Multi-Portable Amp Thread: 12 amps reviewed (Shonyun 306 added 10/03/12) - Page 8

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish 

Got the Arrow 4G. As an amp newb, I don't have anything to compare it to, but part of my overriding intentions have been met: form factor, form factor, form factor. I bring this with me and don't leave it at home. It fits in my pocket with the music playing phone. Sure, the fatter, larger amps can pack more sound enhancement, but what good is it if left behind? As for subtle but useful features, I look forward to double headphone insertion and watching a movie on the pc with the wife. Sound is enhanced with no thrown switches. Switches thrown do result in appreciable differences.

Originally Posted by heart banger-97 

sorry, I haven't heard any other amp to comparing them with arrow 4G (I live in Iran)

but I can say some things absolutely:

1- I hear a lot of interference when some one is trying to call me (my phone is Motorola)

2- the Arrow is really portable (I put it in my pocket while going to university)

3- I can't hear any noticeable improvement in SQ of my shure se315 (although I didn't expect any improvement on SQ when I ordered arrow)

4- when I listen to live recording tracks, the sound stage is amazing

5-I'm planning to buy a westone 4r with a 75ohm added impedance to pair with my arrow ( this is why I ordered arrow )

 

 

edit: do you find the crossfeed function useful ? I just use it on some live recorded tracks.

I haven't use bass boost; but put the treble on " I " some times.

Originally Posted by estreeter 

 

Yo, Joe - typo !

 

http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-products/ehp-o2-portable-audio-headphone-amplifier/

 

I know - I kept typing 'EPH' instead of 'EHP', but there it is in black-and-white. 

Originally Posted by mrarroyo 

I read your impressions on the Portaphile 627 and I concur with your findings. I do not have ultra sensitive IEM's (Westone 2 and TripleFi 10) so I did not hear the hiss you did. I sure hope Cesar can increase the battery life to around 10 hours.

Originally Posted by NocKM 

just received my portaphile 627 yesterday. it is the version with the blue lights. The amp is currently going thru burn in. I can say so far that using CK10 there is no hiss and no perceived channel imbalance down to the quietest volume setting (I had to take off one ear piece to verify sound was actually coming out both). the bass quantity/impact is significantly increased. I'll reserve the rest after burn in
one more thing...Mr. Aguilera has been extremely helpful thru this transaction - emails were replied promptly and I was given updates on the order processing, and a surprise on shipping
[edit] and of course I post this in the wrong thread doh

Originally Posted by sunninho 

average_joe, are you going to review the Alo Rx MKiii as well?  I've been eyeing this upgrade, but now the 627 sounds really interesting too (although a somewhat different animal).  Would like to see your review of the RX3 and a possible comparison with the 627.

Originally Posted by estreeter 

I get the impression that the Mk3-B, as its now known on the ALO site, is designed explicitly for balanced use, just as the SR71B was - there are cheaper options like the Stepdance for single-ended use - that said, it has had some glowing reports thus far. I like to wait until the initial hysteria has had a chance to die down, which is one of the reasons that I'm still keen to hear the L3 - it doesnt appear to be anyone's FOTM amp, but I have yet to hear a negative re sound quality from anyone who actually owns the amp - form factor and price notwithstanding, it stands out as the very thing I've been chasing : a battery-powered (easily) transportable amp that will power almost anything short of the HE-6. Triad seem to have their production act together now - still not like ordering something from iBasso, though.  

 

If I can throw in my 2 cents worth re the EHP-O2, having had mine for 6 months, I hold the amp in considerably higher regard than I did in the first month or so of ownership. I suspect that's simply a case of getting used to the presentation, but initially I found myself going back to my other amps when the 02 seemed too brutal with things like YouTube vids and throwaway pop, particularly with the AD900s, but that is no longer the case unless I'm really tired and just want something mellow as background music. I agree with others that the hype around this amp is way out of all proportion to the sound, but it has definitely settled into its spot on my bedside table. It would be interesting to hear it paired with a better source than my MSII - I suspect those YouTube vids might be a bridge too far.   

 

When I eventually get another P4, I'm going to revisit my impressions of the O2 alongside iBasso's little marvel. I have a massive soft spot for the P4 as a killer bang-for-buck amp (largely overlooked on Head-Fi), but it would be interesting to be able to DBT the two - stock opamps to be fair to the 02's budget chipset. If memory serves me correctly, neither of your top picks has been less than 500 USD - add Ray's balanced amp at 650USD and the L3 at 800 clams, it soon becomes obvious that there is a place for 'mid-range' amps that fit in between Fiio (good products in their own right) and the top shelf.  Thanks again for the effort you are putting into this thread.   

Originally Posted by mrarroyo 

Currently listening to Charles Mingus - This Is Jazz 6 and the sound is very nice and involving. The sound has "weight" and authority.

Originally Posted by gelocks 

So is the 627 really just gives 4 hours of playback? (and the battery only 500 charging cycles?!?) That seems poor to me even if the sound quality is the best out there (according to your review...). Have you tried the JDSLabs c421?

 

 

Thanks,.

Originally Posted by NocKM 

yea it dies pretty quick and just pops when it goes dud. i think the review is pretty spot on. I don't want to say too much about sq because of my limited experience and lack of burn in at this stage. My impression from reading the other user experience is that ATH CK10 are hard to have synergy with often "sidegrade" or mismatched amp/phone pairing, and the portaphile 627 has definitely improved its performance in many areas. (this doesnt change the fact that they STILL sound good unamped.)
With the 627 and CLAS there's a lot "wow" moments. I have no idea of music describing terminology but the best way to describe it that it renders background instruments with words as: enveloping, airiness, 3d, clarity, and TONS of detail. The wow moments usually happen when the instruments kick in/transitions and all of a sudden you're in a sonic flood. With this said its strength is also its weakness. Sometimes there's too much emphasis on the instruments, you could almost pick out each one playing it's own thing, getting a little distracted. In some songs it takes a little effort to focus on the main singer.

Originally Posted by kenman345 

HEy Average_joe, any chance you can modify the table sizes so i can see all the ratings? It's become quite annoying having to open up word and copy and paste it, then go to web layout mode just to read the total quality with sensitive IEM's. and other scores. 

Originally Posted by melkenshawn 

Average_joe does the uha120 pair well with JH-13s?

Originally Posted by colinharding 

Just jumped on the Portaphile train!!! Can't wait till it comes in.  As a side note, I must say that Cesar has been wonderful to work with.  I don't think it has taken him longer than two hours to respond to anyone of my emails; one of those being on a Sunday at 10pm.  He also shipped the amplifier out the very next day, perfect service!

Originally Posted by imackler 

Average_joe, If you could only afford a $200 amp, would you pick the O2 or the Neco Soundlab v.3  for the HD600? (I know you've reviewed the version 2 here). I'm open to any other suggestions as well.