Geek Pulse: Geek desktop DAC/AMP by Light Harmonics

[jaywillin]

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
It was and will remain my pleasure to help you and anyone else out as much as I possibly can.  One thing that many of you might be unaware of is that my main focus at LH is marketing and strategizing on our product offerings.  I am in no way affiliated with the CSR team at all, yet I try and be as accommodating and helpful in resolving issues as I possibly can be.  Just want to re-iterate that in case some of you feel as though the ball has been dropped on my end with your tickets or support issu

 
 
As far as addressing Lachlans comment stating a lack of reviews despite 61% of Pulse's shipped, I'll refer to the attached table below.  61% of the basic Geek Pulse model have shipped, yes. However, the majority of units ordered were of the Pulse X & Xfi configuration.  That's where we expect to see the vast majority of users chiming in with their personal reviews and updates about their Geek Pulse's. 
 

Once again, I truly enjoy helping you guys out when and where I can.  If you need anything just ask and I'll accommodate as much as possible.  

i realize you have a difficult job here casey, i ran a hotel for a few years, and was the face that people saw of the chain i worked for, so, no matter if it was our particular locations fault, some issue with a 3rd party booking site, or something at the corporate level, i took the hit, and had to remain clam cool and collected, it's tough i know, but it is made easier when you love your job. 
although there are some vocal detractors, there are plenty of us who understand that lhlabs didn't make us do anything, and we weren't buying a finished product. keep on keeping on lhlabs, and now I WANT MY PULSE X/F/I !!  

 
 
i didn't think you were upset at all casey, no worries here

 

[doctorjazz]

[COLOR=FF00AA]My 2015 has gone like this I got my Geek Pulse finally after waiting for what seemed to be an eternity and thensome. I can safely say Larry at Light Harmonics is a sound genius. The Geek pulse makes everything I own sound not just a little better but a good 2-3 tiers of better. Then I got the MSR7 which with burn in and using my silver coated cable has an outstanding clear and balanced semi open sound that I can't get enough of. Using the MSR7 with the geek pulse is in a word is pure silk. Never had music sound so smooth so silky. It is an experience. This pairing is one for the ages. The only other person that knows what I am talking about is Danny as he owns a Geek Pulse and an MSR7.[/COLOR]

I'm not sure why people aren't posting like mad, the posting timing here is sometimes weird...you may see a review of something like the TF10, long out of production, suddenly this week, other things pour in at the same time, it isn't predictable
I copied a post by the GURU of the Discovery thread, DSNuts, who has done many reviews on Head Fi...I'd guess there are things like this posted across Head Fi, but I haven't searched. Still, DS is well regarded, so figured I'd start the impressions off here, since people are worried they haven't appeared.
my $0.02

 

[miceblue]

I haven't been following the flashing firmware issue other than I know it could brick your device. So the bricking could happen if you put the Geek Out's firmware on the Geek Pulse? I can see that being an issue.

Geek_Out_Firware_1V0.bin

FM-GPU-1V0.bin

If you're not careful enough about picking the right file and you select the Geek_Out_Firware_1V0.bin file instead of FM-GPU-1V0.bin...goodbye Geek Pulse. :/



I don't know how DFU stuff works, nor how to read what's contained within a .bin file, but maybe LH should have separate DFU executable files for the Geek Pulse, Out, Vi, etc. All it would need to do is read what device is connected (assuming there's only one device), ensure that the proper firmware file is actually selected (FM-GPU-1V0.bin for the Pulse), and the Start button would only be available to click if the firmware file is confirmed to be compatible with said device. The LH Control Panel seems to do just fine at reading what LH product is connected to the computer, so I don't see why this can't be implemented with the firmware updater as well.

In order to update the firmware for each device you have to manually select which device you're wishing to update.  I've attached some screenshots below.  IMHO, it seems rather difficult to select the wrong product to update as well as considering the most recent downloads are stored by date and listed with file names as you've stated.

