Introducing the Sonore opticalRendu Deluxe

[vortecjr]

 

We recently introduced the Sonore opticalRendu 2.0 and today I'm rebranding it the Sonore opticalRendu Deluxe. The Sonore products in the Deluxe Series essentially have Broadcom switch chip ICs in them. For example the opticalModule Deluxe our Optical Ethernet to/from Cable Ethernet Converter is also based on the Broadcom switch chip IC. 

 

Here is the back story on the new Sonore opticalRendu Deluxe. When the final Sonore opticalRendu 2.0 prototype arrived here for testing it sounded great, but I was a bit disappointed. I was expecting a lot more from the Sonore opticalRendu 2.0 design because the Broadcom switch chip ICs were doing well in the opticalModule Deluxe. Also, there were some issues with the unit that I could not put my finger on. Understand that we changed a lot of the original design like new USB circuits, new network circuits, new CPU, new power circuits, and a whole new operating system. 

 

So I sent the entire group a unit and we began a hard look into the product. The results of our efforts have made a big difference and I'm very excited to share some with you now:

1. On the hardware side of things we discovered a much better way to implement our clock injection which has given the unit a huge bump in performance compared to any Rendu before it. 

2. On the operating system side of things we figured out a way to lower CPU cycles which results in lower processing, which results in lower overall heat production, and which results in lower noise. 

3. We improved the way the CPU connects to the main I/O board which increases reliability. 

4. We made some improvements to Sonic Orbiter OS v2.9 which helps us help you during support.

5. We made some improvements to Sonic Orbiter OS v2.9 which helps with DACs that were not playing nice with our gear.

 

What does all this mean for Sonore opticalRendu 2.0 orders in the cue waiting for shipment? Each one will be rebranded Sonore opticalRendu Deluxe on the label below the unit as a unique identifier and each will ship with the hardware and software tweaks noted above at no extra cost. 

 

What does all this mean for Sonore opticalRendu 2.0 orders that already shipped? Email me because you may qualify for a free swap out of your Sonore opticalRendu 2.0 for the new Sonore opticalRendu Deluxe. It will have the label below the unit as a unique identifier and each will ship with the hardware and software tweaks noted above at no extra cost except for shipping. Some conditions apply for example:

1. You must have bought the unit from SGC or Sonore between certain dates.

2. You must have the order number so we can look it up.

3. The hardware version number of the I/O board most start with 2.0.    

 

If you have a Signature Rendu SE Optical (optical Ethernet input with USB output) contact us via email for upgrade options.

 

Availability - This promotion is in full swing.

 

Feel free to post any questions or comments below. 

[vortecjr]

6 minutes ago, sandston said:

WOW!!!!! Just simply wow!!! I have never seen a company with such integrity and pride. Such a proud owner of the original MicroRendu, OpticalRendu and now OpticalRendu 2. I swear my system sounds noticeably better this morning. Probably expectation bias but as long as we don't tell the guys on ASR we will survive this together.

There is no fun in ordinary. 

 

That reminds me...If you want the best out this product you need the best power supply you can afford. Event the guys at ASR know this;)

[vortecjr]

1 hour ago, BCRich said:

@vortecjr I’m all in; even if I don’t qualify for a free upgrade.

Would this swap out be the equivalent of purchasing a new Signature Rendu SE Optical V3? You guys had to swap out my MB/CPU to get Sonic Orbiter OS V2.9 to run. I had to send it to Andrew.

V3 would = Deluxe

I just have to discuss this change with Adrian my VP who handles the logistics of the Signature Rendu. 

[vortecjr]

1 hour ago, Mercman said:

Will the new Signature Rendu SE be called Deluxe ?

 

I’m really looking forward to the new Signature Rendu.

If Adrian my VP who handles the logistics of the Signature Rendu agrees we would identify it on the label as such. 

[vortecjr]

20 hours ago, Todd_R said:

I wonder if I can trade in my OpticalRendu 2.9 on the new model?

