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Oh where, oh where has my slim Arrow gone, oh where, oh where can it be? - Page 8

post #106 of 892
2/12/10 at 10:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AVU View Post
My RSA Shadow exhibits no hiss whatsoever with IEMS and the digital pot is pure magic.
Thanks for the reply, but I am not interested in Ray Samuels' business philosophy. And I've heard from a few people that the Shadow indeed does hiss with low-impedance IEMs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by shigzeo View Post
Actually DFKT, I noticed a little hiss from the Shadow with the FitEar 333 (very sensitive earphones). It isn't as much as the ALO Rx, but there is his. Digital volume attenuators are probably the biggest problem because Ray's other amps are quieter.

The Derringer does hiss quite a bit, but its big brother, the (one with two nine volts) has very low noise floor.
Thanks Shigzeo, yes, I've read that the Shadow does hiss. The Pico Slim seems to be a way better comparable amp in every aspect - people claim it has zero hiss, despite the digital volume pot. But then again, the pot used in the Slim should be really nifty.

The ALO Rx looks as shabby as my former Minibox E+, it could be made by the same builder. Not to meniton the typical ALO cutthroat ripoff price. I have the Derringer, and I find the FiiO E5 to be a better amp in every aspect, sound-wise. I'm getting the FiiO E7 soon, I've heard it should be well behaved.

As for high quality and low footprint, the Arrow 12HE and the Pico Slim sure are the most breathtaking wallet-drainers for me, currently.

Looking forward to a definite response to the Arrow hiss question, from someone who's annoyed by hiss as much as I am, someone with 12 Ohm, 130dB/mW phones.
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post #107 of 892
2/12/10 at 12:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dfkt View Post
As for high quality and low footprint, the Arrow 12HE and the Pico Slim sure are the most breathtaking wallet-drainers for me, currently.
I agree. And I am interested to see how they compare, as one is half the price of the other

Quote:
Looking forward to a definite response to the Arrow hiss question, from someone who's annoyed by hiss as much as I am, someone with 12 Ohm, 130dB/mW phones.
I guess that isn't me! shigzeo seems like the perfect candidate! I feel lucky I don't hear the hiss like he does.
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post #108 of 892
2/12/10 at 12:09pm
I have a disease Joe and I think that DFKT may share it. He and I disagree about the Rx though. It isn't as well built as a couple of amps - but I think that is rather due to the cheaper in/outputs rather than the box which is quite good.

But then, I am a fan of the Graham Slee Voyager!
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post #109 of 892
2/12/10 at 12:14pm
Sorry to hear that shigzeo, I was not trying to make lite of the situation. Plus I don't have nearly the experience that you have with various gear, there is rarely a piece of gear you haven't heard, so I kinda expect you will hear the Arrow at some point! I didn't see both the Rx and Slim in my future, but the Arrow seems like a nice amp for the price while waiting for the Slim.
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post #110 of 892
2/12/10 at 1:06pm
My 'disease' is just an acutely aware of hiss ear. I was making light of the situation. Where is that SarcMark when you need it? I do hope to hear the Slim and Arrow at some point in the future, but I am enjoying a very impressive iBasso now: D4. Not perfect for iems, but does a very good job, also for the price.

The Arrow, however, with all its functions looks the most interesting. If it hisses though, it will be a shame. I can stand up to ALO Rx levels quite well, but after that and things are just rough. Fortunately, the Rx does everything else perfectly.
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post #111 of 892
2/12/10 at 1:58pm
Got ya! I remember the differences you were experiencing with the AMP and while I do hear hissing, it isn't all that bad on my Pro1 with some of my IEMs. But I do use an impedance adapter with my dynamics for hiss and bass response.

But back to the Arrow, seems too good to be true!
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post #112 of 892
2/12/10 at 2:54pm
I am thinking of getting Arrow for my set-up, which will be s:flo2 LO to several IEMs: W3, Turbine Pro, Phonak, RE0. Has anyone compared Arrow in this set-up (specifically driving IEMs) to the HO of s:flo2? There was one pretty negative comment on this earlier in the thread, I was wondering if anyone else got the same impression that s:flo2 HO sounds better.
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post #113 of 892
2/12/10 at 3:18pm
Quote:
As for high quality and low footprint, the Arrow 12HE and the Pico Slim sure are the most breathtaking wallet-drainers for me, currently.
The Arrow would only half drain your wallet

Quote:
Looking forward to a definite response to the Arrow hiss question, from someone who's annoyed by hiss as much as I am, someone with 12 Ohm, 130dB/mW phones.
As mentioned, I'm looking for some good low ohm IEMs as soon as somebody can persuade/inform me as to the best performance/value ratio. (I would like to get them very soon, before I spend my available funds!) They seem to be the one item that's difficult to audition even here in Toronto, where you can hear most full sized cans at one outlet or another. Even at meets I've found people don't offer to share them as they often don't bring extra/appropriate tips or they use customs. As I am also sensitive to and dislike hiss (I don't even like very bright cans) I'm pretty sure I've made a good choice with the Arrow because of it's exceptional adaptability.
I just received an Enigma silver/copper alloy cable for my Senns in the mail. I'm going to do some relaxed listening and see if the added "brightness" reveals any unwanted noise through my (so far) dead quite Arrow.