That's true, but as stated, someone could easily have all the firmware files on their computer already. If one isn't too careful about selecting the correct file, they could select the wrong firmware accidentally. It would be nice if LH could implement some sort of secondary confirmation procedure to make sure the user selects a compatible firmware for the device.

On that note, is there any reason why Geek Pulse 1v0 firmware is still available to download? At least for Geek Out, 1v0 firmware enabled the 3D Awesomifier that some people like, but I don't recall seeing anything being taken out from Geek Pulse 1v5 firmware versus 1v0.

 

[chartwell85]

  i realize you have a difficult job here casey, i ran a hotel for a few years, and was the face that people saw of the chain i worked for, so, no matter if it was our particular locations fault, some issue with a 3rd party booking site, or something at the corporate level, i took the hit, and had to remain clam cool and collected, it's tough i know, but it is made easier when you love your job. 
although there are some vocal detractors, there are plenty of us who understand that lhlabs didn't make us do anything, and we weren't buying a finished product. keep on keeping on lhlabs, and now I WANT MY PULSE X/F/I !!  

Dude, I dont envy you on the hotel position LOL.  Taking hits is something I don't mind doing as long as they're valid and can be taken in stride.  I absolutely love what I do (so much so that I work seven days a week) and totally appreciate those of you have been more than welcoming and incredibly kind with your supportive posts, emails, text messages and phone calls.  You guys totally rock!!
 
Thanks for hanging in there with us brotha!!! 

 

[chartwell85]

That's true, but as stated, someone could easily have all the firmware files on their computer already. If one isn't too careful about selecting the correct file, they could select the wrong firmware accidentally. It would be nice if LH could implement some sort of secondary confirmation procedure to make sure the user selects a compatible firmware for the device.

On that note, is there any reason why Geek Pulse 1v0 firmware is still available to download? At least for Geek Out, 1v0 firmware enabled the 3D Awesomifier that some people like, but I don't recall seeing anything being taken out from Geek Pulse 1v5 firmware versus 1v0.

Some users wanted to revert back to the on unit volume control and 3D feature.  All changes are listed in the changeling for each firmware update.  Was there something in the latest Pulse firmware you were looking to verify? 

 

[miceblue]

That's true, but as stated, someone could easily have all the firmware files on their computer already. If one isn't too careful about selecting the correct file, they could select the wrong firmware accidentally. It would be nice if LH could implement some sort of secondary confirmation procedure to make sure the user selects a compatible firmware for the device.


On that note, is there any reason why Geek Pulse 1v0 firmware is still available to download? At least for Geek Out, 1v0 firmware enabled the 3D Awesomifier that some people like, but I don't recall seeing anything being taken out from Geek Pulse 1v5 firmware versus 1v0.

Some users wanted to revert back to the on unit volume control and 3D feature.  All changes are listed in the changeling for each firmware update.  Was there something in the latest Pulse firmware you were looking to verify? 

Bah, I'm getting my firmware versions mixed up even when having this conversation. XD

Geek Out:
- 1v0 has the 3D Awesomifier feature that people might want
- 1v5 removes the volume-button features and adds in the two digital filters

Geek Pulse:
- 1v0 stock firmware
- 1v1 optimises the digital filters from 1v0 and USB interface

What I was trying to say was: is there a reason why Geek Pulse 1v0 firmware is still available to download? It doesn't remove any features that were on the 1v0 firmware and instead fixes some, so I don't see the point of having it on the support page when people are likely not going to use it and might get people confused.

 

[chartwell85]

Bah, I'm getting my firmware versions mixed up even when having this conversation. XD

Geek Out:
- 1v0 has the 3D Awesomifier feature that people might want
- 1v5 removes the volume-button features and adds in the two digital filters

Geek Pulse:
- 1v0 stock firmware
- 1v1 optimises the digital filters from 1v0 and USB interface

What I was trying to say was: is there a reason why Geek Pulse 1v0 firmware is still available to download? It doesn't remove any features that were on the 1v0 firmware and instead fixes some, so I don't see the point of having it on the support page when people are likely not going to use it and might get people confused.

