All depends on which Pulse unit I guess. I am not sure about the Oppo DAC, but really, a lot of differences between the different models.
From experience, If you can get a Standard Geek Pulse at the original IGG campaign price, that would be a nice bargain. (I believe it was $299-399 or something). If you have to pay full MSRP, then you may be disappointed with what you get. If you want Balanced output, then the cheaper you can get the higher end models, the more happy you will end up. I have had the X, X Fi, and recently had my X Fi changed out for an Infinity. I would say between the X and X Fi, you might not notice a difference at first, but the more you burn them in, then more difference you may find. Overall, I wasnt satisfied with the X Fi, so I got the Infinity. I use the X at work, and for the price I got it, it's perfectly fine. The X Infinity has been great straight out the box, but I have not yet put more than 10 hours on it, so I cannot say how it burns in yet but I have heard from others it gets much better.
In all, I think the MSRP's of these units is generous. If they lowered each price down about 10-15%, it would be much closer to the right bang/buck ratio to justify the MSRP. Otherwise, it's just a label meant to make backers feel better about the price they spent. I get they calculate the MSRP on lots of variables but I think the Bang for your buck for the campaigns (at least the early ones) make it hard to see such a huge jump nowadays.
EDIT: BTW, I forgot to mention the LPS. That thing can upgrade the Pulse a bit. If you get the Standard, I wouldn't suggest getting it as it doesnt make sense, but the X Fi and X Infinity definitely belong with an LPS.