I received mine today. It is definitely brighter then the Anakin RotS, though the leds are a bit visible (using Duracell Ultra M3, the best I could find). Better batteries would probably solve that, but I just can't seem to find any Energizer E2 Titaniums or Duracell Ultra M3 for Digital Devices. It's not that bad anyway. Also, the black spot in the middle is indeed not that visible.
The sound loud and crisp, better than the Anakin. It is really hard to get clash sounds, but extremely easy to get swing sounds. Something I hope will change after breaking in the saber.
Though the hilt is very light, it seems quite sturdy and makes it much easier to swing around.
I also noted something strange: apparently there's some sort of white ring inserted where the blade connects to the hilt. I can't really see this on any of the pictures, so it might be new.
Maybe some sort of shock absorber? I'll try to get a clear picture.
The Anakin looks more realistic and expensive, the Luke seems like a better dueling saber.