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New Innuos Pulse, need assistance.

I'm now two weeks into having a Innuos Pulse (upgrade from Bluesound Node2i) in my system, Im a streaming only guy.  System is Tidal/Pulse/McIntosh MA8950 (with its DAC). Im using my Cardas Parsec COAX cable from Pulse to MAC. I'm using supplied ethernet cable. My initial impression was- more detail, soundstage, requiring less volume from AMP, more bass.  \However, I also found that sound was bit sharp, that is to say, no smooth, bass is louder, but almost too much. Of course its hard to describe sound impressions but I'd say Im not loving it yet, just doesn't sound great to me. I continue to run it (break in). Probably approaching if not surpassed 200hrs.  Ive asked the dealer to send me a good USB cable (likely Cardas) to try and its on its way.  Im anxious to see it that will change things.  Any thoughts or experiences with the Pulse?  Thanks for all feedback.

 

128x128john1629
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

Few things….

1. Allow InnuOS 200hrs of streaming to break in if it’s new  

2. MA8950 DAC is slightly sharp sounding. It’s not that great if it’s the DA1 version. 

3. with coax you use the clock in the streamer. With USB you rely on DAC clock. Worth trying.

4. Cardas digital cables are nothing special. What’s your budget for USB 
 

soix
9,812 posts
 

It’s pretty hard to fathom the Pulse isn’t significantly better across the board than the Node.  What’s the rest of the equipment in your system?  My guess is the Pulse is just revealing the character of other components in your system, and in the end it’s all about synergy.  

john1629's avatar
john1629 OP
24 posts
 

Audiophile1-Got over 200 hrs now in break-in.  My DAC is the DA2. Budget for a 3 foot cable is 300.

Soix- My system was stated in initial post, short of speakers which are Sonus Faber and Dynaudio. I have a power conditioner (Isotek Sirius). Cardas Cables.

hiend2's avatar
hiend2
456 posts
 

f its not your cup of tea return it.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

Could be many things. First try usb cable. But keep in mind you’re just getting more details with the new streamer. Changing one of the main components such as streamer or dac may require additional changes such as cables or even adjusting speaker placement

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