Review: Heir Audio 4.A - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunninho 

Excellent review!  And, we need more full reviews of the 4.A :)   I can't wait for mine to arrive and to do a review, as well.  From everyone's impressions so far, the 4.A seems to have the best performance of any IEM / CIEM in its price range (~ $450).

Thanks! I do want to welcome any 4.A owners to add their impressions here as well. I started the thread but by no means am I the only person around here with an opinion. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the 4.A, among other people as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlySweep 

Fantastic review, John. I know me & you talk fairly often via PM & I've been badgering you incessantly for this review. It was worth the wait.

I wouldn't say "badgering".... "encouraging" is probably a better word! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vitor Teixeira 

 

Hi John,

 

Excellent and thorough review as always. :)

(The promo thing starts on 1th August? It will be announced on their site and here?)

Thanks Vitor. The Wizard mentioned it in the big Heir Audio thread - but I'm sure it will be announced on the website soon enough. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlySweep 

Being that the W4 is also a 3-way, quad BA IEM tuned for neutrality, I'd appreciate some comparisons between it & the 4.A from those who have heard both

I too would be interested in reading about this, if anyone as tried both. I have yet to hear the W4 for myself. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by maguire 

Very well written review as always Project86, will you also do an in depth review on 6LE also?

I know you touched on it, but I'm tempted more toward the 6LE for that extra bass.... But at twice the price

I don't know? Can you give me a little more insight into there differences please.

I already did - see link in my sig. 

The 6.A LE is an extremely high-end IEM. I like it better than the JH13 and probably the UM Miracle too (though I'd need to have that here for a direct comparison to be sure). The 4.A is not all that far behind though, and is really a steal for the price. 

As far as bass, the 6 presents everything with a little extra kick. It isn't too in your face, but it is definitely more up front than the 4. The 4 is really a chameleon - it goes from bass light to fairly bass heavy and back again, depending on the recording. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdiddypdler 

Project, 

Thanks for another great review.

 

How would you compare the JH13 and the 4.A? I've heard the 13 and really liked them but I wouldn't mind saving a few bucks and going with the 4.a... Is the overall quality difference very obvious between the two? Also in terms of bass quantity, how do they compare?

 

Cheers,

It's been a while since I sold my JH13s, so take this with a grain of salt....

The JH13 seems to be more forward/aggressive in the vocal range. It's a really fun sound, and made the JH13 win on initial comparison with any other IEMs... but it got fatiguing after a while. The 4.A is more smooth and restrained than that, while still being very detailed and very present. Definitely not recessed in the least.

As far as bass presentation - the JH13 has subtle bass boost, centered around 60Hz give or take. It's not extreme but it does come through at times. It's kind of like the highs, making for a very impressive first listen, but long term maybe not as desirable. But we are talking a difference of a few dB at most. In terms of quality, both JH13 and 4.A are exceedingly clear and accurate in the lows. 

Ultimately the JH13 is more "exciting" sounding and the 4.A is more "neutral reference" sounding. Both have their charm. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlySweep 

Just got done oggling at all the wood inlay photos at Heir's FB page.. simply beautiful work.  I'd love to see Sandalwood as an option in the future.. I'm east Indian (where sandalwood holds an almost mythical status), I love it's look (and smell).. so it would certainly be a very personal touch for me.  What's been the typical turnaround (from Heir getting the molds to you receiving your customs) for folks in the US who've ordered recently?

I'm not sure any of the smell would make it through the acrylic, but I agree that sandalwood would be a nice look. I really dig the latest pics of the cocobolo, zebrawood, and spalted tamarind, though all of them look great. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdiddypdler 

Thanks for the comparison, the JH13 seemed to have enough bass for my tastes but I was worried the 4.A would fall short in that area but if it's only a few dB lower I think it'll be fine.

 

Cheers,

No problem. The 4.A and the JH13 are close enough in bass volume - certainly not a huge difference. But obviously if you are more in the target market for JH16, 8.A, Merlin, etc then you might find the 4.A a little bass light.