Sonore microRendu v1.5
The transparent microRendu v1.5 pairs effortless plug-and-play setup with seriously revealing playback, letting a quality DAC unpack fine detail, natural instrumental bite, and a fatigue-free flow. AUDIOKEY REVIEWS praises its compact build, broad format support, and Roon-friendly flexibility, making it a compelling network streamer for listeners who want simplicity without sacrificing resolution.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
96/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Usability
93/100
Value for Money
95/100
Pros
Highly transparent sound that uncovers exceptional detail and natural instrument texture through a good DAC.
Very easy to set up and use, with plug-and-play operation and smooth Roon integration.
Broad streaming and format support, including PCM/DSD playback and multiple software ecosystems.
Strong value, with the review calling it a standout deal at its price.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 96/100
Reviewers are highly enthusiastic about the microRendu 1.5’s sound through a good DAC, describing it as superbly transparent, analog-like, and fatigue-free. They repeatedly highlight exceptional detail, natural bite on brass, and a well-arranged sound picture with instruments and voices locked into place.
Tonal Balance Musicality
96/100
The review calls it 'analog like as digital can be' and says listening is 'fatigue-free,' which points to a smooth, natural presentation rather than a harsh or clinical one. The brass is described as having 'natural, live bite,' and the overall experience is framed as engaging and easy to enjoy for long sessions.
Resolution Detail
98/100
Reviewer language is unusually strong here: they say they have 'never heard so much recorded detail' and that the original mix was revealed 'in all its glory.' Acoustic guitars shimmer, vocal harmonies are 'superbly detailed,' and the review repeatedly emphasizes fine textural information and separation.
Digital Performance
95/100
The streamer is praised as 'superbly transparent' when feeding a quality DAC, with no hint of digital roughness or glare in the listening notes. The reviewer also stresses broad format support and stable operation, though the clearest evidence here comes from the clean, revealing sound rather than technical measurement-style commentary.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
The software/control side is a major strength: reviewers call it plug and play, praise the fast addition of features, and mention easy setup with Roon output selection. Connectivity and format support are also broad, with support for PCM, DSD, Roon, HQPlayer, DLNA, Squeezebox Server, Tidal, and Qobuz through third-party apps.
Streaming Software
94/100
The review emphasizes that it is plug and play, with quick setup and easy use through Roon and third-party control apps. SonicOrbiter is described as adding features quickly, and the unit is presented as simple enough that there is 'nothing left to do' after setup beyond choosing music.
Features Connectivity
90/100
Support is broad, including PCM and DSD sample rates, native DSD, Roon, HQPlayer, DLNA, Squeezebox Server, and streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz through third-party applications. The review also notes DAC customization and mobile/computer control, making it flexible even though it remains a streamer rather than an all-in-one hub.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
The unit is described as 'superbly built' despite being only the size of a pack of cards, and the reviewer says it is ridiculously easy to configure. Beyond that, the review says little about long-term physical robustness, internal construction, or transport-style mechanics, so the evidence stays pleasantly positive rather than exhaustive.
Value for Money
95/100
The review is explicitly enthusiastic about value, calling the microRendu 1.5 'a crazy deal' at $399, even before accounting for the optional power supply. That is strong praise in a category where many streamers cost far more, and the reviewer clearly sees it as unusually compelling for the money.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
Manufacturer's Description — Sonore
The original Sonore microRendu v1.3 was upgraded in March 2020 because certain parts on the unit were becoming hard to get. Soon afterward we decided to redesign the unit improving some components and upgrading others. Another key goal of the project was to reduce the price without compromise to the performance. With a little bit of hard work we were able to achieve all the project goals and we think you will be thrilled with the new Sonore microRendu v1.5.
The Sonore microRendu is an audiophile microcomputer with Ethernet input and USB Audio output. The microRendu utilizes a proprietary printed circuit board with only the essential components. The microRendu is small and lightweight. Connect the microRendu directly to your USB device via a USB cable or hard adapter eliminating the need for a USB cable. Don't let the size fool you though because it's been designed to take into consideration all that is important to USB Audio. The microRendu is easy to configure and can accept audio streams from several digital sources.
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. Mode #3c - Songcast Output - This output accepts streams from your computer running Linn Songcast. The application is in Beta form.
- 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 application. This application is based on librespot - an open source client library for Spotify. The application is in Beta form.
SOFTWARE FEATURES
- Supports the following PCM sample rates up to: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, and 768kHz
- Supports the following DSD sample rates up to: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
- POP free DSD/PCM transitions
- Not all USB devices or output modes support the maximum sample rate of the unit
- RoonReady certified
- Audirvana Plus certified
- Running Logitech Media Server locally allows playback of local radio stations and streaming service
- Logitech Media Server allows you to use the unit as a UPNP server in combination with Drive Mounter
- The Software Manager that allows you to install and uninstall apps as needed
- BubbleUPnP Server app allows any renderer to take advantage of the OhMedia - OpenHome protocol
- OhMedia - OpenHome protocol allows the Linn Kinsky and Linn Kazoo Apps with playlist support to be used as controllers
- Supports Tidal and Qobuz lossless streaming via thrid party applications
- Native DSD supported
- The unit is controlled via third-party apps on your mobile device and on your computer
- Based on Sonicorbiter, closed source and open source (GPLv2)
HARDWARE FEATURES
- Improved two power converters and their associated capacitors (v1.5 only)
- Improved the clock buffer to one used in opticalRendu (v1.5 only)
- Improved the USB A jack to the through hole one used in other Rendu boards (v1.5 only)
- Four (4) high-quality ultra low noise regulators
- Fixed frequency high-quality low jitter oscillator
- RJ45 input connector
- USB-A audio output connector
- Micro SD port for the operating system
- External power input jack
- Multicore processor with DDR3 RAM
- Power input: 6-9 VDC (9 VDC not recommended) at 1 Amp min continuous
- Operating Conditions: up to 73 F/22.8 C
- Power connector: 2.1mm x 5.5mm (center +)
- Dimension: 3.5"x2.2"x.7"
- CE, FCC, and RoHS certified
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Sonore microRendu v1.5
- Future-Fidelity Audio — in-store — Tandang Sora, Metro Manila, Philippines (website)
- Indie Hifi — in-store — New Farm, Queensland, Australia (website)
- Meta Wave — in-store — Gårda, Västra Götalands län, Sweden (website)
- Upstream Audio — in-store — Deerfield Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- XtremeFidelity — in-store — Lakewood Ranch, Florida, United States (website)