Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
sMS-2000
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Operating Temperature: 0 ~ +30℃
- Storage Temperature: 0 ~ +40℃
- Operating & Storage Humidity: 10% ~ 90%
- Dimensions: 445mm x 394mm x 115mm
- Weight: 10Kg (TBD)
- Storage Options: [object Object]
- Processor Options: Intel i7-9700,Intel i7-9700K,Intel i9-9900K
- Ports: [object Object]
The sMS-2000 is one of the few products designed to deliver this depth of musical experience. Developed after over a decade of meticulous preparation by SOtM, the sMS-2000 incorporates advanced technologies that set new standards in high-end audio. The integrated USB audio host card and Ethernet card represent the pinnacle of SOtM's ten years of development, offering unparalleled sound quality. Additionally, the sPM-ATX100 high-end audio ATX power supply and specially engineered ATX power cables provide exceptional performance, surpassing the limitations of conventional digital devices.
The core of the sMS-2000 features the highly regarded sMB-Q370 motherboard and processor, which have been validated by numerous users. Combined with a high-performance i7 CPU and DDR4 RAM, it delivers the hardware capabilities required for the most demanding audio technologies. Fur...
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- SOtM's products are known for their sleek, compact, and stylish aluminum enclosures, setting them apart from typical computer-like designs, and resembling attractive audio components.
- They use a Linux-based operating system (Vortexbox or Eunhasu OS) known for its audio playback capabilities, paired with well-established software like Logitech Media Server or Roon, offering a mature user experience.
Select products
sHP-100
- Positioning: A combined USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for flexible connectivity in modest setups.
- Description: Offers diverse input options and quality digital-to-analog conversion with proven chips, ensuring clean sound in compact environments. Compared to the more specialized functions in the phono equalizer or flagship digital systems, it serves users needing versatile performance in smaller rooms on a moderate budget.
sPQ-100PS
- Positioning: A specialized phono equalizer aimed at optimizing analog vinyl playback.
- Description: Supports multiple EQ graphs and cartridge selections, allowing users to tailor its performance to different vinyl records with precise, natural tone reproduction. Compared to the digital processing in higher-end systems like the sMS-2000 or power amplification of the sPA-1000, it focuses on dedicated vinyl setups.
sPA-1000
- Positioning: A fully balanced Class D power amplifier suited for demanding audio systems.
- Description: Uses advanced power stabilization and balanced circuitry to achieve natural sound with precise control, delivering detailed performance in mid-to-large room environments. Compared to the compact functionality of the sHP-100 and the digital sophistication of the sMS-2000, it meets the needs of users looking for robust amplification with higher build quality.
sCLK-OCX10
- Positioning: A master clock generator developed for high-end digital audio systems.
- Description: Produces a pure 10MHz sine wave clock output with ultra-low phase noise and selectable impedance, thanks to its dedicated analog design refined over many years. Compared to devices focused on signal processing like the sMS-2000 or amplification like the sPA-1000, it serves audiophiles who need tight synchronization and precision.
sMS-2000
- Positioning: An integrated high-end digital audio system configured as the flagship for immersive musical experiences.
- Description: Brings together premium components including a dedicated USB host card, Ethernet interface, high-grade clock module, and custom power supply to deliver exceptional depth and clarity. Compared to the focused roles of the sPA-1000 and sCLK-OCX10, it offers comprehensive functionality and superior performance suitable for large, sophisticated systems.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
First, we don’t just use advanced technologies like ultra-high-speed digital hardware, precision audio clocking, or noise filtering—we develop them ourselves with a deep understanding of how each element affects sound quality. For example, our proprietary power electronics for audio circuits and custom-designed oscillators play a critical role in delivering our distinctive sound.
Second, while many brands prioritize marketing, we invest heavily in R&D. This means our products may not always be the most widely advertised, but they are built on a solid foundation of innovation and long-term vision. Rather than making minor upgrades, we aim to create fundamentally better products with each release. That’s a philosophy that consistently earns us loyal users around the world.
What's your approach to customer support?
At SOtM, we take customer support seriously. Customers are encouraged to first contact their local dealer or distributor, as they are trained to handle most issues and can provide service in the customer’s native language. However, if further assistance is needed, customers are always welcome to reach out to us directly. When a customer experiences an issue, we aim to respond quickly, diagnose the problem accurately, and offer a solution that minimizes any disruption. We go above and beyond by offering firmware updates, personalized setup help, and sometimes even remote access support to ensure the best possible experience.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Some of our go-to pieces include:
- Stravinsky – The Firebird Suite (Finale): Great for dynamics and layering.
- Copland – Fanfare for the Common Man: Perfect for testing impact, timing, and space.
- Mahler – Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": A true challenge for any system, with massive scale and emotional intensity.
We also enjoy film scores for their emotional engagement and wide frequency content. Ultimately, we choose tracks that are musically moving and technically revealing—regardless of genre.
