REVIEW: Head-direct.com HiFiMan EF2 tube Hybrid Amp with USB DAC - Page 82

huzzah!

Hi everyone. I recently bought this little amp and really love it. Now I want to use it as a DAC for my speakers. Is there any chance I can bypass the amp section and use it as a DAC only??

Quote:

Originally Posted by dal9033 

Hi everyone. I recently bought this little amp and really love it. Now I want to use it as a DAC for my speakers. Is there any chance I can bypass the amp section and use it as a DAC only??

Nope.

So I found out that one of my stock tubes were broken and now I am running my Hifiman without tubes. I felt the stock tubes were too strong on the highs and want a more warmer sound. What tubes do you guys recommend me in getting? Or should I just save some money and run it without tubes? It actually sounds fine when I set my volume knob to max.

Quote:

Originally Posted by magicalbanana 

So I found out that one of my stock tubes were broken and now I am running my Hifiman without tubes. I felt the stock tubes were too strong on the highs and want a more warmer sound. What tubes do you guys recommend me in getting? Or should I just save some money and run it without tubes? It actually sounds fine when I set my volume knob to max.

Tubes aren't that expensive.  It's like running a turbo car without a turbo.  You can, buy why? 
 

I really like the Mullard 4010/8100 tubes in the EF2A. Warm, but not muddy. And not exotic or too spendy.

I'm quite curious about the tube sound, and am considering getting the EF2A.

But I already have a Fiio e9+e10... so I'm wondering if getting another budget amp/DAC is worth the money.

I mean, the e9+e10 drive my HD 600, SR225i, ATH M50, and DT 770 Pro80's pretty well.

Will the EF2A do anything for me? Switching back and forth between the 2 amps, is there a significantly noticeable difference?

Thanks.

edit: Might the Little Dot MK II introduce me to the tube sound just the same, but at half the cost?

Ok thanks. I'll check out the Mullards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bee inthe Attic 

I'm quite curious about the tube sound, and am considering getting the EF2A.

 

But I already have a Fiio e9+e10... so I'm wondering if getting another budget amp/DAC is worth the money.

I mean, the e9+e10 drive my HD 600, SR225i, ATH M50, and DT 770 Pro80's pretty well.

Will the EF2A do anything for me? Switching back and forth between the 2 amps, is there a significantly noticeable difference?

 

 

Thanks.

 

edit: Might the Little Dot MK II introduce me to the tube sound just the same, but at half the cost?

I might be wrong, but I believe that the LD MKII is just a tube amp, while the EF2A is a hybrid solidstate/tube amp with an integrated DAC.  I'd think that the Little Dot might a better choice for that classic "tube sound."  Can't say all that much since I've never heard a Little Dot amp, but they seem to be well regarded all things considered. 

I agree with MegaMushroom, If I were in your situation, I'd probably use the E10 as your dac and output to a dedicated tube amp (and likely not a hybrid unless I only had low impedance headphones). 

Want to see how others find the pairing of the EF2A and headphones I own... Very concerned about channel imbalance as well.

1. D2000 - I don't find the mids to be too recessed, it is not as forward as say the HD580, but it isn't too bad. Highs are about borderline too bright. 
2. MS1000 - Mod from the Alessandro ms1. Requires a lot more volume to sound equally loud, as drivers are very far away from my ears.
3. HD580 - 
4. DT1350
5. ATH-EW9 - This one has some quite sibilant highs

anyone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryPham 

anyone?

 

I'd recommend reading through the thread.  There are many mentions of tubes and their effects on the sound.  You should be able to find the bulk of your answers in the last 10-15 pages.  Ebay seems to be the most reliable source from what I've seen.  

Hi guys,

I want to multiply the inputs of the EF2 so that i can plug my DAC and CD player at the same time. But how? Any ideas?