Geek Pulse: Geek desktop DAC/AMP by Light Harmonics

[FlySweep]

 

  An awful lot of $199 and $239 'donations' though. Wonder what that could be?  

 

 
Kickstarter backers of the Geek Out can pledge at $199 or $239 (addt'l $40 is for int'l shipping).  Kickstarter backers got an email explaining this last night.. so that's why you're seeing a lot of those specific pledge amounts.  Pretty cool move by the LH folks (of course I'm happy cause I'm a KS backer of the Geek Out.. LOL).

 

[tomscy2000]

So it's an oversized GEEK with desktop components (as opposed to an SMD-fest)? Not personally interested, but that's cool.

 

[vincent215]

Hey guys,
 
Light Harmonic, the company that successfully funded their Geek Out, now release their desktop version, call Geek Pulse on Indiegogo.
The specs is just as impressive as the Geek Out version, and you have 4 choice of digital input with headphone out.  
Here's why you should buy it: The DAC natively decodes PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz, as well as native decoding of DSD64 and DSD128 files, and features the patent-pending 3L buffer introduced by Light Harmonic in Da Vinci DAC
Check it out here!!! http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/geek-pulse-a-digital-audio-awesomifier-for-your-desktop


 

 Technology Breakdown 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Digital Inputs	USB 2.0 Toslink SPDIF 1 - RCA SPDIF 2 - RCA
Analog Outputs	Line Out: Single-ended, gold plated RCA Output Impedance: 47 Ohm Output Voltage: 4Vrms fixed Headphone: 1/4" stereo jack Output Impedance: 0.47 Ohm Output Voltage: 7Vrms max variable
Volume Control	Buttons on front panel plus operating system control. Volume attenuation information from operating system sends data to Geek Pulse, which then implements the volume control internally.
Native PCM Decoding	44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, & 384 kHz / 16, 24, 32 bit
Native DSD Decoding	2.822, 3.072, 5.644, 6.144 MHz / 1 bit
Analog Output Stage	Pure Class A Line Level Out
THD+N	better than 0.005%
SNR	110dB (unweighted) 115dB (A-weighted)
Jitter Removal Technology	Patent Pending: 3L buffer by Light Harmonic Dual loop re-clock for all digital audio inputs

Update: this project is now funded <10 hours!!! Light Harmonic break their breakcords.
There's still stretch goal left guys!!! I expect that we will at least to get the usb cable.
 

 

[BenF]

Does anyone know which DAC chip is used? The specs are too low for ESS9018 family.

 

[jaywillin]

well, i couldn't make it to launch last night, but i got in firsting thing this morning, i'm also a geek out backer, so i got the REALLY super, early, special deal !! lol

 

[jaywillin]

i'm in !!!

 

[tomscy2000]

  Does anyone know which DAC chip is used? The specs are too low for ESS9018 family.

Those are real world measurements, and serious designers take the lowest SNR figure as opposed to A-weighted (typical) or highest value.
 
Most manufacturers don't bother with stating real measurements either and aim to impress people with the numbers listed by the chip manufacturer.
 
What is with your ESS obsession?

 

[rodge827]

Looks like they made their goal at 7:50am EST!
 
Bravo Gavin!

 

[vincent215]

I was so excited that I have to set an alarm for it, and espcaily the notification that Gavin posted to Geek backer in advance makes me so happy.
I buy it for the Dac function alone: The DAC natively decodes PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz, as well as native decoding of DSD64 and DSD128 files, and features the patent-pending 3L buffer introduced by Light Harmonic in Da Vinci DAC

 

[sling5s]

subscribed. 

 

[Suopermanni]

Just a question to anyone who is backing this but when exactly does the money come out of your appointed account? Is it at the end of the funding period OR when you make the decision to back? I couldn't find the answer on the FAQ.

 

[FraGGleR]

  Just a question to anyone who is backing this but when exactly does the money come out of your appointed account? Is it at the end of the funding period OR when you make the decision to back? I couldn't find the answer on the FAQ.

You pay via Paypal right away.

 

[rodge827]

Anyone know the voltage input needed to power the Pulse?
 
DC?    AC ?   Amount of voltage?
 
Couldn't find it in any of the details.
 
Chris

 

[blueangel2323]

3W? 

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

  Does anyone know which DAC chip is used? The specs are too low for ESS9018 family.

 
I'll paste what Gavin responded:
 

Creator Gavin Fish about 14 hours ago

We'll still be using the mobile Sabre, I think. That may change depending on the input we get, but we like how it sounds in combination with our analog stage.