All
DACs — SOtM sHP-100
Description, images, technical data and specifications
SOtM sHP-100
Image source - (c) SOtM
The sHP-100 is a combined USB DAC and headphone amplifier from SOtM, the Korean company that makes digital audio products such as USB cards, network players and noise filters for computer audio. It fits on a desk and also works as a preamplifier, since its line output, switchable between fixed and variable, can feed an integrated amplifier or drive a power amplifier directly.
Key specs that matter
SOtM chose a Cirrus Logic CS4398 for conversion. The USB input uses an XMOS processor in USB Audio Class 2.0 and accepts PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz plus DSD64 and DSD128 with native ASIO support. Coaxial and optical inputs take 24-bit signals up to 192 kHz through an AKM AK4113 receiver, and a 3.5 mm analogue input accepts up to 2 Vrms. The fixed line output delivers 2.7 Vrms at 47 ohms with THD+N below 0.002%. The headphone output reaches 2.1 Vrms with 13 ohms output impedance and THD+N below 0.005%. Headphone power is 0.36 W into 30 ohms, 0.21 W into 50 ohms, 0.11 W into 100 ohms, 0.036 W into 300 ohms and 0.018 W into 600 ohms. The unit takes 7 to 9 V DC, measures 106 x 53 x 175 mm and weighs 1 kg.
Engineering and use context
TI's LME49720 operational amplifier forms the line stage, and the headphone stage uses the TPA6120A2, a current-feedback chip designed for difficult headphone loads. Native ASIO lets a Windows computer send DSD to the converter without conversion to PCM. Volume runs through an ALPS analogue potentiometer. A single front knob sets level, selects the input with a short press and mutes with a longer press, while four lamps show whether USB, coaxial, optical or analogue is active. Two switches underneath set the line output to fixed or variable and choose low or high headphone impedance mode, the high setting raising voltage gain to four times. Power comes from the USB bus or a 9 V DC supply, and SOtM offers its mBS-d2s battery supply as an option for isolation from mains noise.
Pairing
High-impedance mode suits 250 to 600 ohm headphones, and low mode suits efficient dynamic and planar models. The analogue input turns the sHP-100 into a headphone amplifier or preamplifier for a phone or portable player. Set to variable, the line output can drive powered monitors or a power amplifier directly, and SOtM's own network players connect over USB.
Alternatives
SOtM's sDP-1000EX is the brand's larger DAC and preamplifier.
Key specs that matter
SOtM chose a Cirrus Logic CS4398 for conversion. The USB input uses an XMOS processor in USB Audio Class 2.0 and accepts PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz plus DSD64 and DSD128 with native ASIO support. Coaxial and optical inputs take 24-bit signals up to 192 kHz through an AKM AK4113 receiver, and a 3.5 mm analogue input accepts up to 2 Vrms. The fixed line output delivers 2.7 Vrms at 47 ohms with THD+N below 0.002%. The headphone output reaches 2.1 Vrms with 13 ohms output impedance and THD+N below 0.005%. Headphone power is 0.36 W into 30 ohms, 0.21 W into 50 ohms, 0.11 W into 100 ohms, 0.036 W into 300 ohms and 0.018 W into 600 ohms. The unit takes 7 to 9 V DC, measures 106 x 53 x 175 mm and weighs 1 kg.
Engineering and use context
TI's LME49720 operational amplifier forms the line stage, and the headphone stage uses the TPA6120A2, a current-feedback chip designed for difficult headphone loads. Native ASIO lets a Windows computer send DSD to the converter without conversion to PCM. Volume runs through an ALPS analogue potentiometer. A single front knob sets level, selects the input with a short press and mutes with a longer press, while four lamps show whether USB, coaxial, optical or analogue is active. Two switches underneath set the line output to fixed or variable and choose low or high headphone impedance mode, the high setting raising voltage gain to four times. Power comes from the USB bus or a 9 V DC supply, and SOtM offers its mBS-d2s battery supply as an option for isolation from mains noise.
Pairing
High-impedance mode suits 250 to 600 ohm headphones, and low mode suits efficient dynamic and planar models. The analogue input turns the sHP-100 into a headphone amplifier or preamplifier for a phone or portable player. Set to variable, the line output can drive powered monitors or a power amplifier directly, and SOtM's own network players connect over USB.
Alternatives
SOtM's sDP-1000EX is the brand's larger DAC and preamplifier.
Specifications
Model name
sHP-100
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 24 bit / 192 kHz and DSD128
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2.7
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
47
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
< 0.002
Dimensions (mm)
106 x 53 x 175
Weight (kg)
1
Official link
More components
DACs
SOtM sDP-1000EX