The Sonroe microRendu
July 23rd 2020
Sonroe microRendu
The Sonroe microRendu is an Audiophile Small Board Computer bridge allowing you to add a DAC via a USB connection of your choice and connect to your network via an Ethernet connection. As the name implies the microRendu is a rather small device measuring 3.5" x 2.2" x 0.7" which leaves no room for a power supply, this give you the option for either a switching or linear power supply. Sonroe has gone with a linear power supply to provide the cleanest signal.
The Setup
The outboard linear power supply provides a clean 7 volts and, in this case, a steady 7.12 to 7.15 volts for an ultra-clean power to the microRendu. The microRendu uses a Toroidal 15 VA transformer to regulate the power in the 100mm x 50mm x 150mm case with LED readout. The power supply is optional during purchase though required for use.
Next, we will access the web interface, at sonicorbiter.com. Once connected you can configure services available.
To access installed or app available for install click mange. HQPlayer NAA, MPD / DLNA Renderer, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, and Squeezelite are the default apps that are available for Sonore player.
To install an app, click the Available Apps tab, and one of the following options to install; BubbleUPnP Server, Drive Mounter, sc2mpd, Shairport, SonoreUPnP Bridge, Squeezebox Server, or ympd. After which simply click install and edit the proper credentials.
The Sonroe microRendu is able play almost any file including FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, WMA-L, DSF and DFF. Additionally, the following bit depths are supported: 16 and 24, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512.
DLNA, Squeezebox®, Roon RAAT and HQplayer are also supported providing you with access to the player with no problems.
For the review, I chose to go with Roon, which the setup was rather simple. After connecting the power supply to the microRendu you let the unit boot for about 30 seconds. Then, connect the microRendu to your DAC. After this, you will go into Roon’s Settings > Sound > and Enable microRendu and you will be up and running.
You will want to ensure you DAC setting are the same as before as well in Audio settings.
Evaluation
Enough of the technical - how does this all add up for using in a live system and listening to music? First, we start with Akiko / Hamilton / Dechter, a beautifully recorded Jazz trio. The delightful “I Remember You” sets the tone as the album is recorded as a live performance. The drum kit has a feeling of depth and a bit forward at times and is always a driving force. Whether riding the high-hat or the occasional crack of the snare drums, percussion is always clearly present. The electric organ and Jazz guitar intermingle throughout the album, taking over from one another as if to finish each other’s words and become ever-present. The Sonroe and the DAC with the Pro-Ject S2 never sound lifeless or dead.
In the Carrie Newcomer’s Folk album “Point of Arrival,” a warm encompassing feeling immediately envelopes you as you hear her voice and it seems as if an old friend was returning. The microRendu brings out such details as the click of her tongue as she sings. Chills are brought to your skin with such dynamics but I suppose you can become jaded over time as you become used to this level of quality. A natural performance from all music becomes “the norm” for well-recorded music - one of the many welcome additions of the microRendu. You will definitely notice several other micro nuances as you listen to music from the microRendu.
The “Fess Up (Before You Mess Up)” by Amendola Vs. Blades is another magnificent example of how the microRendu can preserve the fantastic recorded drum kit in the album. We are almost transported to the room in which the drums were recorded. The drums are lively from the toms to the reverberation of the floor drum including other nuances which insures all details are well preserved. In addition to the magnificently recorded drums, the fantastic way the sax, organ, bass, and, yes, tambourine are rendered, they too never lose their individual definition.
Who is the Sonroe microRendu for?
The microRendu is for the person who needs a simple plug and play Audio Network bridge that will preserve the integrity of the chosen DAC. The Sonroe microRendu takes a total of five minutes to setup for the hardware and software.
Is the microRendu for everyone?
This question can only be answered by the individual considering one. The microRendu is only wired, which is the best type of connection, but this may be a downside for some. There is a higher quality ultraRendu which provides increased detail at the cost of a little increase in the price tag. For those who have a DAC with network connectivity, you may not need a network bridge. These are questions you will have to ask yourself when considering the microRendu.
In the end, the Sonroe microRendu is a fantastic product at a price point of $429 which preserves detail and is never analytical or harsh. In my opinion, the microRendu gets my seal of approval. The included power supply in this review is an additional $159.
Gear used in this review:
Emotiva PT-100
Emotiva A-300
SVS-SB-3000
Roon ROCK Server
Roon Client
Pro-ject S2 DAC
Music Used in Review
Akiko Tsuruga - Equal Time
https://open.qobuz.com/album/u41l09e6cf9cc
Carrie Newcomer - The Point of Arrival
https://open.qobuz.com/album/u4g7s7jds1dwc
Amendola vs. Blades - Everybody Wins