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REVIEW: Head-Direct EF1 Desktop Tube Hybrid Amp (not EF-1) - Page 3

post #31 of 59
11/8/08 at 7:11pm
mr.khali, I have both the Novo and the EF1. To me their presentation is quite different and depending on the cans you have and sound you are after would dictate the amp to get.

For example, w/ the JVC/Victor HP-DX1000 there is no doubt the Novo is the better of the two units. Heck, I prefer the Novo to my Singlepower w/ the DX1000. Other cans, well ... you would have to test them.

I will say that w/ the EF1 you can taylor the sound by the 12AU7 you use. Also the EF1 has been updated, now it uses a socket for the op-amp which allows the user to roll op-amps and further taylor the sound. So w/ all this tweaks it will provide you w/ many options to get the sound you want.

I know what I would do, but ...
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post #32 of 59
11/9/08 at 2:43am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mr.khali View Post
Hey Larry,

I am about to purchase a desktop amp and I believe you are best qualified to help me with my concern but of course anyone else's opinion would be appreciated. I currently use the Apogee Duet which your review helped convince me to get and I am very happy I did. Now, do you feel the EF1 or Novo will give me as noticeable of a difference upgrading from the Duet's headphone out(really similar to Apogee Mini Dac) as moving from the Corda Move to Duet did or should I save a bit more to get something with more juice?
Both are an upgrade, but they are both different from each other. The EF1 is a bigger change from the Duet headphone out (I think) than the NOVO at first - but as you get used to the NOVO to you start to appreciate the fresh sweet clean sound over and above what the Apogee already gives. The NOVO still has some tonality that reminds me of the Dark Voice 336i with Tung Sol 5998 rear tube and Jan CRC RCA 5692 in the front, but neither is especially tubey. The EF1 is a little warmer and lusher and richer, moving in a different direction from the Duet headphone out or NOVO, more into the kingdom "Tubedom" - but retaining good detail and also good power with low impedance headphones as well as high.

You really have to hear them to appreciate the differences. And, their synergies may be different with different headphones and different music genre.
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post #33 of 59
11/9/08 at 9:29am
Thanks for the advice gentlemen. I will just have to start trying amps out and selling the loser. My wallet just screamed "What you talkin' about Willis!"
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post #34 of 59
11/9/08 at 2:01pm
Larry, I have been informed by Graham of a mod to improve on the clarity and extension of the Beta Novo. It is very easy to implement, the hardest part being the opening of the amp! Will implement it and will let you know the results.

mr.khali, buy both!
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post #35 of 59
11/10/08 at 3:16pm
I think first on my list will be the VHP-2 from CIA (it has always intrigued me) and then most likely the Novo/EF-1 for comparison. Leaning towards the Novo because it has an output loop.
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post #36 of 59
3/7/09 at 8:07am
How much does tube cost to replace and what is the lifetime of them? Always wanted to try some tube amps but then I am afraid it would be to warm... I don´t really find myself needing even more warmth then with my PRO 900/Heed Canamp combo. However for AKG 701 I would want all the warmth the world could bring to it.

This seems to be a nice newbie tube amp though with just one tube to replace and not to different from solid state amps especially if it´s true that tube amps in general don´t do well with low impedance headphones. Do head-direct ship internationally or is there any shop in europe that sells them?
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post #37 of 59
3/7/09 at 1:35pm
Tubes are pretty cheap. Anywhere from $15 to $50. Tubes will last a year or two. There are many tube options. You should check out this thread
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/tub...on-ef1-408635/.

I believe head-direct does ship internationally. I dont believe the stock tube that fang uses now is considered too warm. I would recommend a mullard tube for the 701s it is one of my favorites with the 701.
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post #38 of 59
3/7/09 at 2:04pm
thanks. I ordered one and yes you could order internationally .
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post #39 of 59
5/13/09 at 4:21pm
Sorry to bring up an old thread but are you guys getting these amps directly from "Head-Direct" and is the Perspex top easily removed. Sorry for the stupid questions but that amp is just screaming out for a nice polished brass top plate mod....
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post #40 of 59
5/13/09 at 4:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrew3199 View Post
Sorry to bring up an old thread but are you guys getting these amps directly from "Head-Direct" and is the Perspex top easily removed. Sorry for the stupid questions but that amp is just screaming out for a nice polished brass top plate mod....
Head-direct is the place to order them. Top plate can be easily removed.
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post #41 of 59
5/13/09 at 5:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by peanuthead View Post
Head-direct is the place to order them. Top plate can be easily removed.
Ahh! So they are just screws or bolts?
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post #42 of 59
5/13/09 at 5:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrew3199 View Post
Ahh! So they are just screws or bolts?
Simple screws.
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post #43 of 59
5/13/09 at 5:12pm
I should be getting these in sometime this week, bought it mainly for my K701's. Looking forward to playing around with Tube rolling and finally being able to appreciate a decent fullsize (well, transportable) amp.

Need to buy these mullard tubes soon too! Do I just find these on ebay or someone else?
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post #44 of 59
5/13/09 at 5:26pm
in my experiences i have found the hybrids respond better to "warmer" and "syrupy" tubes like the mullards....the germans are to be avoided
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post #45 of 59
5/13/09 at 6:27pm
Well, what do you know? I come home from work, and on my desk is the EF-1!

Had my first go with the Sylvania tube and man... these definitely take the K701 to the next level. Great extension on both ends and good soundstage. Although they do seem a tad sibliant... is it just the SQ of the tube itself or the general amp? Haven't tried the RCA yet but I find Sylvania to be good for now.

Time to look up some Mullards.
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