Then I Got a Pulse, Now I'm a Believer

It’s totally worth it for the SQ but I’m quickly discovering all the convenient BluOs features I’m losing. I had several presets that were mapped onto a spare IR remote I had. I could launch playlists or radio with a click. I could also play/pause and skip forward and back. Now I have to open my phone. 

BluOs also has better playlist and favorites editing. Two albums showed up on my Innuos fave list I definitely didn’t put there and I can’t seem to delete them. And one playlist on Quboz isn’t visible on Sense. No big deal but I hope Innuos improves it soon. 

But I sure do miss the hardware remote. That would be my #1 ask. 

@thriftyaudio 

I know Innuos is coming out with the Stream 1 and 3. They're modular, you can configure it the way you want, and reconfigure with different modules as your needs change. I considered waiting and checking it out but I got a good deal on the Pulse. I've mostly been buying new but as I move into a higher level, used starts looking better. 

@mashif That is the great thing about audio. There are lots of options.

Personally I found the BluOS system a total mess. The Node 2i was my second streamer/DAC after a similarly priced Cambridge piece which was even worse. I tried the Node X, but the Node 2i with an upgrade power supply was better so I returned the X. I eventually became so frustrated with the BluOS that I tried the Eversolo DMP 6 which was great until there was a problem. Their customer support is terrible. Tried others and ended up with the Pulse. There are some issues with Sense but none that totally frustrate me.

I guess every software streamer has issues. There are people I know that have abandoned their lifetime Roon memberships for the Innuos Sense or the Aurender Conductor. Choices are great.

Qubuz is still allegedly finishing up the beta of their connect feature.  If this ever gets implemented it might be a better way to interface with your Pulse.  Congrats on your upgrade and enjoy the music.  

This is what AI has to say about a AES connection compared to USB. I bring this up in case you were wondering where to spend your next nickel. a gungnir2 or a yggdrasil might be in your future. 🎶🎸🥁

For an Innuos music server, AES/EBU is generally preferred over USB for audio quality due to its lower susceptibility to packet noise and better signal integrity. While USB is more convenient, AES/EBU is often seen as providing a cleaner and more natural sound, particularly when combined with high-quality DACs. 

Here's a more detailed look:

AES/EBU Advantages: 

• Reduced Noise:

  AES/EBU transmits data without the overhead of USB's data transfer protocols, leading to less noise and a cleaner signal. 

• Improved Signal Integrity:

  AES/EBU has a more dedicated and robust signal path, which can result in a more accurate and less jitter-affected audio signal. 

• Better for High-End DACs:

  Many audiophiles find that AES/EBU connections yield better performance with high-end digital-to-analog converters (DACs). 

USB Advantages: 

• Convenience: USB is widely available and easy to connect. 
• Compatibility: USB is a standard interface supported by many devices. 

Innuos and USB: 

Innuos's USB outputs are designed to be high quality, and some users may not notice a significant difference between USB and AES/EBU in their systems. However, many audiophiles still prefer AES/EBU for its inherent advantages in signal purity. 

In Summary: 

While USB is convenient, AES/EBU often offers a cleaner, more natural sound, especially with high-end DACs. The best choice for an Innuos server depends on your priorities and your system's characteristics, but AES/EBU is a popular and often-preferred option for its potential to improve audio quality.