What other products pair best with yours?
Since we produce everything from digital sources to amplifiers and cables—essentially all components except speakers—we typically use speakers from brands like Focal and Magico in our reference systems. All other components in the system are SOtM products, allowing us to demonstrate the full potential of our technology in a fully optimized environment.
Used
SOtM
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- The A20 is a full-fledged, high-performance server, streamer, preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier
- Excellent DAC with a natural, detailed, clean, and neutral sound
- Impressive storage capabilities with slots for user-installable SSD or HDD drives and limitless storage options by integrating content from a NAS or external USB drive
- The Aurender Conductor App is highly user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and is easy to navigate
Product Considerations
- The A20 is not compatible with Roon
- The A20 does not have built-in CD ripping functionality
- The A20's sound signature might not immediately impress
- There is a learning curve for maximum functionality
Takeaway: The Aurender A20 is a great option for audiophiles seeking a digital hub that covers both headphone and loudspeaker listening and whose music collection is already digitized. It has excellent sound quality, hardware, software, and customer service.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Integrates the functions of a music server, a content streamer, and a LAN port, consolidating multiple devices into one for simpler setup
- Has two internal, hard-drive storage bays, which allow users to customize on-board music storage according to their needs (up to 16TB with SSDs)
- Employs an all-digital, phase-locked-loop subsystem (ADPLL) with an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) to reduce jitter, improving the musical presentation
- Supports various digital file codecs, including native DSD512, handled by a dedicated Intel Quad-Core CPU
- Exceptional build quality, with a minimalistic, stylish design and a large, high-resolution (1920 x 480 pixels) AMOLED display for album art and information
- Outstanding customer service is available
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in DAC, requiring an external DAC for audio output
- Roon is not fully supported as a RAAT device, only as an Airplay device
- The Android version of the control app may not be as user-friendly as the iOS version
- HDDs/SSDs not included, so the cost of storage is not part of the overall price
- The Aurender N20 does not offer a hardware remote, which might be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender A20: The N20 is a superior streamer for upscale rigs due to its dedicated functionality and higher parts quality, whereas the A20 is an excellent choice as a streamlined hifi
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The reviewer believes the sweet spot in the Aurender lineup is the N20 unless dual AES output is needed, in which case—the W20SE would be better
- Vs Small Green Computer CAPS 20.1: The Aurender N20 is a state-of-the-art server with great sound quality for plug and play, while CAPS 20.1 needs maintenance
- Vs Linn Klimax DSM/3: Unlike the Linn Klimax DSM/3, the N20 comes with two internal hard-drive storage bays
Takeaway: The Aurender N20 is a well-designed music server/streamer with high-quality sound that offers a streamlined user experience and integration of various digital audio functions. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking simplicity, stability, and excellent sound quality in a digital source component.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The KALA 50 is the flagship of the KALA range, with an electronic design that is derived from the Kala 50, delivering compelling musical performance at a more affordable level. Every panel in the KALA 50 is precision machined from a thick solid plate of premium alloy for a perfect fit and finish, and outstanding vibration control.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Robust and solid build quality
- Excellent sound quality, reproducing music with high fidelity
- Gives music life, verve, vigor, and emotional involvement
- Antipodes optimizes the power supplies to increase speed and lower noise
- Offers a platform for the best available applications
Product Considerations
- The burn-in process can take a long time
- Worldwide chip shortages forced a few changes to the design, and the beta software would not be bug-free
- The USB output is considered the worst in terms of sound quality and receives the least amount of isolation and reclocking
- Removing Roon local option can be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Aurender N20: The K50 replaced an Aurender N20
- Vs. Innuos Statement: The Innuos Statement has a warm and smooth signature
- Vs. HiFi ROSE RS150b: The K50 provides interconnectedness between sounds that the HiFi ROSE does not
- Vs. Antipodes K41 and K22: Combining an Antipodes K41 and K22 will make for a two-box K50 if one is so inclined
Takeaway: The Antipodes K50 is a well-built music server that brings soul back into a digital system. It creates a natural and inviting sound that can help you rediscover your favorite music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Achieves ideal isolation for best performance using PLINK, PDFAS clocking technology, and separate chassis with high-quality linear power supply
- Offers superb sound quality whether streaming from UPnP or using local or streaming Roon RAAT sources
- Delivers a neutral, fast, lively, and expressive sound that is also finely nuanced, fluid, spacious, and gently svelte
- Has a direct, rhythmic, fast, pure, and impactful sound, combined with deep tonal saturation and an enveloping soundstage
- The MPS-X is designed to allow multiple clock signals for the streamer, network bridge, etc, but it then re-clocks all digital signals through the proprietary high-precision clock generator before sending the signal out to the DAC via its fiber optical interface (PLINK)
Product Considerations
- PLINK is not 100% compatible with Nagra Link, there is skipping/glitching on certain sample rates
