master Clock.  There are a quite a few on the market currently. 

Also I wasn't just answering you above.

[thyname]

2 minutes ago, ElviaCaprice said:

It's not so simple of an answer, which can lead to a long discussion.  Thus the reference to the thread.

In short,  yes, some did, some didn't, opt for the master clock input. 

This option was available long before SOtM's announcement of an upcoming Master Clock.  There are a quite a few on the market currently. 

Also I wasn't just answering you above.

 

Got it. Thanks!

 

So for those who did, is the upcoming SOtM Master Clock going to be significantly better than those come with the sms-200 ultra and tx Ultra? If you add the connectors at $200 each, plus the new clock at $***, the cost adds up quickly....

[ElviaCaprice]

9 minutes ago, thyname said:

 

Got it. Thanks!

 

So for those who did, is the upcoming SOtM Master Clock going to be significantly better than those come with the sms-200 ultra and tx Ultra? If you add the connectors at $200 each, plus the new clock at $***, the cost adds up quickly....

We don't know?  The numbers suggest it is in the middle of the pack of the current offerings on the market, but I'm sure that some comparative listening will be needed to make that call. 

You only need the one input added to the sCLK-EX clocking board for all 4 points.  Those that have added a master clock have found it does make for better SQ, common attribute is increased sound stage and other common references to resolution and detail.

Yes, add in a power supply and it can get expensive quickly.

[thyname]

9 minutes ago, ElviaCaprice said:

We don't know?  The numbers suggest it is in the middle of the pack of the current offerings on the market, but I'm sure that some comparative listening will be needed to make that call. 

You only need the one input added to the sCLK-EX clocking board for all 4 points.  Those that have added a master clock have found it does make for better SQ, common attribute is increased sound stage and other common references to resolution and detail.

Yes, add in a power supply and it can get expensive quickly.

 

Thanks for explaining. I only have the sms-200 Ultra w/ clock connector option from the trifecta. Powered by lps-1. Trying to figure out whether to purchase the Tx-USBultra w/ clock connector then the Master Clock, or simply get the ISO Regen and call it a day.

 

here is my current setup: 

 

Roon Optimized Core Kit on NUC7i5BNH ---> SOtM sMS-200 Ultra (powered by LPS-1) --> Modded  Singxer SU-1 (powered by LPS-1) --> i2s --> Holo Spring L3 KTE --> iFi iCan Pro --> Focal Utopia

[ElviaCaprice]

16 minutes ago, thyname said:

 

Thanks for explaining. I only have the sms-200 Ultra w/ clock connector option from the trifecta. Powered by lps-1. Trying to figure out whether to purchase the Tx-USBultra w/ clock connector then the Master Clock, or simply get the ISO Regen and call it a day.

 

here is my current setup: 

 

Roon Optimized Core Kit on NUC7i5BNH ---> SOtM sMS-200 Ultra (powered by LPS-1) --> Modded  Singxer SU-1 (powered by LPS-1) --> i2s --> Holo Spring L3 KTE --> iFi iCan Pro --> Focal Utopia

Your sms-200Ultra only uses 2 of the points on the sCLK-EX clocking board within the component.  The remaining 2 clocks can be activated for use on other components like a non ultra tXUSB hub, which only needs one point for one clock.  Or/and you could change out the mobo system clock on your NUC, which I would recommend. 

 

My suggestion,

Forget the txUSB hub or Ultra and use the remaining two clock points on your server/NUC, one for the system clock, the other for the LAN. 

Then you don't need to purchase anything, just pay for shipping and modifications and you only have the one master clock input for all 4 points.  Biggest bang for the buck.

Total about $320, shipping included.

[thyname]

36 minutes ago, ElviaCaprice said:

Your sms-200Ultra only uses 2 of the points on the sCLK-EX clocking board within the component.  The remaining 2 clocks can be activated for use on other components like a non ultra tXUSB hub, which only needs one point for one clock.  Or/and you could change out the mobo system clock on your NUC, which I would recommend. 

 

My suggestion,

Forget the txUSB hub or Ultra and use the remaining two clock points on your server/NUC, one for the system clock, the other for the LAN. 

