|
Post by garym on Oct 29, 2013 10:05:39 GMT -5
Light Harmonic, who makes the $20,000 Da Vinci DAC, has launched a fundraising campaign for a desktop version of their new Geek DAC. They're calling it the Geek Pulse.
Early backers will get the Pulse for $249. Like the thumb-drive size Geek announced a few months ago, now called the Geek Out, it will handle all resolutions up to and including 5.6 DSD. The Pulse will have a line output voltage of 4 Vrms, compared the Geek Out's 0.9V. Both units have headphone amps also. LH announced a couple of weeks ago that they'd switched to the ESS Sabre 9018M DAC chip for the Geek Out. No info yet on what chip the Pulse will use.
They expect the Pulse to ship in April at a retail price of $499. That would cut the low price for a DSD-capable DAC almost in half again (lowest now seems to be the TEAC UD-501 DAC for $849).
Hype page here:
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Oct 29, 2013 10:43:24 GMT -5
Interesting.
I'd prefer that they come out with some of the other products (like Geek) before they start new campaigns for new products.
|
|
KeithL
Administrator
Posts: 9,902
|
Post by KeithL on Oct 29, 2013 10:52:34 GMT -5
This is... interesting. Also interesting that they're going the Sabre route. Also interesting that Sabre has some new "portable" chips.... note that the 9018M is not exactly the same as the 9018 Actually, the lowest priced DAC currently available (that I know of) that supports DSD is this one: schiit.com/products/lokiIt costs $149 and has been out for a few months. (And, at current prices, you could get a Loki... and a DC-1... for $650... available right now... ) Light Harmonic, who makes the $20,000 Da Vinci DAC, has launched a fundraising campaign for a desktop version of their new Geek DAC. They're calling it the Geek Pulse. Early backers will get the Pulse for $249. Like the thumb-drive size Geek announced a few months ago, now called the Geek Out, it will handle all resolutions up to and including 5.6 DSD. The Pulse will have a line output voltage of 4 Vrms, compared the Geek Out's 0.9V. Both units have headphone amps also. LH announced a couple of weeks ago that they'd switched to the ESS Sabre 9018M DAC chip for the Geek Out. No info yet on what chip the Pulse will use. They expect the Pulse to ship in April at a retail price of $499. That would cut the low price for a DSD-capable DAC almost in half again (lowest now seems to be the TEAC UD-501 DAC for $849). Hype page here:
|
|
KeithL
Administrator
Posts: 9,902
|
Post by KeithL on Oct 29, 2013 10:53:39 GMT -5
It kind of makes it look more like a new business model than a new product - doesn't it? Interesting. I'd prefer that they come out with some of the other products (like Geek) before they start new campaigns for new products.
|
|
|
Post by aztecax on Oct 29, 2013 11:41:56 GMT -5
I have Geek Out (the original campaign) coming my way in January and I could use a desktop DAC/amp but the fact they talk about a new "line" of products bothers me. I already felt a little caught off guard by this as I actually ordered two Geeks, one to gift; what if I order one of these and then a month before I receive it they start another campaign? I think they're smart enough that their next product would most likely be a mobile device for use with smartphones, iPods, etc. or a proper put-it-in-your-rack DAC, like a very affordable version of the Da Vinci. Still, the time limits make it trickier - get a "deal" now but then see it sour before I receive the thing? It's problematic.
|
|
|
Post by aztecax on Oct 29, 2013 11:44:12 GMT -5
I should also add that they are all about user-feedback and will modify the design accordingly. What that means to me (since I have a discount as a Geek Out backer) is that I will be waiting until there are maybe 3 days left and all the details are out in the open.
|
|
|
Post by garym on Oct 29, 2013 11:48:42 GMT -5
Also interesting that Sabre has some new "portable" chips.... note that the 9018M is not exactly the same as the 9018 Yes. DNR for the M is a bit less, 127 v. 135. Since they're using the same designation the architecture is probably close to the same, but prob with smaller chip traces and a smaller package. The Loki is an add-on-DAC, tho. It does *only* DSD. So you need another one for PCM streams. The Geeks do everything, from 44.1 to 384 PCM and up to 5.6 DSD.
|
|
|
Post by garym on Oct 29, 2013 11:55:29 GMT -5
It kind of makes it look more like a new business model than a new product - doesn't it? I don't think so. If development work on the The Geek ("Out" version) is complete, and heading into the manufacturing pipeline, then it makes sense they would now want to start development of the next product in the "family."
|
|
|
Post by aztecax on Oct 29, 2013 12:00:18 GMT -5
It kind of makes it look more like a new business model than a new product - doesn't it? I don't think so. If development work on the The Geek ("Out" version) is complete, and heading into the manufacturing pipeline, then it makes sense they would now want to start development of the next product in the "family." This is also valid. Prior to the announcement of the new product Gavin confirmed that they had what should be the last prototype chassis and everything should be full steam ahead from here on out. They took care of their end; the rest is manufacturing and testing when they receive the shipments. Can't blame them for seizing the buzz while it's still there.
|
|
|
Post by garym on Oct 29, 2013 12:09:59 GMT -5
I have Geek Out (the original campaign) coming my way in January and I could use a desktop DAC/amp but the fact they talk about a new "line" of products bothers me. That may have been an ill-chosen word. The Pulse does not seem to be a new "line," just a new product in the family. I'm probably a sucker, but I bit on both of them. I'll use the Geek Out for the PC system (with the Airmotiv 6's) and the Pulse for the main 2-ch system.
|
|
|
Post by GreenKiwi on Nov 30, 2013 10:14:29 GMT -5
Well, I bit on their BlackFriday deal. (You have to join their forums to see it... but it's quite a good deal) lhlabs.com/blackfriday2013igg.me/at/geekpulseaudio/x/5211485I've been wanting to hear an ESS DAC to compare with the AD DACs in the DC-1... mostly to see what the different characteristic that Keith keeps talking about. It would be good to have a few different references sine all of the DACs I've listened to recently are ADs.
|
|
zerafa
Sensei
running in a LH Labs Pulse X
Posts: 147
|
Post by zerafa on Nov 16, 2014 8:45:31 GMT -5
earlier this week there was a special - hifiman 560 + geek pulse for about $989.
any views on this combination? seems like a good deal, and something pretty nice for a dedicated head fi person?
|
|