Strategic Upgrade Proposal for High-Fidelity Network Audio Systems

Focusing on SOtM sMS-2000 and Related Components

Modern network audio systems go far beyond simple digital transmission. Factors such as 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 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

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.

Recommended models:

iSO-CAT6

iSO-CAT7

dCBL-CAT7

dCBL-CAT7u

dCBL-CAT8M

These cables minimize noise intrusion along the signal path and preserve signal purity.

Expected improvements:

Enhanced high-frequency delicacy

Denser low-end response

Quieter and cleaner background

Stage 2: Power Supply Optimization

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.

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.

Expected improvements:

Increased transparency

Improved resolution

Better frequency balance

sMS-2000 Fuse Upgrade

Replacing the stock fuse in the sMS-2000 with a high-end audio-grade fuse enhances current response and improves overall power stability.

Recommended fuse specification:

100–120Vac: T10AL 250V (Slow-blow)

220–240Vac: T5AL 250V (Slow-blow)

Size: 6.35 × 31.75 mm

Stage 3: High-Precision Signal Processing

Introducing the tX-USBultra

The tX-USBultra performs reclocking and realignment at the final USB output stage using an ultra-precise clock.

Expected improvements:

Reduced micro-jitter

Improved interface accuracy

Enhanced detail resolution

More stable imaging

Better high-frequency openness

Recommended pairing:

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.

Expected improvements:

Deeper soundstage

Clearer instrument separation

More three-dimensional presentation

Stage 4: External Clock Synchronization

This final stage introduces a 10MHz external master clock to synchronize the entire signal chain.

Recommended Configuration Example

tX-USBultra × 2

sNH-10G × 3

sCLK-OCX10 × 2

Connecting each device in a serial configuration allows reclocking and noise reduction capabilities to accumulate.

Expected improvements:

Higher resolution

Improved stage stability

Quieter background

Better timing accuracy

Recommended cable:

dCBL-BNC (10MHz clock cable)

sNH-10G Quantity Consideration

Two vs Three sNH-10G comparison:

Two units:

Good soundstage

Improved clarity

Three units:

Better stage stability

Improved separation

Quieter background

Users should select based on system environment and preference.

Special Edition Models

Each SOtM device is available in Standard Edition and Special Edition (SE).

SE models provide:

High-end components

Internal wiring upgrades

Additional EMI shielding

Expected improvements:

Improved high-frequency openness

Better resolution

More natural detail reproduction

Building a full SE system is recommended for ultimate performance.

tX-USBultra Quantity Consideration

Depending on system configuration:

1 unit — Basic improvement

2 units — Significant performance gain

3 units — Maximum system optimization

However, using three units is not mandatory. Users should select based on system needs.

Conclusion

SOtM emphasizes not only individual component improvements but also system-wide optimization.

Each upgrade stage can be applied independently. However, combining multiple upgrades provides the greatest performance improvement.

SOtM's goal is to transform audio systems into true musical instruments capable of conveying emotional depth and artistic expression.