Then you don't need to purchase anything, just pay for shipping and modifications and you only have the one master clock input for all 4 points.  Biggest bang for the buck.

Total about $320, shipping included.

 

All these can be achieved with my sms-Ultra ? If I ship the Ultra to Korea, what would I be using for weeks?

[ElviaCaprice]

2 week turn around once received in Korea, ship both the NUC and sms-200.  Quick question about your setup.  Does all your data initiate or stream thru your NUC direct Ethernet to your sms-200? 

[thyname]

6 minutes ago, ElviaCaprice said:

2 week turn around once received in Korea, ship both the NUC and sms-200.  Quick question about your setup.  Does all your data initiate or stream thru your NUC direct Ethernet to your sms-200? 

 

It does not. I use the Fs105 switch with the ground plug John Swenson invented, to connect both NUC (Roon Server - ROCK), and the sms-200Ultra (Wireworld Strarlight Cat8 for both)

[ElviaCaprice]

9 minutes ago, thyname said:

 

It does not. I use the Fs105 switch with the ground plug John Swenson invented, to connect both NUC (Roon Server - ROCK), and the sms-200Ultra (Wireworld Strarlight Cat8 for both)

That switch just isolates the stream from your router, but the data still continues on to your server?  If not, please explain how the data stream navigates to the sms-200.  Router/NAS direct to sms-200?

 

The reason I ask is because this will determine where to administer the remaining 2 potential points on your sCLK-EX for the best impact in SQ.

[thyname]

1 minute ago, ElviaCaprice said:

That switch just isolates the stream from your router, but the data still continues on to your server?  If not, please explain how the data stream navigates to the sms-200.  Router/NAS direct to sms-200?

 

Yes. Ethernet cable from router to Switch. Then NUC and sms-200 Ultra both connected to Switch via Ethernet. SMS-200 Ultra is a Roon Ready end point . The NUC is simply the Roon Server. Nothing “plays” through it. There is a HDD hooked up to NUC via uSB with my music, Plus Tidal Hifi Integrated w/ Roon

[ElviaCaprice]

2 minutes ago, thyname said:

 

Yes. Ethernet cable from router to Switch. Then NUC and sms-200 Ultra both connected to Switch via Ethernet. SMS-200 Ultra is a Roon Ready end point . The NUC is simply the Roon Server. Nothing “plays” through it. There is a HDD hooked up to NUC via uSB with my music, Plus Tidal Hifi Integrated w/ Roon

Well, that HDD is being streamed from the NUC to the sms-200 via the Switch.  So the NUC does have an impact on SQ.  As you can tell I'm not a network guy.  I like it simple, server to DAC to Speakers. 

You have choices on what to do with those open 2 points on your sCLK-EX inside your sms-200Ultra.  Where you want to apply them is probably best advised by the trifecta folks.  Not I with the sCLK-EX server route.

[thyname]

8 minutes ago, ElviaCaprice said:

Well, that HDD is being streamed from the NUC to the sms-200 via the Switch.  So the NUC does have an impact on SQ.  As you can tell I'm not a network guy.  I like it simple, server to DAC to Speakers. 

You have choices on what to do with those open 2 points on your sCLK-EX inside your sms-200Ultra.  Where you want to apply them is probably best advised by the trifecta folks.  Not I with the sCLK-EX server route.

 

As a Roon user, I frequent the Roon Community Forums a lot. According to the Roon folks who are much more knowledgeable than me, the NUC has zero impact to SQ in my configuration.

 

I have had other people though suggesting having the router modded by SOtM to use the clock on Ultra, but I am not willing to send my Ultra to Korea, as I don’t have another player available for the time in transit.

 

I will continue to explore the possibilities of completing my trifecta, then possibly the new Master Clock when it becomes available. A lot of reading to do meanwhile.

 

I appreciate your help!

[One and a half]

After having read many a trifecta name at CA, it's a Triple set on the sOTM home page. OK...

 

Everyone can read the specs for themselves, but here's a summary of what's included in the triple set as I couldn't remember which one does what.

 

sMS-200ultra
Ethernet input
USB 2 Output
No clock input
'use the correct power supply' (kidding, right?)

