Geek HPA by LH Labs

[mscott58]

Hey crew - check out the latest update on the Geek Pulse IGG campaign. 
 
New details on the Geek HPA!
 
Have to admit I'm a bit surprised/disappointed that we're hearing about it through a group message when 101 of us perked for the "Geek Headphone Amplifier Alert" for $9 and as far as I can tell there's been no outreach as promised to those of us in this group. 

 

[jexby]

Hey crew - check out the latest update on the Geek Pulse IGG campaign. 

New details on the Geek HPA!

Have to admit I'm a bit surprised/disappointed that we're hearing about it through a group message when 101 of us perked for the "Geek Headphone Amplifier Alert" for $9 and as far as I can tell there's been no outreach as promised to those of us in this group. 

Maybe us folks that paid the $9 perk can get a Alert HPA perk for $390 soon?

This is a crazy bombshell I didn't see coming, much less a late Friday evening.
And on the same day I just nabbed a Lyr 2 for the office and HE-400i....

 

[greenkiwi]

Yeah, seems like they could have at least emailed those people.
 
Definitely interested in a few more details.
 
For example, is the tube balanced output or just a balanced connector?  Or transformer balanced?
 
Do the different connectors have different gains?  Probably not...  
 
Are there different gains?

 

[bitsnbytes]

Looks to be balanced input and output (xlr4)

And with gain switch or some impedance built in because there are three (!) sockets

Anyway, I thought I too paid $9 to be the first to know...apparently not.

 

[uncola]

I wouldn't rule out an exclusive presale for people who backed that perk. Don't freak out yet

 

[Anaximandros]

I don't know, if the Pulse HA is the same as the GHA.
 
Looking at the thread about the GHA we were asked for input, discuss ideas and the opportunity to beta test the HA before launch or release.

 

[uncola]

$399 is pretty reasonable.. I'm intrigued.. I wonder how many optional upgrades it will have though.  Also I wonder how long for delivery.. the render shows it having the same chassis as geek pulse.  No mini Vi Dac case?

 

[Anaximandros]

Reasonable? Depends on the speccs. Anticipated MSRP is $699.
For $399 you get the NFB-6 and for $450 a C-2 Class A from Audio GD and both a damn good amps.

 

[ejong7]

I agree. I mean eventually the actual sound > specs but its the only basis we can compare it now. I wish they release it along with a side by side comparison between the one in the pulse and this one.


And yes in my opinion this is just the start. Bring on the flurry of perks

 

[uncola]

Less than 24 hours til my next headphone amp is unveiled
edit: oops make that 48 hours

 

[Anaximandros]

Still no additional info. But I might skip it. No information, waking up far too early in the morning, just to snap one by chance for $400, if the speccs are good .... meh
I'd still like to know, if that's the GHA, which is being "discussed" at the "Round Table" subforum or another product.

 

[greenkiwi]

That falls into the... Please provide a bit more info about exactly what this amp is going to be.

I would like a tube amp that is on the level of my xfinity

 

[AxelCloris]

Agreed. I want more information before I jump in, but if it will be an amp that does the Infinity justice then I'm game. I'm not expecting an amp that would take on a Cavalli product at this price point but I do want something that could, say, best the Valhalla with ease and take on the Lyr without effort. A Lyr 2 is $449 from Schiit and the amp LH Labs has teased is estimated to retail for $699. Tubes are sold separately so the amp itself really needs to shine. If we're getting trickle down from the Vi into the HPA I'll be happy. The Keep, as it was called back then, was very impressive at RMAF and a baby version of that would be a hell of a device; one for which I'd be willing to throw down money in an instant.
 
Admittedly the amps I've used for example are only single ended but the end customer may not necessarily consider that fact when making their purchases. As far as I'm concerned, if the single ended output can't perform on par with the Lyr 2 or its competition then there's no point for many customers. For those of us who used balanced it may not be as big of a deal but it will be for people who only use 1/4" and 1/8" terminated cables. I can't think of any balanced tube amps off hand that fall in this price range, anyone else?
 
And while on the topic, does anyone happen to know if this is going to have 100% balanced topology? That's very important considering it has balanced inputs and output.

 

[Anaximandros]

Nope, no information.
We'll have to wait for tomorrow I guess.
 
Hopefully I'll be back from work at that time, it's 6 pm for us in Germany, when the perk goes live.

 

[jexby]

Agreed. I want more information before I jump in

Admittedly the amps I've used for example are only single ended but the end customer may not necessarily consider that fact when making their purchases. As far as I'm concerned, if the single ended output can't perform on par with the Lyr 2 or its competition then there's no point for many customers. For those of us who used balanced it may not be as big of a deal but it will be for people who only use 1/4" and 1/8" terminated cables. I can't think of any balanced tube amps off hand that fall in this price range, anyone else?

And while on the topic, does anyone happen to know if this is going to have 100% balanced topology? That's very important considering it has balanced inputs and output.

+1 to all of this.

I won't jump in unless somehow this will be a fully balanced tube amp which (in theory) could best the Lyr 2 (not 1).
Considering used Lyr 2s can be had for $350 and decent old NOS tubes another $200+, not sure where this new LH HPA fits into the market just yet.

Except I would suspect Going Balaced would be an add on perk eventually given past history.