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Author Topic: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements  (Read 2975 times)

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zerodeefex

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #30 on: September 11, 2015, 01:36:56 AM »
Wasn't actually criticizing you.

I am not advocating that support materials should be so difficult to track down. In fact, whenever possible I try to ship products with a shortlink and scannable barcode that takes you straight to support.

I actually didn't even know there was a manual in the box. I had to do some digging to find the manual online as well. It wasn't linked from the product page:

http://marketplace.lhlabs.com/products/geek-out-v2-usb-dac-headphone-amplifier

When I did find it, it was helpful for me. I was looking for more descriptions of the filters, though.

As for the TRRS pinout, I am opposed to non-standard connectors. I actually would have charged $30-50 more and thrown the adapter in the box. Too much chance for someone to fuck up their product then blame me when both ports look like regular headphone outputs.

You know my thoughts on product excellence, Marv :p
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AustinValentine

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #31 on: September 11, 2015, 01:45:22 AM »
Quote from: zerodeefex on September 11, 2015, 01:36:56 AM

As for the TRRS pinout, I am opposed to non-standard connectors. I actually would have charged $30-50 more and thrown the adapter in the box. Too much chance for someone to fuck up their product then blame me when both ports look like regular headphone outputs.


It would have required a few mm more thickness, but using a standard Kobiconn connector really would have solved this issue entirely. It would have opened up a whole world of easy cable access too.
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Anaxilus

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #32 on: September 11, 2015, 01:53:49 AM »
Pretty sure there was pages of debate and maybe even a poll about which jack to use on their forum. Kobicon would have been okay, but UE and AK already started using the 2.5mm.
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drfindley

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #33 on: September 11, 2015, 02:20:54 AM »
I think the thing that's hard about LH Labs is their information is spread out across forums, polls, indiegogo pages, indiegogo messages and their website. It's not all in one place and organized and easy to find and read. Frankly, if their communication was a bit more organized, I bet they'd have people loving them more than frustrated with them.

I'm just happy to have found a TRRS connector on amazon for $30.
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CEE TEE

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #34 on: September 11, 2015, 03:23:38 AM »
I think there might be warnings if there are dangers to using single-ended cables into balanced TRRS adapters.  A quick explanation of why that is bad for your headphones would help too.  Most people don't have balanced cables for 3.5mm TRRS yet and may look for adapters like I did.  Without hearing the difference, I can understand wanting to risk less money on an adapter that can also be used for more than one headphone.
Now I have a balanced 4-Pin XLR Female to 3.5mm TRRS Male plug adapter that I will use with my Enigmas with balanced cable and my HD800 with balanced cable.
Not sure I want to bother with balanced IEM cables. Would like to hear other's experiences if you went balanced with IEMs and how much benefit there was.  [size=78%]  [/size]
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jexby

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #35 on: September 11, 2015, 03:36:02 AM »
Am taking my GOV2+Infinity on vacation, have IEMs with balanced TRRS 3.5 and SE.
Will take an evening or two sometime to perform the comparison to SE and report impressions here.

May bring 400S With balanced adapter along also, which is a work rig.
Enjoy that pair immensely.
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CEE TEE

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #36 on: September 11, 2015, 03:49:28 AM »
^Right on.  Thank you for comparing SE to balanced on the V2+ jexby!   :)p1
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jexby

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Re: LHLabs Geek Out V2 Review and Measurements
« Reply #37 on: September 20, 2015, 07:38:23 PM »
finally some isolated time while remote so here goes a quick compare of
GOV2+Inf
Balanced out vs. SE

mobile rig =
iPad mini 2
Apple Lightning to SB adapter
1ft custom YFS micro USB cable
Heir Audio 4.aiS with custom molds from InEarZ
1 magnus cable with Neutrik SE 3.5 plug
vs
1 magnus cable with Oyaide Bal TRRS 3.5 plug
(Oyaide_P-3.5SR)
Onkyo HF Player
24/96 FLAC files
GOV2+Inf had the blue light filter on, with amp at 450 setting.

did back and forths with the IEM cables, one in at a time.
and tried to level match as accurate as I possible with the IOS volume slider as the Bal output delivers more juice with slider at same position.

Summary:
Bal output provided slightly better bass definition and clarity, whereas bass in SE mode was a bit blurred.  like, not hearing the drum skin stop clean.
soundstage seemed about equal as did the treble and cymbal shimmers.
vocals in SE mode seemed a tad pushed to the front of the mix compared to Bal in some tracks but need to be confirmed with more listens?
same black background, no hums or statics.  even with GO in 1000 amp setting.

folks, I think we're in the last 5-10% improvement here with IEMs + decent source and cables. the SE are good on their own, and for some IEMs the Bal differences might never be noticed.

only pain in balanced cable is IEMs can't be plugged directly into the device, making GOV2+Inf mandatory and keeping it's battery charged.
Keeping SE cable in the bag for emergencies.

at work, will continue HE-400S into the GOV2+Inf balanced for that extra power without having the IOS volume slider at 75+%.

back to your regularly scheduled listening.

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