LH Labs' gorgeous Vi Dac ( Tube + SS outputs )

[doctorjazz]

Good QC and good sound would be expected...of course, it's not guaranteed.

 

[germay0653]

I was a Soul backer, but then I went in for the Signature version, so I don't know where that puts me on the waiting list.

I'm in the same boat as you Doc!  Probably last in line because Larry is personally doing the tweaks for the SE.

 

[doctorjazz]

I was a Soul backer, but then I went in for the Signature version, so I don't know where that puts me on the waiting list.

I'm in the same boat as you Doc!  Probably last in line because Larry is personally doing the tweaks for the SE.

I'm under the impression that there weren't so many Vi Tube DACS sold, so they are basically ALL being hand tweaked. Seems there is some component upgrade being planned for the Signature, read what somewhere, but, as it is all greek to me, don't remember the exact component

 

[germay0653]

I'm under the impression that there weren't so many Vi Tube DACS sold, so they are basically ALL being hand tweaked. Seems there is some component upgrade being planned for the Signature, read what somewhere, but, as it is all greek to me, don't remember the exact component

From Larry:
 
And for Tube Signature Edition backers, I decided to add my personal little gift for you. Two NOS JFETs  for active biasing.  Benefit? These NOS JFET are collectables and will make your tube sounds really really... I lost my words.

 

[germay0653]

 
From Larry:
 
And for Tube Signature Edition backers, I decided to add my personal little gift for you. Two NOS JFETs  for active biasing.  Benefit? These NOS JFET are collectables and will make your tube sounds really really... I lost my words.

Also From Larry.  Hope we hear from him soon!
 
I think April week 1 or 2 will be the best time for me to contact you Vi Tube SE backers to see if you need any particular sound quality or configuration.
 
Not that I want him to tailor to a particular sound signature.  I just want it to have synergy with my Preamp/Controller.

 

[doctorjazz]

I don't know what sound sig I would ask for as well, just want it to "sound good", you know, great imaging, great pace, great detail, great involvement, great texture, basically, I WANT EVERYTHING!!!

 

[MikeyFresh]

I was a Soul backer, but then I went in for the Signature version, so I don't know where that puts me on the waiting list.

 
I too was an early Soul backer, so perhaps there is hope for some time around summer.
 
But that doesn't soften the blow of being told these units were in production and "shipping" (albeit slowly) months beforehand. Further, nothing can condone LHL invoicing $62 for shipping... in December 2015.
 
Difficult to placate anyone that's been pushed back methodically each and every month of this calendar year, 1 month at a time, as if that is somehow better than the real truth.
 
Because history seems to be repeating itself so precisely, with no lessons learned despite LHL statements to the contrary, I'd say that certainly makes the Wave a 2017 proposition, at best.
 
Best of luck to the Pulse Analog Component campaign backers, that truly looks like "Aperkolypse Now" (to reuse an @doctorjazz phrase from back when this was all still fun and games).

 

[doctorjazz]

@mikeyfresh, I really do remember when the new projects/perks were actually fun. Boy, I think LH Labs really screwed up in the PR department. They started with SUCH an enthusiastic clientele. Look at Cavalli, they introduce a new product, people are falling over themselves to get it (of course, the operative thing is that it was 1 product, not a line to take on Sony. Things weren't perfect with the Liquid Carbon, there were delays, there were mechanical problems, but they handled them in a way that kept and grew a fan base). Had folks telling me to stay away at the time, shoulda listened...now can only hope to eventually get a great sounding, reliable DAC, whenever that may be.

 

[BlakeT]

Yes, the delays in the Vi DAC are really aggravating.
 
I defended LH Labs on other audio fora and I've been super patient. When getting estimates from LH, I always added a few months.  I realized the terms and conditions of the IGG campaign, I'm a big boy and I rolled the dice.  However, I've now reached by breaking point.
 
However, the fact that I've reached my "breaking point" is meaningless.  What am I going to do?  Ask for a refund?  No refunds allowed.  So..... I am stuck and all I can do is continue to put my Vi DAC Tube in the back of my mind and focus on other things.  Thinking about my Vi Tube just gets me bummed out/disappointed so I try not to think about it.  I don't even open tickets to ask about my status anymore.
 
If I had to guess, I suspect the Vi has hit some operational snags.  The units may not be functioning properly or may be buggy.  I want any issues completely sorted out before I get my unit.  Can you imagine how aggravated you would be if, after waiting all this time, your unit arrives and it does not work properly?  Of course, this is pure speculation on my part.
 
I remain hopeful it will be worth the wait.  At least I'm in the first batch.  I do feel sorry for people later in the line. 

