Strategic Upgrade Proposal for High-Fidelity Network Audio Systems

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– Focusing on SOtM sMS-2000 and Related Components –

Modern network audio systems go far beyond simple digital transmission. Factors such as the connection topology, power supply quality, clock precision, and noise control all play crucial roles in determining audio performance.

In particular, systems centered around SOtM’s sMS-2000 can achieve dramatically enhanced sound quality through the meticulous coordination of these fine elements.

This proposal presents a step-by-step upgrade strategy that considers both budget and system environment. Each stage is based on real-world user experiences and technical reliability, with the ultimate goal of delivering music with greater detail, depth, and emotional impact.

Stage 1: Enhancing Basic Connection Quality – A Sensible Starting Point

▪ High-Performance Ethernet Cable Upgrade

Replacing standard or general-purpose Ethernet cables with SOtM’s high-fidelity network cables is a simple yet effective upgrade. SOtM’s iSO-CAT6, iSO-CAT7, or dCBL-CAT7/CAT7u/CAT8M series minimize noise intrusion along the signal path and preserve signal purity.

Expected improvements: Enhanced high-frequency delicacy, denser low-end, and a quieter, cleaner background.

Stage 2: Power Supply Optimization – Strengthening the Audio Foundation

▪ sPS-500 Power Supply Implementation

The sPS-500 delivers ultra-low noise and highly stable voltage output. When applied to the sMS-2000, it improves tonal refinement, dynamic range, and sonic dimensionality.

By using a Y-cable, both the LAN and USB ports of the sMS-2000 can be powered independently from a single sPS-500. This helps reduce internal electrical interference and results in more precise and stable sound.

▪ High-Quality AC Power Cable Upgrade

Using cables like the pCBL-SS8-F reduces resistance and inductive noise along the AC path, contributing to increased transparency and resolution across the entire frequency range.

▪ sMS-2000 Fuse Upgrade

Replacing the stock fuse in the sMS-2000 with a high-end audio-grade fuse enhances its ability to respond to micro-level current variations and improves overall power stability.

  • 100–120Vac: T10AL 250V (Slow-blow)

  • 220–240Vac: T5AL 250V (Slow-blow)

  • Size: 6.35 × 31.75 mm

Stage 3: High-Precision Signal Processing – Addressing Digital Noise at Its Core

▪ Introducing the tX-USBultra

Although most network players feature dedicated USB audio output circuits, the tX-USBultra performs reclocking and realignment at the final USB output stage using an ultra-precise clock. This eliminates micro-jitter and system-level noise that cannot be addressed by conventional circuits.

Even for devices like the sMS-2000 with advanced USB output sections, adding the tX-USBultra significantly improves interface accuracy with the USB DAC—resulting in clearer details, more stable imaging, and enhanced openness in the upper frequency range.

For best results, pair with the dCBL-UF high-performance USB cable.

▪ Incorporating the sNH-10G Network Switch

The sNH-10G is an audio-grade network switch designed to reduce electrical noise and ensure accurate data transmission. It dramatically improves the quality of network-based audio playback.

Noticeable effects include: deeper soundstage, clearer instrument separation, and more three-dimensional sonic presentation.

Stage 4: Serial Synchronization with External Clock – The Ultimate System Completion

This final stage introduces a 10MHz external master clock to synchronize the entire signal chain, achieving optimal timing alignment.

▪ Recommended Configuration Example:

  • tX-USBultra × 2 units

  • sNH-10G × 3 units

  • sCLK-OCX10 × 2 units

 

 In such a configuration, connecting each tX-USBultra and sNH-10G in a serial and systematic manner allows their re-clocking and noise reduction capabilities to accumulate step by step, dramatically improving the precision of the overall signal chain. This goes beyond simple clock synchronization, aligning all digital transmission paths under a unified reference, and delivering a sound experience that represents the pinnacle of high-end audio in terms of resolution, stage stability, and background quietness.

 When synchronizing with an external 10MHz clock, we highly recommend using high-quality audio-dedicated dCBL-BNC cables.

 Additionally, the sound characteristics when using two sNH-10Gs are clearly different from when using three. With three units, soundstage stability, instrument separation, and background quietness are further enhanced. Therefore, it is important to select the optimal configuration based on user preferences and system environment.

 

▪ Effect of Special Edition Models
Each SOtM device is available not only in a Standard Edition but also as a Special Edition (SE). The SE versions offer more transparent and refined sound through the use of high-end components, internal wiring upgrades, and additional EMI shielding. The SE models deliver the following enhancements compared to standard models:

• Improved openness in the high frequencies and overall resolution
• More natural expression of fine musical details

If budget allows, building a system entirely with Special Edition models can be an ideal choice for achieving the highest level of system completeness.

 

▪ Considerations for the Number of tX-USBultras
Depending on the system environment, a setup using three sNH-10G units can be considered a baseline, and in some cases, up to three tX-USBultras are used. This allows each audio component to benefit from an individually optimized clock-based USB output, minimizing electrical interference between digital sources.

However, it is not absolutely necessary to use three units in all environments. Depending on the system design and purpose, one or two tX-USBultras may be sufficient to achieve significant improvements.

Conclusion: A Holistic and Strategic System Approach

SOtM emphasizes not only the enhancement of individual components but also a comprehensive, system-wide balance and architecture.

Each upgrade step can be applied independently depending on the user’s environment. However, the more integrated the upgrades become, the more significant the sonic improvements will be.

At SOtM, our mission is to provide technology and solutions that transform your audio system into a true artistic medium—one that goes beyond hardware to convey the emotional essence of music.