 

tX-USBUltra
USB input
2 x USB out
sCLK-EX12 board Internal Clock or external 10MHz 50 Ohm
6.5-12 V dc 2A

 

sPs-500
7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 19Vdc selectable output voltage
DC power output
Voltage : 7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 19Vdc selectable
Voltage tolerance: ±10%
Current limit: 
5A@ 7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc
3.3A@ 19Vdc
Current tolerance: ±10%
Maximum output power : 
50W@100Vac <, +50℃ > inside temperature

 

The sMS-200ultra is the renderer from Ethernet to USB. Any (?) USB DAC can be connected to this output. The renderer needs external DC power, so here's the first point for added leakage current (like added sugar, think of it the same as for food). 

Then the USB is reclocked by the tX-USBUltra or by an external 50 Ohm clock. What is it with far east, everyone who's anyone uses 75 Ohm and try and find a true 50 Ohm BNC connector, another story. Here's another source for leakage current entry.

 

To provide power for the two, use the sPs-500 and that rounds the exercise, there's enough current. The specs on the output voltage is not that great at 10%, and there needs to be a dual headed cable to power up the renderer and the USB reclocker. Unless supplied by sOTM the dual cable is a bit of headache for the average hobbyist.

 

Unless the Renderer and the USB reclocker are supplied with Uptone LPS-1, there's leakage currents in abundance. What a chain of spaghetti, and this is the pinnacle of Ethernet audio? On paper,  well, this system is a f&$%kn mess. If you think I'm criticising, then yes, just for the total lack of any stopping of leakage currents from the PSU and the two components. Without the LPS-1, this system by itself does not cut it.

 

I would put my money into a single box that has an AC input, Ethernet or USB input, USB or other signal re-clocked and galvanically isolated out. Isn't that a new Auralic offering, the VEGA 2, hey, it has a DAC as a bonus, and in the one box.  Most likely a 50 Ohm clock input, groan, here we go again.

 

Use the Renderer by all means, and feed it into a Mutec MC-3+USB with an iDefender cause the MC-3 is kinda power hungry on the USB input. Until the Vega 2 arrives.....

 

[tedwoods]

8 hours ago, thyname said:

I have had other people though suggesting having the router modded by SOtM to use the clock on Ultra, but I am not willing to send my Ultra to Korea, as I don’t have another player available for the time in transit.

SOtM are coming out with their own switch early next year, so if you can wait a while, no switch modding will be necessary.

Since you have ROCK, you can use the Roon subnet/direct connection without a switch...

Post server ethernet filtering can also be beneficial and worth considering.

Adding the tx-USB Ultra will enhance the "musicality" of the chain.

Unlike other reclockers I have tried, the tx does not add  a "fixed" weight to everything but instead it respects the proportional balance of the music being played through it and so it appears to be more uncolored and natural.

When it comes to power supplies, and although I've had "all the usual suspects" in the past, I was impressed with the sPS-500.

You can try and see if it works for you, but give it a couple of days running to work its magic.

The benefits in my system were very clear: considerably better bass and treble extension, detail, body and incredible pace.

I was actually a bit shocked to hear the latter, because I thought the bass and pace were already pretty great to begin with...

As for your original question, judging from the prototype pics, I think that you will be able to connect multiple devices on the same master clock, but we have to wait for it to be released to be absolutely certain.

Having said all the above, I would also give serious thought to the advice Elvia has given on modding your Ultra, as it also is a very clear and cost effective upgrade path.

[thyname]

4 hours ago, One and a half said:

After having read many a trifecta name at CA, it's a Triple set on the sOTM home page. OK...

 

Everyone can read the specs for themselves, but here's a summary of what's included in the triple set as I couldn't remember which one does what.

 

sMS-200ultra
Ethernet input
USB 2 Output
No clock input
'use the correct power supply' (kidding, right?)

