Geek Pulse: Geek desktop DAC/AMP by Light Harmonics

[pedalhead]

  I thought the production unit was going to have a white display?

 
It was confirmed in the LH forum thread of these pics that the blue tint on the display is just a trick of the camera sensor...the display is indeed white.

 

[eliwankenobi]

Yeap, me too.

 

[hoo7h]

What are your thoughts guys on base model vs the x or x-fi? When used for headphone I would imagine that the balanced output will help in driving the headphone, meaning it is basically more like an amp upgrade while the DAC parts are the same I would imagine. I am kind of debating with my self if I should upgrade my base or not. What do you think?

 

[valve5425]

  What are your thoughts guys on base model vs the x or x-fi? When used for headphone I would imagine that the balanced output will help in driving the headphone, meaning it is basically more like an amp upgrade while the DAC parts are the same I would imagine. I am kind of debating with my self if I should upgrade my base or not. What do you think?

Check out the specs at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AljAXIFo7qVqdFdmVUoxOXB1VzFPaGtkQXdRa01ibUE&usp=drive_web#gid=1
 
X has dual mono design, so basically 2 pulses in 1! (OK that's simplifying things a bit!)
 
I went Xfi rather than Pulse, just to future proof really and, at the time, the cost difference was not that great. Just got to decide if you're going to treat yourself for Christmas!!
 
Edit; Forgot to mention that the X has single ended RCA's as well as balanced XLR outputs.

 

[eac3]

So the Pulse will have the logo on the front of it now? Not that I don't mind.
 
That note applied to the LPS.
 

Front Plate Silkscreened Logo
Geek Pulse’s logo has been silkscreened onto the front of the faceplate (see the photo below). We decided, though, that Geek LPS would not get the same treatment because when you stack the two units, the branding becomes overwhelming. Kayla made this decision for us; Larry and I stand behind it. LPS and LPS4 are clearly branded on the back plate.

 
Source

 

[walfredo]

  GEEK PULSE HERE!

 
Awesome!!  Congrats!
 
Maybe we can have first impressions over the weekend? ~

 

[digitalzed]

   
Awesome!!  Congrats!
 
Maybe we can have first impressions over the weekend? ~

Congrats on getting the Pulse and yes, impressions please!

 

[FayeForever]

WANT!!!!!

 

[zerodeefex]

holy balls detailed. background much blacker than the geek out. Bass is articulate and it's definitely not a lush sound (was worried when Gavin mentioned they were tuning it a little warmer). A great DAC, doesn't make a huge amount of errors trying to cover the SABRE-ness (looking at you X-Sabre). So far, so good!
 
My chain is slightly unfamiliar right now, just got my SWA Klone back from an upgrade and I'm having a hard time determining what caused what improvements. I ordered a sys so I can A/B against the gungnir easily.

 

[greenkiwi]

Can't wait!!!!

 

[walfredo]

  holy balls detailed. background much blacker than the geek out. Bass is articulate and it's definitely not a lush sound (was worried when Gavin mentioned they were tuning it a little warmer).

 
That gets me a bit worried.  Geek out was too lean/cold/clinical for my taste.  I had hopes on Gavin comment.

 

[zerodeefex]

 

  holy balls detailed. background much blacker than the geek out. Bass is articulate and it's definitely not a lush sound (was worried when Gavin mentioned they were tuning it a little warmer).

 
That gets me a bit worried.  Geek out was too lean/cold/clinical for my taste.  I had hopes on Gavin comment.

 
I'll compare against the geek out, probably a little less lean. My chain is pretty lean/analytical right now so it's harder to discern what is the DAC and what isn't.
 
You would probably be a good candidate for the tube buffer, honestly. You can't get detail and resolution back, but you can warm up things after the fact.

 

[mscott58]

   
I'll compare against the geek out, probably a little less lean. My chain is pretty lean/analytical right now so it's harder to discern what is the DAC and what isn't.
 
You would probably be a good candidate for the tube buffer, honestly. You can't get detail and resolution back, but you can warm up things after the fact.

+1. Exactly my thought. Add the GTB if you want inject some extra warmth. 

 

[miceblue]

Or you can EQ it without having to spend $600?

 

[mcullinan]

The Yulong DA8 is a bit lean. Great control over music it just squashes some of the decay in the music. Im not sure if its a Sabre thing or a specific manufacturer thing. Id like more warmth too, being a tube guy. Id go with a tube preamp vs a buffer, but the Pulse is a preamp already isn't it.