Innuos PULSE Mini?

@dcpillai 

Thank you for providing the review link. I’ve been sidetracked with my audio streaming pursuit. Since receiving my new DAC awhile back, it pairs fabulously with my Pro-Ject RS2T transport. I’ve been totally engrossed with listening to CDs. Quite a marvelous music presentation that this combo yields.

Charles

plus I sit 12 feet away from the gear… so what’s the point of a little screen?

Understood ,😊

Lack of a screen of any kind, with basic streaming info, is weird (considering the price). No Roon Ready certification yet.

I suppose it is a matter of preference. I’ve seen a number of streaming components without screens. They do not seem necessary as all visual information is available via phone/tablets etc. Anyway I’d be fine without a front panel screen.

Charles

@happystreamer 

We have nearly identical objectives (No server duties, just online streaming) Roon not necessary. If you or someone in your Dutch community compares the Pulse mini and Ultra MK III let me know. Thanks 

Charles

@happystreamer 

Hi,

Yes I was referring to the Magna Mano Ultra MK III component.  People who’ve actually heard it say that the sound quality is exceptionally good. I had viewed the Hans Beekhuyzen review and he is very,very impressed by it. I appreciate your listening feedback. Choosing a audio streaming component is going to take me some time. Many choices and results from listeners all over the map.

Charles

@j_andrews

Good points. On paper the Innuos Pulse seems ideal for me. High quality single focused network player not music server. Aurender N150 would be ideal except that it’s exclusively USB (Not interested) and front screen (Don’t need it). So the N200 has the connection choice I want, But again don’t need a screen nor server duties.

from what I gather both the Innuos Sense and Aurender Conductor earn high marks for user interface and tech support. Both brands get much praise for sound quality. I wonder if the N150 is N200 without server capability, but same power supply and sonics.

Charles

@akgwhiz 

Far be if from me to have an opinion on these but I'm also seeing recent endorsements from long-term Agonners with stellar reputation that Innuos 2.0 sounds fantastic

Yes, this is why I am looking forward to subsequent feedback on the new Innuos Pulse units. High interest in Aurender as well. Also a network player from the Netherlands has caught my interest. I’ll have to be patient with the selection process.

Charles 

@soix

Thank you. Abbas requires a 3 month build period due to the labor intensity. There were just a couple of delays due to blackouts after attacks Abbas told me. I’m very grateful he has stayed “relatively “ safe through these ongoing war conditions and find a way to continue working.

I hope to have it in my audio system in a couple of weeks. I believe that it will pair wonderfully with the Pro-Ject RS2T transport and server/network player once chosen (So many intriguing choices). I’ve decided to pursue wireless Wi-Fi via mesh routers. LAN cable connecting mesh with streaming unit.

I have received very positive feedback from those who successfully stream in this manner. As always, implementation is paramount to achieve a good outcome. CD spinning sounds splendid in my system but I am looking forward to exploring Tidal/Qobuz and internet radio.

Charles

@soix 

This is what Abbas has built for me.

@soix 

But, here’s my real question — why, if you’re going to the bother having a DAC constructed, are you only getting an SPDIF input when you have both i2S and AES/EBU outputs available on your transport. Sorry, I guess you have your reasons but it makes little sense to me. Just can’t wrap my head around that one at all

@soix 

Thank you for your comments and perspective.

With regard to digital input options (IS2/USB/AES/SPDIF) I don’t find one “inherently “ superior to the others in actual use. The key determinant for sound quality is the level of implementation. Poor implementation =poor sound. Excellent implementation =excellent sound.

The builder of my DAC (Abbas Zulfugarov) is in Ukraine and has been building custom components for about 25 years. He primarily designs and builds DACs, phono stages and SET amplifiers on a commission basis. Mine is the Abbas 3.2SE model.

He is a devout advocate of simple straightforward circuits with very high quality parts. He puts a lot of work into the SPDIF receiver input and its separate power supply and rectification. At this point in time it has been highly refined and developed. So the implementation is exceptionally high. Feedback from Abbas DAC owners (Long thread on WBF) back this up resoundingly.
 

I am very comfortable with his choice also because my current Japanese built DAC used the same rationale. Simplicity + high level execution yields excellent results. This has certainly been true with my Yamamoto YDA DAC. Wonderful sound quality. If my suspicion is correct, as good as the Yamamoto is (Over 12 years ownership) the Abbas will take things a step further. I will find out for myself soon.

P.S.

Just  as some folks enjoy handling and listening to LP records, I am that way with CD. I enjoy the experience and the Pro-Ject RS2T and Yamamoto combo sound simply splendid!  CD spinning and streaming will coexist beautifully in my audio system I believe. My CD collection is arranged alphabetically on shelves behind my couch. I don’t mind getting up for a few seconds to pull out another CD. It’s good to move around a bit. 😊

Charles

@everest_audio 

Thank you for the update. This network player is on my short list of units to consider purchasing.

Charles

@everest_audio 

Yep! I’ve thought about that. If I determine the Pulse is for me I’ll have a hybrid cable made (XLR at output and RCA at the input. The Pulse seems to have a power supply with much thought and attention applied to it. Good power supplies are crucial in my opinion.

If you get the opportunity to compare the two network players I am interested in your listening impressions.

Charles

@everest_audio

Thank you. This Pulse series has captured my attention so I was able to find additional information regarding them. High quality network player is exactly what I am seeking rather than a “music server “. My new DAC (Currently under construction) is an intentionally minimalist design with SPDIF input only.

A network player with a SPDIF output would be ideal for me. Based on what I have been able to learn thus far, either the Pulse mini with optional LPS or the Pulse with onboard LPS is what I want. Of course I wonder what the sound quality gap between them may be. To be determined at some point.

My Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport is yielding superb sound spinning discs. I’m seeking a similar level result when streaming Tidal/Qobuz/internet radio. I think that perhaps the Innuos may satisfy this desire.

Charles

Oops! Just saw that Pulse product information is posted on the Innuos site. The middle model Pulse is very interesting to me but lacks RCA connectivity. I sspect this Pulse is a very fine sounding streamer.

Charles

The Innuos Pulse series sounds quite interesting. Two additional models on the way, when? Intriguing development. There are those who seek a simple music streamer with high sound quality capabilities and do not need/require a music server. This is a wise move by Innuos. I hope they include coaxial output (RCA SPDIF/AES-EBU) and not limited to USB.

Charles