GEEK OUT V2 High Performance USB DAC/Amplifier
Introduction
Geek Out V2 is a high performance portable USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and pure Class A headphone amplifier that builds upon the success of the Geek Out V1.
Geek Out V2 has been designed with multiple selectable analog gain stages to accommodate the growing headphone collections of many audiophiles in one portable device.
Geek Out V2 accepts digital audio signals through USB, and outputs audio signals via 1/8”/3.5mm single-ended and balanced headphone jacks.
When used in conjunction with the appropriate playback software, Geek Out V2 will decode almost any music file format and resolution available, up to and including Direct-Stream Digital (DSD).
Installation
1. Unbox the Geek Out V2 and remove it from the plastic wrap.
2. Connect the Geek Out V2 to a USB port on the computer (without headphones or any other external components connected/powered on).
3. If connecting to a Mac or Linux computer, no drivers are required. However, if a Windows PC is being used, download and install the Light Harmonic Audio Driver (link below). The Light Harmonic Audio Driver Setup Guide can be found in the LH Audio Driver section of the LH Labs support solutions site:
Light Harmonic Audio Driver:
*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
The Light Harmonic Driver 2.29 will need to be installed. Older versions of the Light Harmonic Driver will not be compatible with V2.
Driver Setup Guide:
Configuration
In order for the computer to play sound through the Geek Out V2, the Geek Out V2 must be set as the default audio output device.
Windows
After installing the Light Harmonic Audio Driver and Light Harmonic Control Panel, continue to follow the steps in the Light Harmonic Audio Driver Setup Guide to set the Windows Default Sound Output to the Geek Out V2.
Mac
In OS X, go to the Apple menu at the top left of the screen, and open System Preferences.
Click on the Sound icon, and select Geek Out V2 as the audio output device.
Using The Geek Out V2
*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
When the Geek Out V2 is plugged into the computer there may be a popping noise sent through the headphone outputs. This is caused by the charging of the power caps. This is a conscious design decision to not add a buffer as it would affect the sound quality.
It is recommended that the Geek Out V2 be left connected/powered on at all times as it will keep the components warm, providing the optimal sound quality. However, if the Geek Out V2 needs to be disconnected/reconnected, be sure to unplug headphones and/or power down the connected preamp/amp/active speakers to avoid any potential damage.
LH Labs will not be held responsible for any damage to equipment due to this design implementation.
*** /IMPORTANT NOTE ***
Warning
Geek Out V2 is a very powerful amplifier. Damage can occur to your ears, and to your electronics if not used with care.
Be sure to heed all instructions regarding connection of the Geek Out V2, and turn the computer volume down prior to playback before adjusting to a comfortable listening level. LH Labs will not be held responsible for any damage due to this design implementation.
Analog Gain Stages
Geek Out V2 features multiple analog gain stages to allow for the use of multiple types of headphones. With selectable gain stages of 1000mW and 100mW (450mW also included with V2 Infinity), Geek Out V2 works equally well with high power headphones, as with highly sensitive IEMs.
The top (concave) button on the Geek Out V2 is used to select the gain. A LED beside the G marker denotes which stage is selected. The white LED denotes 100mW, while the blue LED denotes 1000mW.
*V2 retail units will have a White LED that denotes the Low gain and Blue LED that denotes the High gain. This was changed to blue for retail production units.
* Pre-Production units will have a Blue LED which denotes the Low gain and a Red / Blue which denotes Medium Gain (for Infinity models), and a Red LED which denotes the High gain.
Volume Adjustment
Geek Out V2 has an advanced 64-bit volume control that uses an ultra-high resolution, zero noise, bit perfect mechanism to avoid the inherent issues with previous digital volume attenuation methods, and noise associated with analog volume control.
The Geek Out V2 volume attenuation circuit replaces the volume calculations done by the computer with its own, ensuring the audio remains bit perfect through the entire conversion process.
When using the Geek Out V2, volume is controlled from the computer/application audio controls.
There are no hardware volume controls on the Geek Out V2.
Digital Filters
Digital filters are used to remove artifacts in the digital signal caused by the digital-to-analog conversion process, and manage settings for the internal DAC IC and re-clock jitter removal circuit.
Geek Out V2 offers the following filters:
TCM (Time Coherence Mode) - Uses LH Labs minimum phase digital filter and time optimization algorithm, which removes all PRE-ring from the converted signal and realigns the impulse response. This presents the listener with a more well-defined and natural soundstage.
FRM (Frequency Response Mode) - Uses a slow roll-off linear digital filter and frequency domain optimization algorithm to provide a smoother and clearer sound with even lower THD+N in the high frequencies.