 

tX-USBUltra
USB input
2 x USB out
sCLK-EX12 board Internal Clock or external 10MHz 50 Ohm
6.5-12 V dc 2A

 

sPs-500
7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 19Vdc selectable output voltage
DC power output
Voltage : 7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 19Vdc selectable
Voltage tolerance: ±10%
Current limit: 
5A@ 7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc
3.3A@ 19Vdc
Current tolerance: ±10%
Maximum output power : 
50W@100Vac <, +50℃ > inside temperature

 

The sMS-200ultra is the renderer from Ethernet to USB. Any (?) USB DAC can be connected to this output. The renderer needs external DC power, so here's the first point for added leakage current (like added sugar, think of it the same as for food). 

Then the USB is reclocked by the tX-USBUltra or by an external 50 Ohm clock. What is it with far east, everyone who's anyone uses 75 Ohm and try and find a true 50 Ohm BNC connector, another story. Here's another source for leakage current entry.

 

To provide power for the two, use the sPs-500 and that rounds the exercise, there's enough current. The specs on the output voltage is not that great at 10%, and there needs to be a dual headed cable to power up the renderer and the USB reclocker. Unless supplied by sOTM the dual cable is a bit of headache for the average hobbyist.

 

Unless the Renderer and the USB reclocker are supplied with Uptone LPS-1, there's leakage currents in abundance. What a chain of spaghetti, and this is the pinnacle of Ethernet audio? On paper,  well, this system is a f&$%kn mess. If you think I'm criticising, then yes, just for the total lack of any stopping of leakage currents from the PSU and the two components. Without the LPS-1, this system by itself does not cut it.

 

I would put my money into a single box that has an AC input, Ethernet or USB input, USB or other signal re-clocked and galvanically isolated out. Isn't that a new Auralic offering, the VEGA 2, hey, it has a DAC as a bonus, and in the one box.  Most likely a 50 Ohm clock input, groan, here we go again.

 

Use the Renderer by all means, and feed it into a Mutec MC-3+USB with an iDefender cause the MC-3 is kinda power hungry on the USB input. Until the Vega 2 arrives.....

 

 

Wow! Quite a bit of information. Totally appreciate the honesty. Truth hurts!

 

On the last paragraph, while at iFi, why not the iGalvanic 3.0?

[thyname]

1 hour ago, tedwoods said:

 

Since you have ROCK, you can use the Roon subnet/direct connection without a switch...

 

 

You mean playing direct from the noisy NUC that holds ROCK, rather than utilizing a dedicated streamer?

 

1 hour ago, tedwoods said:

 

Adding the tx-USB Ultra will enhance the "musicality" of the chain.

Unlike other reclockers I have tried, the tx does not add  a "fixed" weight to everything but instead it respects the proportional balance of the music being played through it and so it appears to be more uncolored and natural.

 

 

From everything I have read ISO is more musical than the tx, and also cheaper

[One and a half]

41 minutes ago, thyname said:

 

Wow! Quite a bit of information. Totally appreciate the honesty. Truth hurts!

 

On the last paragraph, while at iFi, why not the iGalvanic 3.0?

The ifiGalvanic 3.0 is not a complete solution, it needs the Micro USB 3.0 to make it shine. So just as much spaghetti, but less than the sOTM triple set. Three USB cables and a power supply.

[George Hincapie]

40 minutes ago, thyname said:

 

You mean playing direct from the noisy NUC that holds ROCK, rather than utilizing a dedicated streamer?

 

 

From everything I have read ISO is more musical than the tx, and also cheaper

 

On what planet is a NUC any noiser than a dedicated streamer? I'll give you the answer, it isn't.

[nbpf]

6 hours ago, One and a half said:

After having read many a trifecta name at CA, it's a Triple set on the sOTM home page. OK...

 

Everyone can read the specs for themselves, but here's a summary of what's included in the triple set as I couldn't remember which one does what.

 

Ethernet input
USB 2 Output
No clock input
'use the correct power supply' (kidding, right?)

 

USB input
2 x USB out
sCLK-EX12 board Internal Clock or external 10MHz 50 Ohm
6.5-12 V dc 2A

 

sPs-500
7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 19Vdc selectable output voltage
DC power output
Voltage : 7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 19Vdc selectable
Voltage tolerance: ±10%
Current limit: 
5A@ 7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc
3.3A@ 19Vdc
Current tolerance: ±10%
Maximum output power : 
50W@100Vac <, +50℃ > inside temperature

 

The sMS-200ultra is the renderer from Ethernet to USB. Any (?) USB DAC can be connected to this output. The renderer needs external DC power, so here's the first point for added leakage current (like added sugar, think of it the same as for food). 

