I read about the new Leckerton, isn't 18dB extra gain overkill for portable use?

I mean I switched from my Clip + to a iRiver H10 (Rockboxed!) because the iRiver sounded more pleasant and a more powerful headphone out was needed. 10dB is more than enough in most situation or am I missing something?

I have a lot of questions about the leckerton too... i think it sounds like my stepdance, just a feeling...

Uh no....


Ask Marv if you don't believe me.  He heard both when I had both though it was the Stepdance one, not 2.  I know they use the same opamps now but there's more too it I'm sure.  I started raving about the opa209 in the UHA6 mk1 then Jan switched to it in the new Stepdance and Nick makes it the default opamp.  All coincidence.   

Uh no....


Ask Marv if you don't believe me.  He heard both when I had both though it was the Stepdance one, not 2.  I know they use the same opamps now but there's more too it I'm sure.  I started raving about the opa209 in the UHA6 mk1 then Jan switched to it in the new Stepdance and Nick makes it the default opamp.  All coincidence.   

Yeah, I don't have the 2stepdance which has got the op amp you mentioned and I have read the leckerton thread which you say the 627 for more 'tubey' sound too.

I didn't know why I had that feeling that they sound similar.   So the leckerton is better than the stepdance?

So the leckerton is better than the stepdance?

I can't say due to people's varying preferences and gear.  For my tastes I hear more information and get less fatigue from the Leckerton w/ a 209 than the Stepdance or O2.  All I can say w/o pointing to measures which the O2 should win on but doesn't based on listening for me.  Can't find much data on Jan's stuff though I'd be more inclined to support his work than RS based on listening.  The RX3/L3 are beasts on another level w/ different hits and misses.