LZ-A4 Impressions and Discussion Thread

[Lohb]

  Anyone have any idea when the expected release date is? 
 
Looking forward to the return of A2-style traditional aesthetic. Kudos to the LZ-A3 for being experimental, but it honestly looked uncomfortable and somewhat ridiculous to wear.  

Never found them uncomfortable,actually found that shape makes them more stable in the ear than small barrels, color not for everyone but they just released new A3S in black, black/silver.

 

[bhazard]

A4 reached me today. I currently have the gold ones in, which have great bass (a little loose though), slightly recessed mids from some bass mixing in, and a nice top end. Definitely better than the a2, but still along the same signature lines which I liked.
 
I can also take measurements with the different filters, although that could be a pain.
 
It becomes cumbersome trying to dial it in with the filters. I've dropped the back plates and filters while swapping them 3 times within the last ten minutes... ok 4 times, and almost lost a gold filter. Aggravating. I would personally ditch every filter and backplate except for the gold ones, as they are the only ones that have synergy for me.
 
Increase the soundstage a bit and aim for the $100-120 price segment with all the tunings (some people like it, but i think they are excessive and annoying), or go for the endgame with something at $200-250 that can drop jaws. The SW3 and QT5 (after EQ) have this beat in many areas. $99 with the golds only becomes a value purchase.

 

[MuZo2]

So you all guys trying to be polite?

 

[FUYU]

So you all guys trying to be polite?

What do you mean?

 

[Kevang]

So you all guys trying to be polite?

It's still a very early prototype.
No point going balls to the walls with criticism if the product isn't even finished yet. Might as well keep the feedback constructive for LZ at this point, so improvements can be made.

 

[bhazard]

It's still a very early prototype.
No point going balls to the walls with criticism if the product isn't even finished yet. Might as well keep the feedback constructive for LZ at this point, so improvements can be made.

Criticism = constructive feedback
 
I like it, but I wouldn't buy it in its current form, especially over $99. Since I love the LZ brand, that is something that needs to be taken into consideration by LZ for the final product.

 

[Kevang]

Criticism = constructive feedback

I like it, but I wouldn't buy it in its current form, especially over $99. Since I love the LZ brand, that is something that needs to be taken into consideration by LZ for the final product.

Not all criticism falls into the boundaries of useful, productive feedback.
I was responding and disagreeing to MuZo2's insinuation that the impressions in this thread are overly "polite," and that some level of causticity is necessary for a product that hasn't even been released in its final form yet. If I misjudged then I apologize.

I am willing to be patient with LZ.The fact that they are more open in the development of the a4 than they were with the a3 speak volumes. SQ can only improve as development goes on.

 

[RedJohn456]

This is why I don't agree with posting public impressions of beta products, because it can tarnish the reputation of a product especially if its rectified before release. Much like with various tours and beta stuff I have worked on, we should have had a PRIVATE group to post impressions where we can speak freely without worry. 

 

[MuZo2]

What do you mean?

Reading jant & bhazards impressions, I felt they were trying to convey something but stopped short of saying it in public.
I understand its in prototype phase & agree with redjohn. But this thread days lz-a4 impressions.

 

[FUYU]

Reading jant & bhazards impressions, I felt they were trying to convey something but stopped short of saying it in public.
I understand its in prototype phase & agree with redjohn. But this thread days lz-a4 impressions.

Yeah, I got that already. Still weird.

 

[originalsnuffy]

The early comments about this having a V-shaped sound have me put off a bit. Is that the starting/base sound or related to use of the filters?
 
What I am hoping for is a cost reduced FLC8S alternative.  So far those are my personal gold standard and my likely next purchase unless something like this proves out well.
 
For reference; I really like my A2 pair.  I am very happy with the efficiency and overall sound especially the bass extension.  The primary issue I would have is that the upper range is not as smooth as something like the FLC8S or the Pinnacle MEE.  So that is a general idea of what I would look for in the A4.

 

[FUYU]

The early comments about this having a V-shaped sound have me put off a bit. Is that the starting/base sound or related to use of the filters?

What I am hoping for is a cost reduced FLC8S alternative.  So far those are my personal gold standard and my likely next purchase unless something like this proves out well.

For reference; I really like my A2 pair.  I am very happy with the efficiency and overall sound especially the bass extension.  The primary issue I would have is that the upper range is not as smooth as something like the FLC8S or the Pinnacle MEE.  So that is a general idea of what I would look for in the A4.

Yes, some filter combinations can make the A4 sound rather V-Shaped. However you can tame the treble to the point of having it sound muted and rolled-off.
To be honest, many of the filters need a overhaul.

 

[jant71]

Quote:

Reading jant & bhazards impressions, I felt they were trying to convey something but stopped short of saying it in public.
I understand its in prototype phase & agree with redjohn. But this thread days lz-a4 impressions.

 
Yes, we passed on feedback to LZ and I was told that improvements are gonna be worked on based on the testers feedback so nothing we can really say since it won't be the finished product and would both confuse things and be somewhat unfair to that finished product. A good thing like Bob does sending Brooko, etc. models to test out and then there is a whole new filter system or other changes afterwards which is good for other eyes to judge and give suggestions. So my review went only to them and I pretty much gave a general look at the design and sound here. Never hurts to get us involved in process but can't put reviews up of a product that isn't done yet. Surprised there were pics posted and a bit of discussion but you can't be put off if it needs some work at this point since all earphones do during development but we don't see or aren't involved in most of them. Good to let know they are coming and basically what they are gonna be but can't take them as real impressions yet.  

 

[originalsnuffy]

Well, if anybody can give the FLC a run for their money I would guess LZ has a shot.  I love the FLC8S; I just think it would be nice to have another unit in that category.

 

[robervaul]

Wow, the A4's BA is HUGE.