Pulse Preliminary Impressions (Basic Single Ended)

Tracks:
Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin 24/96 (remastered by Jimmy Page)
Vivaldi - Recitative and Aria Cantata RV679 (2L)

Yet to be included in full review:
Firmware update
Wyrd synergy
UberFrost comparison
Geek Out comparison
Multiple inputs
Multiple Digital Filters

FRM
-Good air and separation.
-Excellent resolution for what was originally a $199 product.
-Macro dynamics are a bit soft which evident on John Bonham’s drum kit and Page’s guitar.
-Definite grit and grain evident on vocals and inherent to the overall sound signature.
-Snares, crashes, cymbals and vocal sibilants are bit a dry and raspy. That SABRE’sh signature is evident.
-A warm overall tone seemingly trying to keep things in check.

TCM
-Warmth kicks up another notch here.
-Smoother, more organic and fuller sound but grain and grit is still present. Definitely more so than the --XSabre DAC I noted in our DAC off but that’s a significantly more expensive product than this stripped down base model.
-Macro dynamics are still a bit soft on punch and impact but seem rounder, fuller and fleshier.
-Problem is space, air and separation take significantly notable hits with this filter. All the sounds seem to originate from the same undefined entity rather than popping from their own discrete space on the soundstage, but not really vague, nebulous or muddy if that makes sense. Sonic elements come from where you’d expect them to so it’s not a morass just to be clear. It just a more blended sound that lacks that definite space and blackness in the background which allows elements to distinguish themselves.
-More forgiving and pleasant laid back sound for those looking for that type of listening experience as long as you use a headphone or amp that is less supportive of the SABRE’s inherent grain and hash (still present but quite reduced in TCM mode).

Caveats:
-Full review incoming, I’ve been asked for brief impressions by some members.
-This is the bare entry level model, not the Cadillac version.
-I’ve heard the LPS offers significant improvement in grain and dynamics but don’t have one at this time.

I should have a Pulse Xfi incoming with THD upgrades to add to the review later.


To Be Continued…