LH Labs Geek Out v2+ Discussion Thread

[bflat]

The Bit Opus #11 may also be an alternative to look into if you need charging while using it. It's also a really nice offering.

Thanks for the tip! I think a DAP may be a good overall solution as long as it can function in DAC mode. The AK models are all ridiculously priced.

 

[peter123]

Thanks for the tip! I think a DAP may be a good overall solution as long as it can function in DAC mode. The AK models are all ridiculously priced.

Yeah, I've been of the impression that an amp/dac that works with a phone gives the best value when it comes to sq but after spending time with the Opus #1 DAP (not to be confused with the Opus #11 amp/Dac ) I've started to reconsider. The #1 holds its own against some very good $500+ amp/Dac's like the Mojo, Burson Air and V2+ when it comes to sq imo.

It really comes down to what preferences one has and what headphones /IEM's you pair it with.

 

[Lobbster]

 
Thanks for the tip! I think a DAP may be a good overall solution as long as it can function in DAC mode. The AK models are all ridiculously priced.

 
 

Yeah, I've been of the impression that an amp/dac that works with a phone gives the best value when it comes to sq but after spending time with the Opus #1 DAP (not to be confused with the Opus #11 amp/Dac

) I've started to reconsider. The #1 holds its own against some very good $500+ amp/Dac's like the Mojo, Burson Air and V2+ when it comes to sq imo.

It really comes down to what preferences one has and what headphones /IEM's you pair it with.

Whenever the Geek Wave finally arrives there was also the Geek Station, a Wave dock for workstation integration. I'm hopeful it will be a good all round solution, but for now - it's all still vaporware. I'm already invested in both Wave & Station so the GOV2+ will have to suffice in the meantime. Keeping my fingers crossed someday these will deliver

 

[DigitalCitizen]

Does the GO2A have the same heat problems as the V2 supposedly had? (whether or not it's pocketable is basically what i'm asking)

 

[stuck limo]

  Does the GO2A have the same heat problems as the V2 supposedly had? (whether or not it's pocketable is basically what i'm asking)

 
No, you cannot pocket it or pick it up and handle it, generally speaking. You'll get burned.

 

[DigitalCitizen]

No, you cannot pocket it or pick it up and handle it, generally speaking. You'll get burned.

Jesus christ, these are just basic things that you expect a portable device to be able to do. How did they not design for this? Maybe a switch to turn off charging for when you're connected to a phone?

 

[peter123]

Jesus christ, these are just basic things that you expect a portable device to be able to do. How did they not design for this? Maybe a switch to turn off charging for when you're connected to a phone?

The V2+ does not get hot (just Luke warm) but the 2A does get very hot. How would you expect the 2A to power if it doesn't draw it from the transport?

Edit:
Fwiw I haven't come across any of these memory stick sized amp/dac's in metal chassis that doesn't get warm and the more powerful they are the warmer they'll get. It's not easy to produce a lot of power without generating heat. The solution seems to be to have a plastic chassis but that again looks and feels cheap and will most likely be less durable.

 

[DigitalCitizen]

The V2+ does not get hot (just Luke warm) but the 2A does get very hot. How would you expect the A2 to power if it doesn't draw it from the transport?

Ah wait, the A2 doesn't have a battery?

Either way, I don't really care about design limitations. If I want a device that can be charged and used at the same time, and is also suitable for portable use, then LH Labs doesn't have any products for me right now. I'm in the market, so they're probably missing out on a sale.

The Oppo HA-2 can do it, but the sound is supposed to be worse, and it's less suitable for IEMs.

 

[peter123]

Ah wait, the A2 doesn't have a battery?

Either way, I don't really care about design limitations. If I want a device that can be charged and used at the same time, and is also suitable for portable use, then LH Labs doesn't have any products for me right now. I'm in the market, so they're probably missing out on a sale.

The Oppo HA-2 can do it, but the sound is supposed to be worse, and it's less suitable for IEMs.

