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


My apologies to The Monkees. 

I received my Innuos Pulse today and it's outstanding even with the coax output. Better clock in the Pulse I assume. I don't know what they do to those 1s and 0s but they sure sound a lot better than the ones coming out of the Node 2i. I've followed the many discussions about this and it's my sworn testimony that a better streamer is worth it. 

But tomorrow a new DH Labs Mirage USB cable arrives and I can finally hear my BitFrost 2 64 through its USB input. 

mashif

@mashif

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them.

When I look back over the last fifty years of my system development. All of it was good... I really enjoyed the journey,  but several times I went down blind alleys. It was as if I was stumbling around blind for a long time. Occasionally thinking, OK... now that wasn’t right... and changing course... to be drawn to another shiny light.

The lightbulb didn’t fully go on, until I had the very best system of my life about ten years ago and it was fantastic, clean, transparent, detailed and lifeless. I would get bored listening after 45 minutes. Anyway, I have documented the lightbulb going off in my head elsewhere.

If I can help some folks, just casually ask themselves about where they are going and not step down some of the blind alleys... that makes me happy. 

Last weekend I was listing to an incredible system... many $100K. It was incredible, the holographic images thrown out from floor to ceiling and onto the side walls. Simply stunning. It was great... but not what I want to sit down to at home. It did not draw me in and emotionally envelop me like my system does. It was like watching fireworks... if you watched fireworks for half an hour a night, I’m thinking after a week you would get bored with them. 

 

I recognize also, my way is not everyone’s way. Some folks lust for etherial holographic systems... corvettes... and other things I do not. But for those that do... it is great if I can help. 

You put your finger on it.. it is to move forward in musicality first and then add more detail and slam an all the others. 

  Congratulations on the Pulse, well played ! I run a usb to my Yiggy  original with Gen5 input. I use the Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8, with good results. I ran a Cardas Clear prior to that. I have a Morrow Level 4 coax, but I prefer the usb. It’s going to come down to what you like. I’m a believer in equipment and cable break in. Leave it on constantly and give it a month. Those JBL’s are brutally honest and if it’s off it’s off, as you well know. Happy Listening, Mike B. 

Congratulations on your Innuos upgrade.  I’m a longtime Innuos fan and owner.  A few points I have learned.  

USB cables matter.  Better USB can deliver better sound.  

Innuos can be even better with attention paid to incoming power and ethernet signal.  Get rid of any and all “wall warts” in your system and get a great ethernet switch. Innuos does a great job of eliminating “noise” but the cleaner things come in, the better they go out.  

Finally, the Innuos benefits from vibration isolation.  Though Innuos does better than many with their feet and positioning, I have found significant further benefits from Nordost SortKones (esp TC) or Stillpoints.

Good luck and enjoy!