 

[germay0653]

  Yes, the delays in the Vi DAC are really aggravating.
 
I defended LH Labs on other audio fora and I've been super patient. When getting estimates from LH, I always added a few months.  I realized the terms and conditions of the IGG campaign, I'm a big boy and I rolled the dice.  However, I've now reached by breaking point.
 
However, the fact that I've reached my "breaking point" is meaningless.  What am I going to do?  Ask for a refund?  No refunds allowed.  So..... I am stuck and all I can do is continue to put my Vi DAC Tube in the back of my mind and focus on other things.  Thinking about my Vi Tube just gets me bummed out/disappointed so I try not to think about it.  I don't even open tickets to ask about my status anymore.
 
If I had to guess, I suspect the Vi has hit some operational snags.  The units may not be functioning properly or may be buggy.  I want any issues completely sorted out before I get my unit.  Can you imagine how aggravated you would be if, after waiting all this time, your unit arrives and it does not work properly?  Of course, this is pure speculation on my part.
 
I remain hopeful it will be worth the wait.  At least I'm in the first batch.  I do feel sorry for people later in the line. 

Hey Blake,
 
How does the TH900 sound with the Liquid Carbon?  Just ordered a LC so hoping it pairs nicely!

 

[BlakeT]

 
Hey Blake,
 
How does the TH900 sound with the Liquid Carbon?  Just ordered a LC so hoping it pairs nicely!

 
Hey, hope all is well with you.
 
I suspect you will really like the TH900/LC combo- at least I do.  I am very happy with the LC!  Let us know your thoughts once you have had a chance to give the combo a work out.

 

[uncola]

hehe interest check(actually for sale now) in a Vi Dac Infinity solid state.. need to fund something.. usa shipping only
$1360 with lightspeed 2g 1meter, original double box.  

 

[MikeyFresh]

  Yes, the delays in the Vi DAC are really aggravating.
 
I defended LH Labs on other audio fora and I've been super patient. When getting estimates from LH, I always added a few months.  I realized the terms and conditions of the IGG campaign, I'm a big boy and I rolled the dice.  However, I've now reached by breaking point.
 
However, the fact that I've reached my "breaking point" is meaningless.  What am I going to do?  Ask for a refund?  No refunds allowed.  So..... I am stuck and all I can do is continue to put my Vi DAC Tube in the back of my mind and focus on other things.  Thinking about my Vi Tube just gets me bummed out/disappointed so I try not to think about it.  I don't even open tickets to ask about my status anymore.
 
If I had to guess, I suspect the Vi has hit some operational snags.  The units may not be functioning properly or may be buggy.  I want any issues completely sorted out before I get my unit.  Can you imagine how aggravated you would be if, after waiting all this time, your unit arrives and it does not work properly?  Of course, this is pure speculation on my part.
 
I remain hopeful it will be worth the wait.  At least I'm in the first batch.  I do feel sorry for people later in the line. 

I too am at that same meaningless breaking point, and will also no longer open any tickets or attempt to get an actual status of any kind from LH Labs (clearly a "boy who cried wolf" scenario).
 
I'll pay their $62 shipping invoice (circa Dec. 2015) when the unit is actually ready to roll, and ignore the past due invoice email reminders.
 
And that's really too bad for LHL as a company, they've shot themselves in the foot repeatedly, and their best customers have been effectively alienated.

 

[Khragon]

  hehe interest check(actually for sale now) in a Vi Dac Infinity solid state.. need to fund something.. usa shipping only
$1360 with lightspeed 2g 1meter, original double box.  

What was Vi Dac Xfi campaign invoice? 
 
I agreed with everyone LH Labs got to tighten the screw on their operations and stop guessing ECDs, it's very unprofessional.  I got bitten on the Verb, bitten again on Geek v2+.   I vowed to no longer back any of LH Lab campaign and will encourage others not to as well.  I didn't pay the $15 for their "apology" verb just to vote with my wallet.

 

[doctorjazz]

It is a pity...the Vi Tube DAC may be the best DAC I've ever heard, and it's going to be hard to recommend it to anyone after all the stuff that has gone down with it over the years. I keep comparing the project to the Pono and the Cavalli Liquid Carbon launches. Both have generated such strong user support and loyalty, in contrast to the bad feelings the LH Labs version created (to the point that I think if they could, the Cavalli fans would anoint Alex Saint Cavalli). It has to do with being open, supportive, proactive with any problems and instantly taking care of any issues that do arise, and good products, of course. Whether the launching of so many different products is the reason (both of these were 1 item introductions) is likely, but not really helpful to those of those who fell in.