The bottom (flat) button on the Geek Out V2 is used to select the digital filter mode. 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, the blue LED denotes the TCM filter.
LED Display
While passing digital audio signals, Geek Out V2 will display the sample rate of the track being played.
On the top right corner of the Geek Out V2 is a blue LED that denotes a 44.1/48 kHz track is being played if none of the four LEDs near the bottom right of the device are lit.
Those four LEDs and their markers denote the following when lit:
- 2x 88.2/96 kHz track is being played
- 4x 176.4/192 kHz track is being played
- 8x 352.8/384 kHz track is being played
- DSD DSD64/DSD128 track is being played.
Single Ended And Balanced Outputs
Geek Out V2 features two audio outputs. A 1/8”/3.5mm single-ended (TRS) output, as well as a 1/8”/3.5mm balanced (TRRS) output.
The Single-Ended Output is indicated with a "SE" mark above the headphone jack. A "BAL" for Balanced output is indicated above the jack that is directly under the USB port. It is not recommended to use a Single-ended (TRS) 3.5mm jack for the balanced output and will not be covered under warranty if damage occurs. By incorporating a TRRS to XLR cable, the Geek Out V2 can be connected to a home stereo system in full balanced mode.
V2 Pin-out Diagram:
Operating Temperature
Geek Out V2 uses Class A amplifiers which inherently run quite hot. While the chassis has been optimized to allow for greater cooling, the Geek Out V2 can still get fairly hot.
This will not damage the Geek Out V2, but care should be taken if setting the device on any objects while using a USB extension cable. Also, be sure to not block any ventilation holes.
Support
If there are any issues completing any of the steps in this document, understanding any of the concepts, with audio playback, or with the device itself, please open a support ticket through the LH Labs support page at:
A knowledge base with frequently asked questions, and online repository of setup and user guides is available at:
http://support.lhlabs.com/support/solutions
Specifications
Frequency Response: 2 Hz - 55 kHz (-0.1 dB)
Maximum Power Output: User switchable - 1000mW @ 16 Ohms, 100mW @ 16 Ohms
Maximum Output Voltage: 4.0 Vrms (high gain)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): <0.01%
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): >105 dB unweighted, > 108 A-weighted
Input: USB 2.0 (Asynchronous)
Outputs: Dual 1/8”/3.5mm analog stereo (one single-ended TRS, one balanced TRRS)
Output Impedance: 0.47 Ohms
Output Stage OpAmp: Texas Instruments TPA6120A2
Amplifier Output Bias: Class A
Digital-to-Analog Converter IC: ESS SABRE9018AQ2M
USB Controller: XMOS XS1-SU01A-FB96
PCM Sample Rates Supported: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz
DSD Sample Rates Supported: 2.8224 MHz, 3.072 MHz, 5.6448 MHz, 6.144 MHz
Bit Depth Supported: 1-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit
Chassis Construction: 3D Printed Ultra High Temp Resin
Width: 37.5mm
Length: 78mm
Height: 13mm
Weight: 34 grams
Geek Out V2 Infinity:
Maximum Power Output: Additional 450mW @ 16 Ohms output option
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): -3dB THD+N additional performance boost
Additional Digital Filter Mode:
SSM (Stable Streaming Mode) – A digital filter to optimize audio from streaming sites such as Spotify and Tidal.
Limited Warranty Statement
Your new Geek Out V2 is covered by warranty to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty covers the cost of labor and materials for any repair deemed necessary by LH Labs.
Proof of purchase or a copy of the sales receipt will be required for any claim made against the warranty, and claims are subject to the limitations and conditions outlined below.
A) Limitations and Conditions
The unit will not be covered under warranty if:
1. It has been altered or modified in any way.
2. It has been damaged due to misuse, negligence, accident, or improper operation.
3. It has been subjected to water damage, or extremes of humidity or temperature.
4. It has been purchased from an unauthorized dealer, or unauthorized repair or service has been performed.
B) Repairs and Returns
If the product is believed to be defective, a support ticket must be opened to initiate the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process.
1. A RMA number must be issued by LH Labs customer service department prior to return of any product.
2. A return address and phone number must be included.
3. Returned product must include the RMA number, a written description of the defect or issue, and a photocopy of the original purchase receipt.
4. The customer is responsible for paying shipping charges to LH Labs when applicable.
5. If the product is found to be out of warranty, the customer will be given the option to pay for the repairs or replacement, or to have the product returned to them.
C) Original Purchaser
This warranty is for the sole benefit of the original Geek Out V2 purchaser, and shall not be transferable to any subsequent purchaser of the product.
This warranty statement can also be found online at:
http://lhlabs.com/marketplace/geek-out/warranty.html