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Headstage Arrow HE: Reviews, Impressions, Perceptions & Sensations - Page 4

post #46 of 2604
3/6/10 at 10:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellenback View Post
I believe for many people this is the most important factor re: impressions of the Arrow (and the main reason why this thread should be in the right place with portable amplification). Many people cannot afford several portable amps for their headphones and want to buy the one that is the best for their set-up. It has already been stated somewhere in one of these two threads that Robert uses HD650s while AverageJoe (at times at least) uses IEMs. The Arrow has come out shining on both ends of the spectrum and this is no small feat in itself. I personally have not heard a better all round, truly portable amp. Is it perfect for every HP/DAP combination? I doubt any amp is, but to my ears the Arrow is certainly the best you'll get for your money (and often more) with most portable set-ups.
I am not really very adept at describing intricate details of soundstage, resolution, warmth, clarity etc. It has been shown both here and elsewhere that these terms mean different things to different people (even if they do have an objective definition). As far as my understanding of these terms goes, the Arrow excels at them all.
When the Arrow has been compared to other amps (by either myself or others) it has usually been to amps costing $100 -> $200 more and it has come out as at least equal in most respects and better in some. IMO this makes the Arrow a no brainer for someone on a budget or anyone looking for real value and SQ. The money saved would be better spent on music! It has been hotly debated whether very low impedance IEMs even need external amplification. Only the person using them can decide this and it seems the Arrow is an inexpensive way to begin experimenting.

If anyone knows how to get this thread moved to the proper section, it would be a service to anyone looking for a great portable amp. It would also give the Arrow some of the exposure it deserves as one of the best (ultra) portable amplifiers.
Wow, I'm hearing some excellent feedback and learning too.

Hellenback, I emailed Jude about moving the thread, but possibly, that wasn't the best way to get his attention. I'll try a PM.
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post #47 of 2604
3/6/10 at 10:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellenback View Post
It has been hotly debated whether very low impedance IEMs even need external amplification. Only the person using them can decide this and it seems the Arrow is an inexpensive way to begin experimenting.
Wow is all I can say. And no contest. And yes, the Arrow seems to be an exceptional value. Although inexpensive is relative

If anyone knows how to get this thread moved to the proper section, it would be a service to anyone looking for a great portable amp. It would also give the Arrow some of the exposure it deserves as one of the best (ultra) portable amplifiers.[/QUOTE]

I PMed a mod...we shall see what happens.
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post #48 of 2604
3/7/10 at 2:42am
Quote:
I PMed a mod...we shall see what happens
Thanks Joe, it looks like it worked....now we can see what others think about our impressions
Quote:
Wow is all I can say. And no contest. And yes, the Arrow seems to be an exceptional value. Although inexpensive is relative
PS: I'm not sure what you mean by "no contest"? I value your opinion and in no way mean to devalue it or your impressions about this amp or anything else. Value is very subjective and I only meant it in reference to the Arrow vs. other amps costing more. Anyone could make a valid argument that $100 is enough to pay for the technology that goes into any headphone amp.


@ Mediaogre
Quote:
I emailed Jude about moving the thread, but possibly, that wasn't the best way to get his attention. I'll try a PM
It seems that whatever was done had the desired effect.
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post #49 of 2604
3/7/10 at 4:49am
Thanks all for the impressions... I've been skeptical of portable amps for some reason, but am thinking of purchasing the Arrow. At $150 less than the Pico Slim, it appears to be a good value. Sent Robert an email asking about how long it would take to ship one; hope to hear back from him.
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post #50 of 2604
3/7/10 at 4:55am
Can one of you guys post a few pictures of the Arrow with the iPhone/iPod Touch?
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post #51 of 2604
3/7/10 at 5:25am
I'm really curious as to how the Arrow compares to the RSA P51 and Shadow. I have no doubt it sounds good, but I'm more interested to see if its sound compliments my Westone 3's as well as the P51 and Shadow reportedly do.
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post #52 of 2604
3/7/10 at 5:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellenback View Post
PS: I'm not sure what you mean by "no contest"?
What I mean by no contest is the Arrow's performance I am hearing at the $200 price point (plus mail in amp) is no contest winner IMO for price/performance. The Shadow is twice the price as will be the Slim when in production. The iPhone interference is the only real downer IMO. With the Shadow you are paying a premium for size. Can't comment on the Slim as I have not heard it yet.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mesasone View Post
Can one of you guys post a few pictures of the Arrow with the iPhone/iPod Touch?
The Arrow is a nice size match for the iPhone & 5.5g and works fine for me with the Fuze. Enjoy the [not so good] attached pictures!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gridlinked View Post
I'm really curious as to how the Arrow compares to the RSA P51 and Shadow. I have no doubt it sounds good, but I'm more interested to see if its sound compliments my Westone 3's as well as the P51 and Shadow reportedly do.
Please read above...I have done some preliminary comparisons of the Shadow and Arrow.
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post #53 of 2604
3/7/10 at 6:00am
interesting stuff. the price is competitive too.

looking forward to more reviews and also comparing with ALO RX.

i wonder if RF interference is an issue with this amp. Anyone having this amp, mind to shed some light ?
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post #54 of 2604
3/7/10 at 6:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by average_joe View Post
And the USB-DAC-Cable is performing well also, standing up to the uDAC so far. Plus I found a possible mod for it in the computer audio forum
average_joe, you have me curious as to what kind of mod you are referring to, and upon searching I could not find a reference to a mod of the USB-DAC-Cable in the computer audio forum; could you please provide a permalink?
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post #55 of 2604
3/7/10 at 6:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by grokit View Post
average_joe, you have me curious as to what kind of mod you are referring to, and upon searching I could not find a reference to a mod of the USB-DAC-Cable in the computer audio forum; could you please provide a permalink?
Ask and you shall receive
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post #56 of 2604
3/7/10 at 3:49pm
My USB DAC Cable has been shipped Wednesday of last week. Hopefully, I'll receive it soon. I'll compare it with my BG & topkit modded D10, which also uses the WM8740 DAC chip.
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post #57 of 2604
3/8/10 at 2:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by average_joe View Post
Please read above...I have done some preliminary comparisons of the Shadow and Arrow.
Thanks, I realize that and I'm looking forward to reading additional opinions. If I can get similar sound for $150 less these definitely are good times.
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post #58 of 2604
3/8/10 at 6:55am
Quote:
Can one of you guys post a few pictures of the Arrow with the iPhone/iPod Touch?
Only one I have access to with the touch



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post #59 of 2604
3/8/10 at 9:03am
Dear Average Joe,

some images show iPod touch or iPhone with a very compact line out adapter, where the cable exits on the side, combined with an angled 3.5mm plug. Where you got that from?

Z
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post #60 of 2604
3/8/10 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellenback View Post
Only one I have access to with the touch
sexy shot

@zappo - I got a small low profile LOD (check the post) from Qusp here at headfi - quite a nice (if not beautiful) invention.
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