Leckerton Audio UHA-4 VS. Headstage Arrow 3g; A Comparison. MOBILE DEVICE WARNING

[illquid]

You shouldn't have to give any excuses for your opinions. If Headstage lost some orders, that is how the market works. Why should he be pissed you gave your opinion.

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

You shouldn't have to give any excuses for your opinions. If Headstage lost some orders, that is how the market works. Why should he be pissed you gave your opinion.

Probably has something to do w/ being a 'village' and that your feelings are my responsibility.  

 

 

[Blasto_Brandino]

Quote:

Probably has something to do w/ being a 'village' and that your feelings are my responsibility.  

 

Yes, I need a hug
 
No, it's just he asked if I could "bash another amp than the arrow" I'm sorry, I wrote what my ears heard, you don't like it, TOUGH NUGGIES!
 
 

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

Yes, I need a hug
 
No, it's just he asked if I could "bash another amp than the arrow" I'm sorry, I wrote what my ears heard, you don't like it, TOUGH NUGGIES!

Just being facetious about something totally unrelated.  

 

 

[soundbear]

I finally took the plunge after waiting for 6 months and paid for the arrow on april 16 and then the following day read brandino's comparative review.   Went into a panic, gee, could have gotten the UHA-4 for much less and a better sounding amp!   I didn't think there was a return policy for the arrow and went into a tailspin, contacted several of you guys and ended up ordering the 4 too.   Even contacted Robert and told him about "The Earth-Shaking Brandino" review and he said I could return the arrow if I didn't like it.  
Yes, I ended up returning the arrow this past weekend, and agree that the UHA4 for my purposes is the better amp.   I agree with Brandino as to the clarity, smoothness, and natural musicality of the 4.  I felt that the arrow opamp emphasized the highs and lows of bass, mid and treble but didn't offer the smoothness of the 4.    For me I found the arrow's sound was  "cooler" vs the smoother "warmer" uha4 yet not necessarily  "harsh" or "grainy."  I also thought the arrow was just as clear.   I would think that the arrow may appeal to those who like that snappier bass-treble sound and not say that the 4 is better sq than the arrow.  Without a direct comparison to the uha4 the arrow sound absolutely excellent and even in comparison sounds excellent yet different sounding. (My conversation with Robert in returning the amp indicated he will be making a change to the arrow with a similar warmer opamp as the uha4.)  

 

[estreeter]

soundbear, your description of the sound signature of the Arrow is very similar to that given by several longtime HeadFiers of amps like the RSA Predator prior to the 300-hour mark. Personally, I have a major problem with the concept of having to wait 300-1200 hours (yep, 50 continuous days of operation ..) to be able to hear what an amp is capable of, but I just wanted to make mention of those claims/impressions.

 

[Blasto_Brandino]

Quote:

I finally took the plunge after waiting for 6 months and paid for the arrow on april 16 and then the following day read brandino's comparative review.   Went into a panic, gee, could have gotten the UHA-4 for much less and a better sounding amp!   I didn't think there was a return policy for the arrow and went into a tailspin, contacted several of you guys and ended up ordering the 4 too.   Even contacted Robert and told him about "The Earth-Shaking Brandino" review and he said I could return the arrow if I didn't like it.  
Yes, I ended up returning the arrow this past weekend, and agree that the UHA4 for my purposes is the better amp.   I agree with Brandino as to the clarity, smoothness, and natural musicality of the 4.  I felt that the arrow opamp emphasized the highs and lows of bass, mid and treble but didn't offer the smoothness of the 4.    For me I found the arrow's sound was  "cooler" vs the smoother "warmer" uha4 yet not necessarily  "harsh" or "grainy."  I also thought the arrow was just as clear.   I would think that the arrow may appeal to those who like that snappier bass-treble sound and not say that the 4 is better sq than the arrow.  Without a direct comparison to the uha4 the arrow sound absolutely excellent and even in comparison sounds excellent yet different sounding. (My conversation with Robert in returning the amp indicated he will be making a change to the arrow with a similar warmer opamp as the uha4.)  

Robert is under the impression I was "bashing" the arrow. I am not, I just wrote what my ears heard.
I heard a harshness in the upper mids and a warped soundstage in the arrow, these are not good things and based on them I consider the Leckerton to be the better sounding amp (NOONE likes harsh!) 
If you get the chance to use the HD650's with the UHA-4 I HIGHLY recommend it.
 

 

[Armaegis]

From what I've seen, Robert doesn't exactly take criticism well.

 

[shotgunshane]

Robert is under the impression I was "bashing" the arrow. I am not, I just wrote what my ears heard.
I heard a harshness in the upper mids and a warped soundstage in the arrow, these are not good things and based on them I consider the Leckerton to be the better sounding amp (NOONE likes harsh!) 
If you get the chance to use the HD650's with the UHA-4 I HIGHLY recommend it.
 

I thought you only heard a warped soundstage with crossfeed on?

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

Quote:

Robert is under the impression I was "bashing" the arrow. I am not, I just wrote what my ears heard.
I heard a harshness in the upper mids and a warped soundstage in the arrow, these are not good things and based on them I consider the Leckerton to be the better sounding amp (NOONE likes harsh!) 
If you get the chance to use the HD650's with the UHA-4 I HIGHLY recommend it.
 

I thought you only heard a warped soundstage with crossfeed on?

That's how I hear it.  Slightly bowed horseshoe which actually reminds me of the W4 SS at times.  I don't prefer it on all the time and plan to try it out on some Beatles stereo masters later.
 

 

[shotgunshane]

I havent noticed any bowing of the SS with the W4. I prefer the Beatles in mono, so if this is the only real criticisms of the Arrow, it should be negligeable to me. I'll await for your impressions of the 4g sound before making my decision.

 

[Anaxilus]

Quote:

I havent noticed any bowing of the SS with the W4.

Try some Rush and listen to Neil Peart's drum kit.  It's actually entertaining if you prefer that sort of SS effect.  Of course our sources differ so YMMV.
 

 

[estreeter]

Quote:

From what I've seen, Robert doesn't exactly take criticism well.

Or 'deadlines' for amp delivery 
 

 

[Armaegis]

Rumour has it some people are still waiting on their Xin Supermicro...

 

[estreeter]

We can hardly blame Robert for THAT, or am I missing something here ? Is 'Dr Xin' not actually a Doctor with the surname 'Xin' ? Man, you put your trust in these internet etailers ......