Consequently, laptops, Mac Mini, NUC, Raspberry Pi and similar constructions are definitely not able to serve as a State-of-the-Art
Simple, elegant and absolutely necessary for high end computer audio transport, SOtM card serves exclusively for connection of USB D/A converters and every single USB DAC connected to PC via SOtM tx USB card will instantly sound better. There is also a switch for complete disruption of DC 5V from PC. The card has an ultra low-noise voltage regulator, ultra low jitter clock and can be powered externally with linear PSU or battery. SOtM tx-USBexp Audiophile PCIe to USB 3.0 card is basically a high end USB port, connected to computer’s motherboard via Peripheral Component Interconnect Express or simply PCIe slot on computer’s motherboard. While other audio companies were busy improving their USB D/A converters, South Korean company SOtM (Soul of the Music) asserted the problem on computer side and the solution practically jumped out. High quality USB D/A converters require high quality USB port, separated from other USB devices, dedicated to audio transport only and there is, unfortunately, no such a thing on computer motherboards. Furthermore, connecting of other USB devices to the computer used for audio transport, particularly USB disks or even a mouse can seriously affect the quality of audio playback. The problem of high end audio gear connection was not considered during development of USB industry standard and therefore optimal conditions for this type of peripherals cannot be expected. High quality USB D/A converters require high quality USB port
Tragically, some USB converters cannot even be recognized by computer, if 5V from motherboard failed to reach their USB receiver. However, an extremely power sensitive D/A converter shouldn’t be connected to, or even worse powered by 5V generated from motherboard’s switching power supplies. Powered by incredibly noisy and for computer audio completely inappropriate 5V DC, USB interface is an excellent connection for various PC peripherals like printers, external hard drives, keyboards, mouses, digital cameras etc. Communication with external sound cards (DAC) via USB interface is not really a problem and 480 Mbit/s data transfer speed in USB 2.0 standard is more than sufficient for transport of even the most complex high resolution audio files. “The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.” – Albert Einsteinĭesigned to standardize connection with computer peripherals, USB interface enables both communication with peripherals and supply of electric power.