Yep, no battery on the 2A

Like I said a couple of days ago: some prefer it to charge while on use and some does not. One thing common with devices that charge while it play (from USB) is higher noise floor....

The Opus #11 is a good option until LH Labs may come up with something that suits your needs.

Try to locate the post from Jason Stoddard in his blogg/thread where he talks about why customers can't always get everything they want. Even if one agrees or don't it's interesting reading. I'll see if I can find the link to it later but I'm traveling at the moment so might take a couple of days.

 

[Benny-x]

Yep, no battery on the 2A

Like I said a couple of days ago: some prefer it to charge while on use and some does not. One thing common with devices that charge while it play (from USB) is higher noise floor....

The Opus #11 is a good option until LH Labs may come up with something that suits your needs.

Try to locate the post from Jason Stoddard in his blogg/thread where he talks about why customers can't always get everything they want. Even if one agrees or don't it's interesting reading. I'll see if I can find the link to it later but I'm traveling at the moment so might take a couple of days.

Over on my end, I'm happy my GOV2+ doesn't charge while connected. I don't want my phone losing any more battery life than it already does. And when I'm on a PC and using the GOV2+ that way, well, I just hope it still has enough juice left for the bit in going.

The second situation is using the GOV2+ outside of it's purpose, though. I bought it as a balanced, portable DAC-amp for my phone and I've got full systems for the other places I listen. And those other pieces of equipment, they don't fit in my pocket too well

I still think build quality could be better, but overall I'm OK with it so far.

 

[yellowbirdfly]

Hi all, new Geek Out V2+ owner here. The V2+ paired with Shanling M1 makes for a wonderful portable combo!
 
So far the sound is good on single-ended, but I'm hearing a slight "mushiness" to the sound, or a lack of focus. This is apparent when compared to the M1's headphone out or any of my other sources. Will going balanced alleviate this "mushiness"? If it does I'll definitely get a balanced cable.
 
Any input will be appreciated, thanks!

 

[Raketen]

Hi all, new Geek Out V2+ owner here. The V2+ paired with Shanling M1 makes for a wonderful portable combo!

So far the sound is good on single-ended, but I'm hearing a slight "mushiness" to the sound, or a lack of focus. This is apparent when compared to the M1's headphone out or any of my other sources. Will going balanced alleviate this "mushiness"? If it does I'll definitely get a balanced cable.

Any input will be appreciated, thanks!

idk if we are operating on the same terminology but I think that might be the difference you are looking for... as a single end source is fine but doesn't seem particularly good compared to other good SE sources- additionally SE has only half the output of balanced. BAL is where it is at its best, at least in my broad, unscientific impressions & the presentation aspects do seem better- IMO certainly worth reterminating a cable to try out, particularly if it is going to be a long term source for you & can always pick up an adapter to use the cable with single end as well

 

[yellowbirdfly]

idk if we are operating on the same terminology but I think that might be the difference you are looking for... as a single end source is fine but doesn't seem particularly good compared to other good SE sources- additionally SE has only half the output of balanced. BAL is where it is at its best, at least in my broad, unscientific impressions & the presentation aspects do seem better- IMO certainly worth reterminating a cable to try out, particularly if it is going to be a long term source for you & can always pick up an adapter to use the cable with single end as well

Thanks for the confirmation! Will get a balanced cable to hear what the V2+ is capable of.

 

[Muniek66]

I would like to ask if someone try combination Geek Out v2+ plus earphones with remote control and microphone, on mobile phone? It's possible to make it work (ability to receive calls and keep a phone conversation through Geek Out v2+)?

 

[peter123]

I would like to ask if someone try combination Geek Out v2+ plus earphones with remote control and microphone, on mobile phone? It's possible to make it work (ability to receive calls and keep a phone conversation through Geek Out v2+)?

No, it's not. The only external amp/dac I've tried so far that can do this is the B&O Hifi Plus module that's originally made for the LG G5 (but works with other Android phones with OTG support as well).