- Aftermarket feet could alter pacing and drive, so it is best to start with the MPS-X's own feet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Aqua LinQ, the MPS-X excels in being liquid, free-flowing, and spacious, particularly possessing more distinct layering in the depth plane, while the Aqua LinQ is more immediate and direct
Takeaway: The MPS-X offers excellent streaming audio performance with great sound quality and isolation, improving the sound of music servers and offering further potential within a Playback Designs system. It is an expertly crafted device that should make listening to music even more enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines music server, streamer, and DAC functionalities into an all-in-one system
- Features user-installable storage with two bays for 2.5' drives
- Equipped with the AKM 4490 DAC chipset, known for musicality and a rich, smooth sound
- Comes with the Aurender Conductor app, which is simple, intuitive and stable for browsing and control
- Uses a caching system with a 240GB SSD to ensure stable playback and minimize stress on storage drives
Product Considerations
- The overall unit size is fairly large
- Requires a stable network connection for streaming
- Storage drives are for 2.5 inch drives, rather than the more common and affordable 3.5 inch desktop size disk drives
- Internet Radio and Spotify Connect are available on the app, but cannot be cached because they're considered a constant stream
- May be overkill for casual listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Aurender A100, the A200 runs cooler, boots up faster, and has a larger screen—the A200 also offers two user-installable drive bays for large libraries of local files
- Compared to AURALiC Vega G1, the A200 offers a deeper and more introspective look inside each song, but lacks horizontal soundstage expansiveness and 3D imaging effects
Takeaway: The Aurender A200 is a versatile digital audio solution that offers a combination of excellent sound quality, user-friendly software, and flexible storage options. It could be the perfect choice for audiophiles seeking a streamlined and high-performance music server and streamer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Natural and realistic sound, not 'tubey' but refined
- Organic warmth and a touch of 'tube magic'
- Technical abilities combined with a natural, alive sound signature
- Exceptional transient response with inner detail and lifelike information
- Many inputs and outputs available
Product Considerations
- The sound can initially be very 'digital' before properly conditioned, requiring a couple of days to achieve its optimal sonic signature
- A reviewer noticed a subtle midrange bump, which may cause congestion in super-complex music compared to higher-priced DACs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bricasti M3: Wavelight is slightly warmer sounding with somewhat deeper bass, and overall, the Wavelight is preferred for its musicality at a lower price point
Takeaway: The Rockna Wavelight is a well-built DAC/preamp that provides a balanced, natural, and engaging listening experience. It offers high-end performance with unique technologies and features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully crafted with smooth lines, elegant heat sinks, and available in silver or black finishes
- Features a large, super clear, and easy-to-read 6.9-inch display
- Offers onboard storage for media files via two user-accessible storage bays on the rear panel
- Dual-mono AKM4490 DAC configuration delivers exceptional channel separation and a remarkably low noise floor
- Supports Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Internet Radio
Product Considerations
- Premium price point
- Storage drives are not included
- Might be feature-rich for users seeking a simpler solution
Takeaway: The Aurender A15 is a stunning and precision-crafted piece of gear, packed with technology, that delivers convenience and sound quality. It allows one to enjoy music at a level rarely achievable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Easy to install storage, with a tool-less design using thumbscrews for 2.5in HDDs or SSDs
- A 240GB NVMe SSD is used for caching music for playback, which prevents glitches
- A super capacitor UPS is included for an orderly shutdown in case of mains failures
Product Considerations
- No built-in digital-to-analogue conversion, so it needs to be used with a DAC or amp/preamp with onboard conversion
- Not Roon-compatible
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender A30: The N200 is half the price, but gives away little apart from an optical disc-drive
Takeaway: The Aurender N200 is a well-designed network audio transport with easy storage installation and a caching system for smooth playback. It is built to avoid glitches and can be a great addition to an audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very organic and lifelike sound quality
- Excellent customer support with immediate responses and remote system login assistance
- Easy to set up and use, with a simple drop-down menu to select desired player (Squeeze, Roon, HQ Player, etc.)
- Stable and reliable performance, without freezing or connection issues
- Provides tighter and fuller bass compared to some other streamers
Product Considerations
- Requires several hundred hours of burn-in for optimal performance
- Not recommended for DSP-heavy use (HQ Player) without upgrading to K41 or K50 models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, Antipodes K22 provides more insight and better separation of voices in a chorus
- Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, the K22 has more organic sound quality and dynamic ebb and flow
- Vs HiFi ROSE streamer, the K22 provides tighter and fuller bass compared to the softer–bloated bass of the HiFi ROSE
Takeaway: The Antipodes Audio K22 is user-friendly and has commendable customer support, plus it renders music in a lifelike and organic manner. This streamer can bring a new level of musical enjoyment to a system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.
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