We left the Pulse 1.0 firmware up just in case anybody every wanted to revert back to.  Why they would, I honestly don't know.  

 

[mscott58]

 
We left the Pulse 1.0 firmware up just in case anybody every wanted to revert back to.  Why they would, I honestly don't know.  

But I'm sure if you took it down someone would be complaining! 

 

[greenkiwi]

The other issue is that it still says beta next to the new pulse firmware. As a user, I don't know if I want to try the beta version.

 

[bitsnbytes]

@chartwell85 Hi Casey,
 
have you guys shot out the email to Infinity backers on the chip upgrade?
 
I still haven't received any confirmation on that.
 
I would back this "perk" (x2) if I can be confirmed for the Infinities.
 
Thanks

 

[mandrake50]

That's true, but as stated, someone could easily have all the firmware files on their computer already. If one isn't too careful about selecting the correct file, they could select the wrong firmware accidentally. It would be nice if LH could implement some sort of secondary confirmation procedure to make sure the user selects a compatible firmware for the device.
 

Many companies do this in the updater. Recently I tried to flash a KVM with firmware for a different model. The installer came back and said... this firmware is for a different model... and quit.
Some people are idiots... that is why IT folks try to make everything "idiot PROOF". It is a shame, but true. If something can screw up it WILL... the object is to make that as difficult as possible within reason!
 
I have screwed up and put the wrong firmware disk into one of my OPPO players..., It immediately told me I had the wrong firmware for the 105 I was dealing with... now I do this kind of thing for a living...  the point is, you simply cannot depend on people to pay attention and to do the right thing... period. You need to help them!

 

[walfredo]

 

   
 
and i do realize lhlabs can't control  people who've received their units in contributing some thoughts to us here, it just seems odd , 
and for the record i'm not mad, i'm waiting patiently, and realize that i did not purchase anything in the traditional sense, i feel i made an investment, and with investing, there is some risk involved on my part. 

I'm not mad at you at all.  I want each of you to receive your Pulse more than you could possibly imagine so I can start seeing the reviews myself.  

 
FWIW, I received my Pulse in December, and I am planning a review.  But working is sucking my time these days...

 

[greenkiwi]

 
Many companies do this in the updater. Recently I tried to flash a KVM with firmware for a different model. The installer came back and said... this firmware is for a different model... and quit.
Some people are idiots... that is why IT folks try to make everything "idiot PROOF". It is a shame, but true. If something can screw up it WILL... the object is to make that as difficult as possible within reason!
 
I have screwed up and put the wrong firmware disk into one of my OPPO players..., It immediately told me I had the wrong firmware for the 105 I was dealing with... now I do this kind of thing for a living...  the point is, you simply cannot depend on people to pay attention and to do the right thing... period. You need to help them!

This is a great example!

 

[chartwell85]

Upgrade to Vi DAC from Geek Pulse Xfi
 
Great news, dear backers.  Larry, Gavin and I have been chatting with you here on Head-Fi as well as in the Geek Forum, Vi DAC, Wave & Pulse IGG campaigns.  In our conversations with you, we’ve heard you loud and clear: you want to be able to upgrade from your Geek Pulse Xfi to a Vi DAC Xfi.
 
Starting on Wednesday, February 11th, we’ll be releasing a special perk to help you make the move.  Stay tuned for more info.
 
Feeling geeky? You're going to LOVE this!

 
Join the conversation here
http://lhlabs.com/force/indiegogogeekpulse/3395-any-plans-to-integrate-the-ess-9018aq2m-dac-to-the-xfi-infinity

 

[burakborhan]

This is great news!!

Do you also ave a plan for the backers of Pulse XInfinity? , the GTB and the M200's?

Thanks.