Then the USB is reclocked by the tX-USBUltra or by an external 50 Ohm clock. What is it with far east, everyone who's anyone uses 75 Ohm and try and find a true 50 Ohm BNC connector, another story. Here's another source for leakage current entry.

 

To provide power for the two, use the sPs-500 and that rounds the exercise, there's enough current. The specs on the output voltage is not that great at 10%, and there needs to be a dual headed cable to power up the renderer and the USB reclocker. Unless supplied by sOTM the dual cable is a bit of headache for the average hobbyist.

 

Unless the Renderer and the USB reclocker are supplied with Uptone LPS-1, there's leakage currents in abundance. What a chain of spaghetti, and this is the pinnacle of Ethernet audio? On paper,  well, this system is a f&$%kn mess. If you think I'm criticising, then yes, just for the total lack of any stopping of leakage currents from the PSU and the two components. Without the LPS-1, this system by itself does not cut it.

 

I would put my money into a single box that has an AC input, Ethernet or USB input, USB or other signal re-clocked and galvanically isolated out. Isn't that a new Auralic offering, the VEGA 2, hey, it has a DAC as a bonus, and in the one box.  Most likely a 50 Ohm clock input, groan, here we go again.

 

Use the Renderer by all means, and feed it into a Mutec MC-3+USB with an iDefender cause the MC-3 is kinda power hungry on the USB input. Until the Vega 2 arrives.....

 

Thanks for the wrap-up! It is well possible that SOtM are building great devices but, to me, their web page is one of the worst examples of product presentation I happened to come across.Thus, I very much appreciate any attempt at bringing some clarity in their range of products. Let me see if I understand you correctly:

 

 - sPs-500: this is simply a power supply with one output and 4 selectable output voltages.

 

- sMS-200ultra: this is a UPnP server and an USB network player. Functionally, it is similar to Sonore's ultraRendu with the added value of 2 USB ports for connecting external storage and the possibility of running a UPnP server (MinimServer). The OS is a dedicated Linux distribution and it is not clear whether the device supports running a generic Linux distribution.

 

-  tX-USBUltra: this is a USB to USB regenerator with one USB input, two USB outputs and one input for a  10MHz master clock. Functionally, it is similar to UpTone Audio's ISO Regen with the added value of a second USB output and of the master clock input.

 

From a user's perspective, the typical use-case for the tX-USBUltra would be between an off-the-shelf device with USB output (like a Mac Mini, fitlet, Raspberry Pi, Allo Sparky USBridge, etc.) and a USB DAC. The typical use-case for the sMS-200ultra would be as a stand-alone UPnP server + renderer, as an MPD USB player or as a Roon USB endpoint. Is this understanding more or less correct? Thanks, nbpf

 

[tedwoods]

2 hours ago, thyname said:

 

You mean playing direct from the noisy NUC that holds ROCK, rather than utilizing a dedicated streamer?

 

 

From everything I have read ISO is more musical than the tx, and also cheaper

No, I mean from the NUC to the SOtM end point directly, bypassing the switch.

Plenty of info on the Roon forum on how to do this.

One less power supply this way...

The NUC may still  benefit from having a good power supply.

Several people have already done that -one way or the other- and have reported positively about it, but that's just something you should consider and experiment with.

I'm not preaching it's the absolute truth or anything...

 

On your second point, I was thinking more along the lines of that: since you already have the sMS-200 Ultra, you could get a SOtM tx USBhub and clock it from your Ultra.

Same thing as a standalone tx and essentially you're in trifecta territory.

If you had the sPS-500, you could power both from it.

Again, that's only something worth considering.

Only you can make the right choice.

 

I have : https://sotm-usa.com/products/sms-200-mod-tx-usbultra (with external clock connector)

             https://sotm-usa.com/products/sps-500-power-supply

             https://sotm-usa.com/products/iso-cat6-lan-single-noise-filter

 

I am: