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. 

I use the new Sonore opticalRendu deluxe in combination with my Ayre QB9 Twenty using Squeezelite (the LMS server running in my LAN).

When I end a playback session with a hires track (e.g 96 or 192 kHz) AND wait for a yet undefined period (usually a night till the next day) to start the following session, whatever track (hires or not) I play, no sound comes out and a power cycle of the oRendu is needed. When I end the playback session with a 44kHz track, this does never happen.

When I wait a shorter period (e.g. one or two hours), I do not have this problem and can start a new playback session with whatever track I want without any problem.

So it's not that difficult to avoid, making sure to end the day with a 44kHz track... but of course I sometimes forget...

When the problem occurs, the DAC display indicates 96 or 192, depending on the last track from the last playback session. In LMS server, whatever track I play appears to effectively play (so I assume the network connection between the LMS server and squeezelite on the oRendu is OK and the problem is in the USB-connection with the DAC).

I used to own the original oRendu (SO2.8) and did not have this problem (DAC hasn't changed).

I include the DAC diagnostics and the oRendu system diagnostics in attachment for completeness.

Maybe it is a bug or maybe some setting I should take care of.

Besides this, I am very happy with the new oRendu deluxe which is a not subtle improvement over the previous one.

Release Notes:

1. The Kernel adds supports more DSD devices.

2. The output protocols have been updated.

3. The Kernel has a new low latency USB stack that reworks the way playback starts.

4. Songcast output mode is being deleted. 

5. YMPD is being deleted.

6. Logitech Media Server is being deleted.

7. Long term our plan is to remove servers from the Rendu series as they are better suited to run on Sonic Orbiter for the Transport series.

Please follow this thread as I will announce something special for AS members soon!

Any updates on this (SonicOrbiterOS 2.9 for SonicTransporter series) or the inclusion of SonoreUPnP Bridge in SonicOrbiterOS 2.9?

So what's new?

Custom code for the network IC by John Swenson

Network IC by the premier network manufacture Broadcom
Network IC with internal low phase noise design  
Network IC with internal low noise regulation
Supports internal flow control for NAA streaming
Low latency design
On board low noise power pre-regulation
On board ultra low noise power regulation
On board ultra low phase noise oscillator for the network IC
100 percent galvanic isolation from the network via optical ethernet
Compatible with 100 speed ethernet devices (PS Audio Direct Stream, dCS Network Bridge, etc.)

Compatible with 1000 speed ethernet devices (SonicTransporter, and other music servers)
Can be used to isolate Sonore optical ethernet endpoints (opticalRendu and Signature Rendu optical)
Can be used to isolate optical ethernet DACs
Designed on the same form factor as the ultraRendu and opticalRendu

Supports the use of the Sonore dual faceplate
Includes a link LED
Includes LEDs on the ethernet connector that indicate 100/1000 speed streaming

Other Features
High-quality ultra low noise linear regulators
Fixed frequency high-quality ultra low jitter FEMTO oscillator

All connections are now on the rear faceplate
External power input jack
RJ45 connector

SFP cage with SFP fiber optic transceiver included
Power connector: 2.1mm x 5.5mm (center +)
Power input: 5-9 VDC
Dimension: 3.5"x2.2"x.7"
systemOptique Certified

Link to product page: https://www.sonore.us/opticalModule-Deluxe.html

Heck yah...we are all in!

We have this working already and will be pushing towards your unit via an update soon. I dont know the

specifics yet, byt will discuss them here as they come up. 

Feel free topost any questions or comments below.

Specifics

1. SO 2.9 for sonicTransporter is required

2. For the onboard storage you point Audirvana to /music

3. It appears that the software is in beta form

@vortecjr @agillis

When will the latest version of sonicTransporter SW support this feature?

I've purchased second hand opticalRendu together with FW 2.8 on SD. Almost immediately I've got another SD card with FW 2.9, hence don't have extended experience with 2.8. My listening is 99% with Roon and I'm having continuous dropouts. Tried to replace entire LAN chain starting from router and down to switch, in my case EtherRegen. Nothing helped so far, however occurrence isn't regular and some days can last with no issue. On other hand, I can have 3-4 dropouts per hour in other days.

Recently I decided to check how opticalRendu behaves with FW 2.8 and was quite surprised that it's much more stable. So, I downloaded /diag pages for both FW and noticed that on 2.9 I got many dropped RX packages, even errors. While on 2.8 zero RX drops can be seen. Please consider that I'm only replacing SD cards with FW, no changes to HW is made. Attached are my both pages downloaded after playing the same 2 tracks through Roon. I would use 2.8 and stay happy but I like 2.9 sound better.

Please help to find solution. I've seen many people complain on stability of opticalRendu with Roon but no cure was provided so far. Thanks in advance.

opticalRendu_diag.zip

This information was sent by a customer. Not sure what DAC was used:

We recently introduced the Sonore ultraRendu 1.3 and today I'm rebranding it the Sonore ultraRendu Plus. 

Here is the back story on the new Sonore ultraRendu Plus. We are actually very pleased with the way the Sonore ultraRendu 1.3 sounds. However, we are going to implimented some changes to the design that make a big difference on the performance of the unit:

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

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

*Note that for #2 through #4 if you have Sonic Orbiter OS v2.9 you just need to update your unit via Software Manager.  

What does all this mean for Sonore ultraRendu 1.3 orders that already shipped? Email me because you may qualify for a free swap out of your Sonore ultraRendu 1.3 for the new Sonore ultraRendu Plus. 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 be 1.3.

4. We are asking that you pay for shipping both ways.

5. Quantities may be limited and the offer may be suspended at anytime without notice.      

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

Availability - We are still working out the logitics and have suspended sales as of today. Please check on this thread for availabilty. 

Feel free to post any questions or comments below. 

RAVENNA/AES67 Streaming on sonicTransporter will allow streaming from the onboard music servers to RAVENNA/AES67 partner devices.

One notable RAVENNA/AES67 partner is Merging Technologies who makes multichannel network attached DACs. Merging Technologies also develop the Linux ALSA driver and the web based Butler that is responsible for communication and configuration. Another notable RAVENNA/AES67 partner is Genelec who makes network attached speakers.

Server side (Roon, Audivana, LMS, MPD, etc.) setup is as simple as pointing the audio output to the RAVENNA/AES67 ALSA driver. The web based Butler is then used to set up the stream...more on this in future posts.

Possible features

• 1fs to 8fs support
• PCM up to 384kHz
• Native DSD playback (64/128/256) support (DOP not supported)
• Interleaved and non-interleaved 16/24/32 bit integer formats
• No software channel limitation
• Volume control
• PTP driven driver

Amanero USB based T+A Components

This is all about what firmware is running on the Amanero USB interface.  Note that we do not get involved in the updating of the Amanero firmware in the context of the T+A gear. As shown in the T+A specifications (link included), the component is only specified to playback DSD 256 and DSD 512 via a Windows computer using the T+A driver. If the component does indeed use the Amanero USB interface, it is likely firmware updatable to allow DSD 256 and DSD 512 (native) via Linux streamers like ours.  For example Barrows uses Amanero firmware version 2006be11, to support DSD 256 and DSD 512, native via our streamers, and it works fine. There is a very long thread here on AudiophileStyle about the T+A DAC 8 DSD which shows how to update the Amanero firmware, and users on that thread may be able to help. Note that T+A may not support this update.

T+A MP 3100 spec:

https://www.ta-hifi.de/en/audiosystems/hv-series/mp-3100-hv-multi-source-sacd-player-2/

T+A DAC 8 DSD thread at audiophilestyle.com:

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/27271-ta-dac-8-dsd/#comments

STM/Thesycon USB based T+A Components

What T+A can do is exchange the Amanero board with a STM/Thesycon board. Please contact them for pricing. The Thesycon USB driver would then work on Linux streamers like ours. 

