LH Labs Geek Out GO2A, V2, V2+, Infinity and SE Impressions and Reviews

i) This information is way too hard to find, to be honest. It is in the GOV2 user manual, but it is stated oddly, and in an odd spot: "A LED beside the DM marker denotes which mode is selected. The green LED denotes The FRM Filter, the red LED denotes the SSM Filter." One can (hopefully) presume that the remaining blue LED represents the TCM filter. Based on that:
TCM=blue, FRM=green, SSM=red.

ii) I honestly have no idea, but I'm guessing this is not a priority for Larry or anyone else over there at the moment.

Hope that helps. I also hope someone else can weigh in on whether FTM is even possible.

EDIT: inexplicably, the pdf version of the user manual is not identical to the web based version, and has much clearer explanation of the LED colors.

 

The button farthest away from your computer when Geek Out V2 is connected

to a USB port is used to select the digital lter mode. A LED beside the DM marker denotes which mode is selected. The blue LED denotes TCM, the green LED denotes FRM, and the red LED denotes SSM.
*SSM is only available with Geek Out V2 In nity and above.

 

Can´t open the second link (pdf) but I checked the manual. Thanks for that. Much appreciated.

Regarding ii) ....yeah..I guess, too, that FW upgrades aren´t currently on their priority list ;-)
But would be interesting to know if the FTM mode could be "activated" just via FW.

 

So, I've attempted to do some research on the subject, but I humbly admit I am still lost. I read the well cited xiph.org pertaining to sample rates, along with posts on various forums, but I am still confused about forced upsampling as it pertains to the playback of audio via an audio player (i.e. Audirvana). It seems the consensus on forums is that "it depends what the DAC is doing", while the aforementioned article implies oversampling on playback is good and something most DACs do automatically...or at least I think that's what it say...it's only very briefly mentioned and not entirely clear.

So, my question is this: When it comes to the GO2A, what is the best practice in theory? Should I force upsample my 44.1kHz/48kHz tracks via Audirvana? If so, which iZotope settings should I use?

 

GO2A does not up/oversample internally so you want to upsample everything power of 2. You can also convert to DSD128 but with GO2A I prefer the sound of 352/384 PCM.

 

Whut?

 

Incorrect? I thought it did not....

Edit: Added a dislike. Corrections, comments, differences of opinion are all good. ****posts that bring zero value to the discussion and waste space not so much.

 

Thanks for the response. I reached out directly to LH Labs as well to see what they have to say on the subject. My ears tend to prefer the native sampling rates with the Andromeda's as my IEMs, but I am wondering why this could be the case from a technical standpoint. I am guessing iZotope settings have a lot to do with it, but once again, there doesn't seem to be a consensus about those either since it's all about tradeoffs (one of my least favorite words as it relates to audio). Would love to get a more concise and clear explanation about the benefits or drawbacks associated with upsampling the signal prior to the GO2A, as well as any iZotope settings.

 

I just tried it again to remind myself of the differences. Balanced out of GO2A to UERM.

To my ears power of 2 upsampling from 44.1 to 352.8 (x2 in Audirvana+) creates a nicer soundstage with better instrument separation and slightly better tonality. I use the iZotope SRC set to best quality and leave the advanced section unmodified. Green (linear) filter.

What do you prefer about the native sample rate over upsampling?

 

He was being snide sure, but of course the geek out over samples. Every delta sigma DAC does...

 

So, what is the benefit, if any, from a technical standpoint of oversampling pre-DAC? When oversampling x2 (88kHz) in Audirvana, the highs have a certain ringing quality to them, and are a bit harsh. This could be the Andro's and/or the settings I am using for oversampling. Also, what sampling rate does the GO2A oversample a 44.1kHz audio file for example?

 

Sorry, I could have been less obscure. My whut was related to the dubious benefits (in most situations) of upsampling pre-DAC.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-iEMatch-Headphone-Travel-Accessory/dp/B01L4CPF7U

 

Anybody tried to go from GO2A balanced out to an external HP amp balanced in?
Any surplus compared to the single ended approach?

Edit: Found the posts from others in this thread mentioning the grounding issue and how this can be solved.
Question remains if it's worth compared to the "just" single ended connection.

 

Does somebody have any experience with an upgraded GOV2+ to a GO2Pro by now? Does any person know, if there will be an update of a GOV2+ SE to a golden metal case?

 

I am trying really hard to figure out what utilitarian sounding means..... Does this mean GO2A/2A Inf lacks in resolution and clarity comparing with SE version?

I am looking for transportable solution for HD650 and Andro hence got interested in GO2A series and found quite confusing. If I understood correctly, there are 3 versions at present. GO2A | GO2A Infinity | GO2A SE.

The difference between GO2A and GO2A Inf was quite clear.
(1) Infinity model has Additional Digital Filter Mode called SSM filter. Not sure how useful this mode. I saw in this thread that it does not sound good with this mode.
(2) Infinity model has additional 450mW @ 16 Ohms output option. Again, not sure if it would be useful if it is to be paired with only HD650 (needs POWER) and Andro (super sensitive).

The difference between GO2A Infi and GO2A SE is more obscure and SE version does not even showing on main page. Had a bit of trouble to locate it on their site.
(1) Hand-Matched Components
(2) Upgraded Dual Femto Clocks
(3) THD Performance upgrades
(4) Champagne Gold Chassis (Not sure if this is better or worse. Red looks sexier for me )
(5) Custom matched Firmware

For someone who is mainly listening via streaming services such as Tidal Hi-Fi, not sure which one would be the ideal one to go for and I would be able to notice the sound quality difference among those 3 versions. I am thinking to go for middle level, Infinity version since it has SSM filter. Am I on the right track?

I already ordered IFI iEmatch so hiss issue with Andro would be minimal with GO series, I guess.

Thank you in advance....

 

Each one is a step up, but the SE was limited and much more expensive than the others. The infinity sounds very good, and is freely available. Go with that.

 

I think he means the SE version is much more engaging, whereas the normal ones work but don't have that last bit of engagement.

SE's are done by Larry by hand purportedly, and are very limited in numbers.

 

Thank you very much. One quick question if you don't mind... Did you notice the difference when you listen steaming music with SSM filter? Not sure if it is a gimmick or does actually provide noticeable difference for streaming music. Again, thank you...