What to do with a dead SoTM SMS-1000?

[Mike Rubin]

My trusty SoTM SMS-1000 suddenly decided not to boot.  Instead, I get a clicking noise and then the drive access light goes out.  I assume that means the hard drive died. 

 

This is the original version that Sonore distributed, with the Vortexbox OS.  I believe that it has a PCI USB card, not the later PCIE version with its own power connector port.

 

On the used market, I know it wouldn't bring a grand in resale if it were working, even though it's pristine. 

 

I have thought about replacing the HDD and flashing the new drive with the current Vortexbox OS iso.  I believe that the existing HDD is 3 tb, but I now use larger hard drives in my NAS, so would want to upgrade the drive if possible. I asked SoTM "customer service" whether the HD can be replaced or upgraded, and, if the latter, how large the HDD could be, but never got a reply. 

 

Alternatively, I have thought about dismantling the unit and using the USB card in my Windows 10 desktop unit if I have a spare PCI slot and enough headroom in the power supply.  (At present, that PC has a mid-level Creative sound card.)  At that point I would dispose of the rest of the unit at a recycler. 

 

Do any of you have experience with a failing SMS-1000? Were you able to repair it or find someone who could do that?  If it isn't feasible to repair this unit, does the USB card still provide enough upgrade over a standard sound card to make that cannibalization make any sense?  Alternatively, I suppose I could try to sell it "as is" for repair or parts on ebay.  If that's crazy, I wouldn't mind just giving the unit to the recycler if it comes to that; think it has? 

 

I appreciate any input. 

[firedog]

I think replacing the HD would be the thing to do, if possible. Have you thought about asking Sonore or Vortexbox UK about how to do it instead of SOtM?

[Mike Rubin]

I thought about asking JR at Sonore, but the last time I raised an issue about an operating problem with this unit, he suggested that it was old technology and probably time to move on. (And I finally have done this in the system where this unit resided, as I just received an ultraRendu as its replacement.) I can follow up with him again. Thanks for the suggestion. 

 

[sandyk]

2 hours ago, Mike Rubin said:

I thought about asking JR at Sonore, but the last time I raised an issue about an operating problem with this unit, he suggested that it was old technology and probably time to move on. (And I finally have done this in the system where this unit resided, as I just received an ultraRendu as its replacement.) I can follow up with him again. Thanks for the suggestion. 

 

 You could also PM Barrows for advice as he is quite technical, and can be most helpful.

[Mike Rubin]

4 hours ago, sandyk said:

 You could also PM Barrows for advice as he is quite technical, and can be most helpful.

 

Thanks.  I emailed JR and Barrows to see if they had thoughts.

[Mike Rubin]

I received an offer for this unit that I am going to accept, so I have a satisfactory resolution.  Thanks for your input, gents.