REVIEW: Head-direct.com HiFiMan EF2 tube Hybrid Amp with USB DAC - Page 78

Hey, thanks for the quick reply liamstrain,

When you say that setup is hell of a lot fun, what do you mean by that? (Will I notice a big difference using the EF2 instead of just plugging in to the Mac?)

Why use a separate amp - would the EF2 amp be good enough?

Lastly, are you familiar with the Fiio e10? I am wondering if a new product/technology will be better, especially for half the cost.

I'm going to get either the EF2 or e10, and am hoping someone can steer me in the right direction.

Thanks again!

I really enjoy listening to the Grado 225i via the EF2A - It feels like it brought out (and controlled bettter) more bass to the cans than they had, and feels like the presentation is just that much faster, and more immersive - especially with Jazz. I enjoy listening more, than I do just through the MacBook Pro's headphone out. I don't know if I could say that there is a truly quantifiable thing I can put my finger on that makes it better - it just is. My music sounds better, and I enjoy listening more. 

Will you notice a big difference? I don't know... but I did.

I am not familiar with teh FiiO amps, to speak to them with any authority. I like their LOD cable... *shrug*

i'm leaning toward the EF2 now... nice.

any tubes you could recommend for our setup?

I'm still playing with the stock tubes. But I have a set of Mullard M8100 on the way, and I'm looking forward to trying them. They have a reputation for warming up the sound - which would be nice in the 702s (which can feel a bit clinical at times). 

much appreciated, liamstrain!

any other advice or suggestions are welcome, if other people out there care to chime in.

---also wondering if the EF2 can be used with already powered desktop speakers, or is it just for headphones?

I suppose it *could* - it only has the one Headphone output though... with the quality of most powered desktop speakers (pro-monitors aside) I probably wouldn't bother. 

The Raytheon 6ak5w tubes have been highly recommended for this dac/amp, but the stock tubes aren't all that bad.  I'm not sure if you are aware, but HiFiMAN did release an updated EF2A which is supposed to be better.  Not sure what has changed, but I think that it is hidden somewhere in this thread. 

Just got in the Mullard 8100's. Even without burning them in any, I am liking the sound. Maybe more roundness in the lower mids, and smoother highs - especially through the AKG 702s. 

No really good way to do a true ABX between these and the stock tubes - but I'm happy, and that's all I'm going to worry about for now. ;)

Just got my EF2A today and am awaiting some Raytheon 6ak5 tubes (factory matched). Even with the stock tubes, it sounds very good with my HD580s. And it can play loud too! My volume pot is somewhere between the 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock position with the Senns.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78finn 

Just bought a HiFiMan EF2 only to find out that it is not x64 bit compatible!!!!? So will not run on either win 7 or vista x64! Bugger...it's only good fir the 32bit systems. You can still use the RCA, but not the USB. Anyone else found this!?
Also there is now a EF2a version? Anyone own one? What's the difference? Bet it's dac is 64bit compatible right!? Would be just my luck!

The EF2A works fine with 64 bit windows 7 (that's what I'm using right now)

...some more help/advice needed please.

wondering if I should get the EF2 to pair with my Macbook Pro and Grado 225's & ATH M30's

OR

if the same money is better spent on a new pair of headphone, like the ATH M50's

Still no info on the EF2A's output impedance?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reticuli2 

Still no info on the EF2A's output impedance?

From the head-direct site:

Input Impedence: 47k
Output Impedence: 32-300 Ohm
Output at 32 Ohm: 3 v, 320 mw
Output at 150 Ohm: 6.2 v, 256

Were you looking for other information?