The original opticalRendu is very good so I’m not certain we will offer an update. The software tweaks will role over into all Rendu overtime. 

[vortecjr]

10 hours ago, Markus8 said:

@vortecjr Any chance some of these findings can be applied to the Sonore OpticalModule Deluxe V2 software wise?

No because the opticalModule does not run the operating system and the hardware does not need to be tweaked. 

[vortecjr]

3 hours ago, MartinT said:

As a UK owner of a Signature Rendu SE (superb product), will you be providing upgrade kits to the UK importer Audiostore? It would be good not to have to ship the unit to the US.

We are working with them on updates so yes it can be done. 

[vortecjr]

2 hours ago, BlueDL said:

So, to be clear then, there will definitely be no upgrade offered to owners of the standard opticalRendu?  The only option would be to sell it then purchase this latest incarnation? 

I don't see this right now because we have a limited number of boards for current orders and Signature Rendu SE updates. After that we need to sell units at full price to cover our investment and pay bills. 

[vortecjr]

On 3/13/2024 at 12:24 AM, Guy M said:

I was waiting for an optical rendu de luxe powered by the standard SGC 7v power supply and I’ d like to try a better ps to hopefully having a better sound. I heard the Sonore ps is great but at $1100cad (before delivery), it is a bit too much, Anybody is using a significantly better 7v ps (than the SGC one) without an astronomic price on the OR? Was thinking about the TeddyPardo mini. Anybody did try its with the ps with the OR? Other suggestions?

These are a very good option:

https://sonore-us.myshopify.com/products/ciaudio-7vdc-mkii-power-supply?_pos=1&_sid=0ecff3918&_ss=r

[vortecjr]

Team, boards on hand, testing in progress, and some people will get units as early as this weekend. 

[vortecjr]

Unfortunately, no because those have some added logistics involved. 

[vortecjr]

14 hours ago, BCRich said:

Bummer…rough idea when that might happen?

I'm not certain as my VP and head of production are handling the SE updates.

[vortecjr]

11 hours ago, Superdad said:

The Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe.

Wow, that’s a mouthful of a name!

 

Reminds me of a classic muscle car I owned and restored 25 years ago, a 1966 Chevrolet whose full model name was Chevelle Malibu El Camino Deluxe. 
It was a screamer, not a streamer—but I wished I still had it.  Sold it to become Superdad…

It was actually car inspired:) Those are cool cars…my mt biking buddies have a pair and everywhere we go they get looks and comments. 

[vortecjr]

3 hours ago, MartinT said:

Looking forward to an upgrade kit for my SRSE arriving at Audiostore UK.

I'll follow up on this order since it has to go overseas. 

[vortecjr]

43 minutes ago, BCRich said:

I’m a little confused. Is this different than what I am asking? I’d be more than happy to pay for an upgrade.

Cheers…Mike

Yes. This is a single board shipping overseas to our dealer who will upgrade the unit for a customer. 

[vortecjr]

11 hours ago, Superdad said:

The Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe.

Wow, that’s a mouthful of a name!

Clarifying things on the name. All the optical network in and USB audio output based units are named Signature Rendu SE on the front panel of the enclosure. The Deluxe part is only a designation on the data plate on the bottom of the unit so can track the current upgrade. 

[vortecjr]

1 hour ago, simonp said:

Any news about the opticalrendu deluxe? Sold mine opticalrendu weeks ago and hope to buy the new opticalrendu...

I just added a few to the store so you can pick one up;)

 

Here is a link:

https://www.sonore.us/opticalRendu.html

[vortecjr]

3 hours ago, simonp said:

Ok nice, how are the experiences? has the sound quality improved?

The feedback has been very good. Internally we are calling this a milestone. 

[vortecjr]

2 hours ago, Todd_R said:

Any word on trade in deals?

Please refer to the top post for eligibility. 

[vortecjr]

27 minutes ago, Todd_R said:

I read that, but it seems to apply to recent purchases. I've had my optical rendu since 2021. Am I still eligible? 

