Oh where, oh where has my slim Arrow gone, oh where, oh where can it be? - Page 6

Thanks Hellenback, I did read your impressions earlier. I am just trying to gather the most info possible. Reading HPA's comments of the Lyrix didn't really help (and considering the Arrow wasn't compared).

Anyways, I have ordered and been in contact with Robert, who has been answering my questions and seems like a great guy. I am looking forward to hearing the Arrow and guess I will be able to see where it stacks up myself soon enough

I thought you might have and is why I asked if others might want to chime in; as more is better

I'm sure you'll like it. If they're in stock, it only takes a few days from Germany. By the way, I owned a Lyrix, which for the money was very hard to beat. I feel even more that way about the Arrow and look forward to your impressions!

Can anyone comment on Shure se530s (I think if I plugged in the term, synergy, here I'd be accurate, but this is all new to me.) with the Arrow? Also, if someone would kindly confirm that I won't benefit from the HE if I mostly use IEMs, I'd appreciate it. Last thing - if I rarely play from a desktop (99% media playback from a Zune 80) would I benefit from the AMP/DAC combo. Sorry if that's a stupid question.

-Greg

I don't own se530s so cannot comment on the "synergy" between them. I've never used any IEMs at all personally so I really can't help you on this one. I have already mentioned that one person from head-fi liked it's sound with the JH13s but I don't know enough about their similarities or differences to even venture a guess (guesses aren't much help any way).
As far as the HE version goes, I think the 5->12 volt "swing" could benefit most situations as it is said to provide the optimum voltage required at any given time. It also provides extended battery life by only using what is required, rather than a constant 7.5 volts. I could be misunderstanding some of this so your best bet would be to email Headstage (Headphonia) Headphonia.com - Contact and ask directly. I have found them pretty quick to respond.
As far as the DAC goes, I doubt the DAC chip in the Zune can be bypassed (or everyone would buy it) so I can't see how it would be of benefit in your case. I think it provides an improvement over most computer soundcards by doing the D/A conversion outside the computer with a Wolfson (8740?) chip.

I appreciate your comments, Hellenback. Excellent point on the variable voltage. I did a little more digging and the flexible, dual-purpose design definitely benifits IEM users with regard to battery life. The additional option of being able to drive more demanding cans in the future sounds nice too.

Thanks for the clarification on DAC purpose/usage. It gave me some relief.(one less thing for my already-full-with-new-data brain to worry about)

I just ordered my Arrow. Got the HE version. This is my first amp so I'm very excited about getting it. I have some Denon D1001's and I just ordered some Sennheiser 595's yesterday. Talked to Robert through email and he told me it should work great for either of these.

Thanks to Robert and you guys on the forum for helping me decide which amp to buy

Congrats on a great (and likely difficult) decision. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

how about build quality, materials, switches also weight?

This amp is mighty tempting for me. For one, it's from Germany, meaning much less hassle in ordering and warranty than manufacturers from the USA... and it has a 12dB bass boost, just what I need for videos.

• I'd like to know if it hisses with IEMs with ridiculously low impedance and high sensitivity (IE8, UE11, SE530)? I've been disappointed by ALL amps I ever had except the Headsix. Everything else I had hisses with my IEMs (iBasso T4, Minibox E+, Fiio E5, PA2V2, Go-Vibe Derringer).
• How muddy or clear is the bass boost at 12dB? Speaking for movie performance, not serious listening.
• The ALPS volume pot on my Corda Headsix is cheapest junk, crackling and imbalanced - is this one better? (I wonder if a model with digital 256-step pot will be released, same as the Pico Slim?)

I should have my 12HE within the next 2 weeks and will be able to compare it with the Shadow and some day the Pico Slim (past 250 on the pre-order list). And BTW the Shadow has absolutely no hiss with any of my IEMs I have tried it with...IE8, CK10, C710, etc. I am hoping the volume pot is good also, and am looking forward to testing the bass boost. My post probably didn't help much

Average Joe, when did you order and will you post when you receive your Arrow? I ordered mine a few days ago and the order-pay-leadtime-ship process and timeline is a little unclear.

Thanks.

I can't speak to the IEMs as I don't own any (yet). The volume wheel is silent, firm, consistent, and balanced between channels as the volume is adjusted in either direction. It registers the smallest movement of the scroll, from very close to zero all the way up to full volume, with both HD650s and Koss PortaPros. A member at a recent meet tried mine with his JH13s and made a comment about the quality of the volume adjustment (believing it to be digital). When I emailed the manufacturer to verify this (as there were no "steps") I was informed that it was in fact analog and that he had gone to great length testing various pots (both digital and analog) to find the one that worked/sounded the best.

As far as the bass boost goes, I believe I received one of the first batch with a 9db boost on the second step setting, which I find to be sufficient. Granted I use headphones that don't require much bass "boost"
If the extra 3db is implemented as well the second step on my amp, I'm sure many will welcome the extra oomph when needed. There is always flat and the first boost setting for those who want none or less.

The previous post inquired about "fit and finish"...I am very happy with the attention to detail that has obviously gone into this amp. The jacks are firm and give no sense they will become less so with extended use. (I guess only time will tell but they have a "quality feel")
There is a "line in" on both ends of the amp and the switches are small but easily adjusted without moving accidentally. The on/off switch is illuminated indicating use/charge/charge& use. It is a little longer than the toggles on the rear of the amp but seems made of very strong plastic and is protected by the headphone plug when in use. (I have not yet moved it by accident either.)
The amp truly feels and sounds like what you would expect from a product that is (at least for now) hand made in Germany.

PS: weight 75g

I'm curious too as I ordered on Jan26th and current status is "order processing"

just saw this on the Arrow order page: Not sure which are considered "new orders" so if I was waiting I'd email them.

New orders will ship in 2-3 weeks.

I believe I ordered this last Friday, or was it the weekend. Robert said my Arrow should ship next week.