Comparison of Sonore Optical Rendu and SOtM SMS200ultra.

[Metnoc]

I have compared:

1. Sonore optical rendu with both copper ethernet and optical ethernet (optical module) with CI Audio VDC•7 MKII power supply.

2. SOtM SMS200ultra with Uptone Audio UltraCap LPS-1.2 power supply.

 

Both fed by Sonore dc-cable and used as roon endpoints.

 

Speakers are Verity Parsifal, which are capable of revealing minor differences.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to use the same power supply for both streamers, since lps 1.2 doesn’t work with OR.

 

In summary:
OR/Ci: More analytical.

SMS/Uptone: More organic.

Almost always I prefer the a more organic sound, which I do here as well, so all in all I prefer sms over OR.

 

Some notes from a few test tracks, the comparison is between OR w/ copper ethernet and sms:

 

Elanor McEvoy – The Rain falls. (flac file, 16/44)

OR – Precise, clear voice.

SMS200u – "Flowing sound", warmth, not as precise, piano more natural (the piano was probably of the clearest shortcomings of OR).

 

Allan Taylor – The Beat Hotell (Tidal, 16/44)

OR – Good command of the bottom end, lacks coherence due to a little bit analytical sound.

SMS200u – Coherent, warmth, "flowing sound".

 

Kari Bremnes – Rim sin stemme (flac file, 24/96)

OR – Good imaging, clean, precise voice.

SMS200u – "Flowing", warmth, coherent, not as analytical as OR.

 

Fink – Troubles is what youre in (flac file, 16/44)

OR – PRaT, spacious, lacking in euphoria.

SMS200u – lacking in PRaT, euforic.

 

OR with optical module had sounded cleaner and had a little bit better PRaT, however one lost in depth of tonality.

To what extent the different power supplys have played a role in the outcome I don't know.
 

Since the OR/Ci is too analytical in my ears, going with optical doesn’t improve things, quite the opposite. I prefer copper over optical ethernet, no matter what people say about optical being the technical superior technology.

 

I think that OR is too analytical and lacks some euphoria, I crave the latter for an immersive listening experience. If you prefer a clean and precise sound OR with optical Ethernet might be the right choice.

Some people might say that OR with optical ethernet sounds correct. Firstly I dont agree, it lacks too much of warmth and other aspects to sound natrual, but most importantly I don't really care about whats theortically considred (by some) to be the correct souding technology. 

 

I will return the OR and keep my own sms.

 

[Metnoc]

11 hours ago, kennyb123 said:

What you describe may point more the power supplies than the endpoints.  What happens when you use the CI supply with the sMS-200ultra?

 

I have the 12V version of sms200ultra, not sure its advisable to try to power it by Ci 7V power supply.

[Metnoc]

1 hour ago, R1200CL said:

Why use different power supplies ?

 

If the test shall have any meaning use only one of then, and preferably the LPS-1.2 set at 9 V, as that works well with the OpticalRendu. (Unless Vbus is above 100mA).

Its over 100mA, If it wasnt I would have used uptone.

[Metnoc]

1 hour ago, matthias said:

 

Did you consider to get a 12V CI PS as loaner for your Sms200ultra?

 

Matt

Yeah I have considered different solutions.
Will report back if I find one.

[Metnoc]

Just now, Albrecht said:

Just curious, - would you mind telling us what your DAC, amplification and speakers are?

DAC: Aqua la scala mk2 with mullard tubes.
Integrated amp: Karan 180
Speakers: Verity Parsifal

Only copper cables, a mix of audience and some others.