(I know this doesn't answer your question but I thought you might have a best value IEM suggestion.)
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post #114 of 892
2/12/10 at 3:20pm
I'm concerned about the same thing, Visia. I'm all twisted up because I feel I may have jumped the gun on ordering an Arrow to pair with my Zune 80 v2. It's got a decent headphone out, from what I've read and heard, but an HO doesn't compare to a true LO. I'm hoping with all the custom adjustments on the Arrow (gain, impedance, etc.) I'll be able to tune it to my liking. So, much appreciated if anyone can comment on a like amp connected to an HO. I guess I can always trade up to a different media player.
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post #115 of 892
2/12/10 at 3:24pm
sorry, accidental double post on edit
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post #116 of 892
2/12/10 at 3:35pm
Quote:
As mentioned, I'm looking for some good low ohm IEMs as soon as somebody can persuade/inform me as to the best performance/value ratio.
Hellenback, check out this older review of Jay's Q-Jays on anythingbutipod. I've actually had se530 buyers remorse after reading all the rave reviews about the Q-Jays, which can be purchased new for under $200. Relatively high impedance (for IEMs) and dual armatures, and slick design make me want to pick some up as "backups".
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post #117 of 892
2/12/10 at 3:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mediaogre View Post
Hellenback, check out this older review of Jay's Q-Jays on anythingbutipod. I've actually had se530 buyers remorse after reading all the rave reviews about the Q-Jays, which can be purchased new for under $200. Relatively high impedance (for IEMs) and dual armatures, and slick design make me want to pick some up as "backups".
Thanks, I'll take a look but I'd still prefer to buy something a little lower ohm if only to experience why many people choose them. So far my headphones have all been pretty high impedance and I'm curious about different technologies.

Just for additional info....I never listen to lossless music (but I'm willing to admit to 320Kbps being hard to discern in a blind A/B with an iPod)
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post #118 of 892
2/12/10 at 4:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mediaogre View Post
I'm concerned about the same thing, Visia. I'm all twisted up because I feel I may have jumped the gun on ordering an Arrow to pair with my Zune 80 v2. It's got a decent headphone out, from what I've read and heard, but an HO doesn't compare to a true LO. I'm hoping with all the custom adjustments on the Arrow (gain, impedance, etc.) I'll be able to tune it to my liking. So, much appreciated if anyone can comment on a like amp connected to an HO. I guess I can always trade up to a different media player.
I know I've been pretty vocal in this thread, but to try ease your anxiety I'll tell you I've listened quite extensively through a Nano HO and found it a vast improvement. As already mentioned I don't listen to lossless music (and like to listen at relatively high volume). I don't know if the Zune is significantly better than the iPod through HO but I personally believe the sflo? comment to be an unfounded put down of all headphone amps by someone with poor hearing/listening ability. Lots of people say they can't hear a difference with any portable headphone amp. If you can, you will not be disappointed with the Arrow. (I think keeping the HO lower and letting the amp do the majority of the work helps.)
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post #119 of 892
2/12/10 at 4:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mediaogre View Post
check out this older review of Jay's Q-Jays on anythingbutipod.
Seems like I will add the Arrow to my review-count on ABI pretty soon. Just had a talk with Mr. Gehrke.
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post #120 of 892
2/12/10 at 4:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellenback View Post
I know I've been pretty vocal in this thread, but to try ease your anxiety I'll tell you I've listened quite extensively through a Nano HO and found it a vast improvement. As already mentioned I don't listen to lossless music (and like to listen at relatively high volume). I don't know if the Zune is significantly better than the iPod through HO but I personally believe the sflo? comment to be an unfounded put down of all headphone amps by someone with poor hearing/listening ability. Lots of people say they can't hear a difference with any portable headphone amp. If you can, you will not be disappointed with the Arrow. (I think keeping the HO lower and letting the amp do the majority of the work helps.)
Hellenback, your vocality (is that a word?!) is much appreciated. And I agree with and was leaning toward your HO/AMP logic. Although, I lack the practical experience to back my opinion. I know that the Zune has a decent HO and DAC chip. I'll just have to buckle down once I receive the Arrow and do some critical blind tests and let my ears be honest with me.
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