 

Unfortunately, we are not offering that option for older purchases.

[vortecjr]

8 hours ago, Guy M said:

Hello,

 

I just received my Optical Rendu de Luxe (with SGC generic FMC & SGC power supply) to replace my Zen Stream / SBooster combo and I have a few questions :

 

First, the Optical Rendu de Luxe has more details and I can hear more ‘nuances’ in the music. Instruments are also better defined. It is a better streamer. However, the sound is a bit ‘clinical’...and less ‘emotional’. Therefore, I was wondering :

 

1. Do you know if the OR needs some burn-in? It sounds a bit ‘cold’ (like an ‘un-burn’ Dac).
2. I suspect the SBooster is a better power supply than the SGC one. If I buy a better ps (ex : Claudio ps on the Sonore site. Some are saying it is almost as good as the Sonore one. Is it?), will it help for the ‘clinical sound’?
3. Do you think an Optical module (instead of the generic FMC) can help that aspect? In my mind, it should not as it is on the dirty side but I was wondering.

To be clear, I do not look for more details (the OR has plenty) but for a ‘warmer’ sound (with the details / nuances of the OR, it would be fantastic).

 

Thanks.

 

PS English is not my first language

1. For burn in you can run high sample rate DSD though the unit in a loop. This will get the cpu cycles up and heat the board. 

2. I spoke with Andrew at SGC early last week and explained that their power supply does not have the type of synergy that the opticalRendu Deluxe will need and that our customers will demand. The opticalRendu Deluxe is exceptionlly good and it needs a power supply that is comparable. I consider the SGC power supply a starter supply that should be replaced with a higher quality unit as soon as possible. I recommend that purchase a Sonore power supply or use the SBoster power supply. With the SBoster power supply use 6 VDC or 7 VDC. I do not recommend 9 VDC as the unit will run very hot. Do not use any voltage higher than 9 VDC.

3. I use the opticalModule Deluxe in combination and all testing here is done in combination. The SGC power supply or the CIA power supply would be appropriate.  

     

There is no magic dial to increase and decrease detail or warmth. What we are trying to do is accurately stream the audio without adding noise so the next device can properly do its job. The power supply plays a huge role and it sounds like you are on the right track looking for a better one.     

[vortecjr]

For the record

 

From a hardware design process point of view there is never a conversation about dialing in the stream for some desired treble, mid-base, base or anything in-between. Doing this would be disingenuous. BTW We have been wrongfully accused of doing this in the past:)

[vortecjr]

21 hours ago, Superdad said:

No “waving” at all. Just very focused and technical engineering refinements!

[John and I spend many hours per week on the phone, and when he is immersed in work on a Sonore project it often takes him some time to debrief (it’s part of his brain process) before we get to discussing status of UpTone projects. There is also some overlapping tech to learn so it’s interesting to me. I’m sworn to secrecy, but I can assure that there is no voodoo or snake oil involved—just brilliantly inspired engineering based on decades of his experience in digital design. ]

Funny he tells me all your secret projects:)  

[vortecjr]

18 hours ago, Cormorant said:

Exactly was the point I was trying to make by bringing up the electrical engineer designer.  There is a magic dial for digital audio but the magic is all about science and engineering.

 

It sounds like some magic will be incorporated into some future Uptone projects -- that's cool!

And some of the magic will be incorporated in other Sonore products -- becuase that is how we role!

[vortecjr]

2 hours ago, kurb1980 said:

Hi Jesus 

 

As a customer who had purchased ultrarendu then opticalRendu what are the advantages of deluxe version vs the opticalRendu run?  I’m on so2.9 with opticalRendu is it worth the move to the deluxe?  Have you done a comparison between the two subjectively can you hear a difference.  Objectively does it outperform it in noise, thermals, and etc?  I appreciate any insights and thankful for your support.

 

My VP emailed me after a weekend of listening and says the Deluxe is substantially better.
I have also been listening to it and I wish everyone could experience it.

We have various measurements but we are not going to share them.