Additional information for those familiar with coding on the Linux Kernel

If you stroll down to line 1903 you will see the code related to the various Amanero firmware supported on Linux.

If you stroll down to line 2192 you will see the code for the Thesycon based T+A hardware. As long as the component has a USB VID of 0x2ab6 it should just work.

https://github.com/torvalds/linux/blob/master/sound/usb/quirks.c?utf8=✓

Your best bet to avoid issues long term is get the unit with the Thesycon USB board or update your unit to the Thesycon board.

*updated by vortecjr on 2/18/2023 to fix errors 

We are currently offering upgrades to owners from the Sonore Signature Rendu SE to the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe.  

The Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe, the absolute finest streaming USB source we have made. The Signature Rendu SE is the natural evolution of Sonore’s opticalRendu and Sonore’s acclaimed Signature Power Supply.

The Signature Rendu SE takes fiber optic Ethernet input or cable ethernet input and renders it to a perfect, ultra-low noise USB feed to one’s USB DAC. While the opticalRendu is a revolutionary product, the Signature Rendu SE takes off from the opticalRendu concept, improving on it by refinement and attention to every detail. The SE takes advantage of single chassis design, allowing close coupling of the power supply and processing board for the ultimate in ultra-low impedance and ultra-low noise power delivery. The SE processing board uses a large footprint to allow for eleven (11) independent low noise voltage regulation stages, and better physical separation of the Ethernet processing and USB output sections, further reducing noise and crosstalk. Two ultra-low phase noise (so-called “femto”) oscillator are used to govern all processing and USB audio output.

The opticalRendu is systemOptique certified 

SELECTABLE OUTPUT MODES

Mode #1 - SqueezeLite Output - This output works with any Logitech Media Server and compatible controllers. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #2 - ShairPort Output - This is an AirPlay emulator that utilizes streams sent to it from a compatible source. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM.

Mode #3 - MPD/DLNA Output:

Mode #3a - DLNA Output - This output utilizes streams from UPnP/DLNA servers and controllers. This output can be configured as an OpenHome renderer. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #3b - MPD Output - This output is intended to work with an SMB mount. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD. This option requires an SMB share to mount your content in combination with the built-in Drive Mounter application.

Mode #4 - HQ Player NAA Output - This output utilizes streams from Signalyst's HQ Player running on your computer. Digital signal processing is performed by HQ Player and then asynchronously streamed to the Network Audio Adapter (NAA) output. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #5 - RoonReady Output - This output utilizes streams from Roon. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #6 - Spotify Connect Output - This output can be controlled by your computer or tablet running the Spotify (premium) application. This application is based on librespot - an open source client library for Spotify. The application is in Beta form.

Link to product page: https://www.sonore.us/Signature-Rendu-SE.html

Is there anyway of troubleshooting if the whole unit is dead, or if the SD card has failed? 

Introducing the Sonore ultraRendu v1.3.

So what's new?
Custom designed input / output board by John Swenson
Resigned USB circuit removing redundant components.  
Updated clock buffer with significantly lower phase noise compared to previous design.
Lower impedance / better voltage regulation on the USB subsystem. 
Moved the clock circuit to a new location away from other components. 

The opticalRendu is systemOptique certified 

SELECTABLE OUTPUT MODES

Mode #1 - SqueezeLite Output - This output works with any Logitech Media Server and compatible controllers. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #2 - ShairPort Output - This is an AirPlay emulator that utilizes streams sent to it from a compatible source. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM.

Mode #3 - MPD/DLNA Output:

Mode #3a - DLNA Output - This output utilizes streams from UPnP/DLNA servers and controllers. This output can be configured as an OpenHome renderer. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #3b - MPD Output - This output is intended to work with an SMB mount. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD. This option requires an SMB share to mount your content in combination with the built-in Drive Mounter application.

Mode #4 - HQ Player NAA Output - This output utilizes streams from Signalyst's HQ Player running on your computer. Digital signal processing is performed by HQ Player and then asynchronously streamed to the Network Audio Adapter (NAA) output. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #5 - RoonReady Output - This output utilizes streams from Roon. This output supports true gapless playback of PCM, DSD/DoP, and native DSD.

