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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.

 

john1629
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,275 posts
 

The usb cable too will need 200+ hours to fully runin 

whst coax cable where you using 

zlone
794 posts
 

While a cable might help, I recommend Acoustic Zen for coax, and WireWorld Platinum for USB, my guess is that the upgraded streamer is uncovering the shortcomings of your DAC. Or, and this a stretch, you have excessive noise entering your system. I have found that digital is especially susceptible to interference. Check your cable routing and make sure your Ethernet and coax/USB are not nestled in with power cords. 

zlone
794 posts
 

I also see that the receiver has volume trim and an equalizer, turn the equalizer off and examine the volume trim. I also see that it will display the stream resolution, make sure it is showing what you expect from Tidal. 

marco1's avatar
marco1
599 posts
 

Give it more time.  Some things take longer than others.  I recently purchased a Pulsar and went through the same break in blues you’re experiencing.  Mine took more than 500 hrs. before things leveled out completely. Despite going through this process before I too felt I might have gotten a bad unit.  Nope, all it needed was time to fully break in.  Good cables will improve things once the unit is broken in, but require a break in period of their own.  Wait until the unit is fully broken in before playing with cables or you’ll complicate things and just confuse yourself.  Patience is a virtue 🙃.

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
301 posts
 

I don’t remember it being the case so much when I got the pulse. But boy oh boy, you should’ve seen the ledge my dealer had to talk me off of when I had gotten the pulse mini. Hopefully the magic will soon be upon you as it has been so for many of us. Hang in there

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