Mode #6 - Spotify Connect Output - This output can be controlled by your computer or tablet running the Spotify (premium) application. This application is based on librespot - an open source client library for Spotify. The application is in Beta form.

Link to product page: https://www.sonore.us/ultraRendu.html

Signature Rendu SE Opt owners: We will be offering you an upgrade path to swap out the main board to the new design. The price will be resonable, but you will need to ship your unit to us for the retrofit.

BTW I will be ordering the production batch tomorrow and we should be able to ship the new oR in about a month.

Please let me know your thoughts below.

Link to product page: https://www.sonore.us/opticalRendu.html

The Sonore opticalModule all-in-one with integral low noise linear power supply is a bi-directional fiber media converter or FMC. The opticalModule has an SFP fiber optic transceiver on one side and an RJ45 connector on the other side. The unit can be used to add fiber-optic networking to your existing wired network or convert your existing fiber optic network to a wired network. The unit can be used with All Sonore products or any other network server or endpoint.

The opticalModule all-in-one is systemOptique Certified.

FEATURES

• Integral low noise linear power supply
• Supports flow control for NAA streaming
• Enclosure matches the ultraRendu and opticalRendu
• Compatible with the Sonore Rendu (ethernet input with USB output and SPDIF/i2s output)
• Compatible with the Sonore endPoint (ethernet input with SPDIF/AES-EBU output)
• Compatible with 100 speed Ethernet DACs and DDCs (PS Audio Direct Stream, dCS Network Bridge, etc.)
• Compatible with any music server
• Improved circuit layout
• Supports the use of the Sonore dual faceplate
• Includes a link LED
• Includes LEDs on the ethernet connector that indicate 100/1000 speed streaming
• All connections are on the rear faceplate
• Four (4) high-quality ultra low noise linear regulators
• Fixed frequency high-quality ultra low jitter FEMTO oscillator
• External power input jack
• RJ45 connector
• systemOptique Certified

SPECIFICATIONS

• SFP cage with generic SFP fiber optic transceiver included
• Power connector: 2.1mm x 5.5mm (center +)
• Power input: 5-9 VDC
• Dimension: 3.5"x2.2"x.7"

Link to product page: https://www.sonore.us/opticalModule-Allinone.html

The Audiopraise VanityPRO is a multi-channel HDMI digital audio extractor with advanced signal processing built in. It enables the user to turn virtually any compatible HDMI source into a high-quality, up to eight-channel digital audio transport which supports PCM and DSD  audio formats.

This heavily engineered audiophile HDMI audio extractor features custom DSD to PCM conversion algorithms and a state-of-the-art jitter reduction system. The result is a reference quality digital audio signal suitable for the most demanding applications of stereo and multichannel digital playback.

VanityPRO addresses the imperfections associated with the HDMI audio with a ton of extra features tha other similar products don’t have.

Features

HDMI 2.0a input and output.

Up to 8-channel 192kHz/24bit PCM and 6-channel DSD64 audio extraction

Custom high quality DSD to PCM conversion

Advanced jitter attenuation

DSD to DoP encoding

HDMI Audio status monitoring

Multiple options of multi-channel or stereo digital audio outputs. All major formats

Synchronization clock outputs

Options

Digital Audio Outputs Channels - 8 or 2 channel (stereo) output modules

Option 1 - 4xBNC for 8-channel output

Option 2 - 4xRCA for 8-channel output

Option 3 - 4x/XLR for 8-channel output

Option 4 - 1xXLR + 1xBNC + 1xRCA + 1x TOSLINK for 2-channel output

Option 5 - multichannel I2S output module with CMOS 3.3V levels

Link to product page: https://sonore-us.myshopify.com/products/audiopraise-vanitypro-audiophile-multi-channel-hdmi-digital-audio-extractor?_pos=1&_sid=32cc34593&_ss=r