REVIEW: Head-direct.com HiFiMan EF2 tube Hybrid Amp with USB DAC - Page 14

I too agree w/ Larry and the ability of the EF2 to pair nicely w/ Denon's D2000/D5000. As far as value I think the EF2 has it even if now you do not need the USB DAC.

Agreed, I would gladly buy this again w/o the DAC. It's a nice feature but I don't use it anymore, the amp is where it shines!

Larry, any chance u can tell us how the EF2 compares to the little dot I+?

Is this ok to do with new EF2?

Hi guys, I have a new (1 wk) EF2, which I love to pieces! Well, of course, being new I did my homework and now have a few questions on how to break it in.

I am leaving it run via the usb into my new Shure 840s, which I am breaking in at the same time. So, my question is, can I leave this on overnight playing pink noise or music? Or, is that too long at a time-10 hrs or so.

How long should I let them rest in between?

Also, since I am using the usb, that also means that the DAC is being broken in as well, right?

BTW, this combo sounds better all the time! I am so happy with my purchases. Being a n00b, I have this site and all those who contribute to thank for that, so, "THANKS"!

Matt

Hey Matt, I have a very similar setup as you... EF2 -> SRH840 Although mine is being fed by a Pico DAC.

I leave my on 24/7 to burn-in... I love how when the SRH840 is not folded, the cups touch/clamp together. This way there's no noise coming out/distracting me when they're burning in.

Im also interested in knowing this

Maybe I should still snag one of these for a little variation to my B22. So cheap why not? Will I still enjoy it or do you think Ive been spoiled HPA?

Sweet! Yeah, I really like how the phones clamp together also. I can have it burnin' in right in the bedroom without a peep!

Yeah, I would love to get a pico as well. I have been looking at those and the D10 as well. It's just so much money, ugh!

When you have got them properly burned in, will you please do a comparison with the pico DAC and the built in DAC with the EF2? I know there will be a difference, but I am wondering how much of a dif.

How long are you letting yours burn in? Are you listening at different intervals? I listen to mine during the day, and when I'm not, I have them burnin' in on alternating music and pink noise at a moderate level.

From everything that I have read on here, 100 hrs is a good starting point for burnin' in. Although, I have to admit, I really like the sound already, at about 60? or so hours. I will have to look at the calendar. Time flies when you're having fun, huh?

Take care,
Matt

Thanks Larry, I have not tried the LA7000 so I could not comment.

the difference between the pico dac and built in dac was pretty noticeable to me.. it sounds so much better now that im feeding the ef2 w/ the pico.. i think the transparency greatly increased.. there's so much clarity/detail now.. seems like it lifted a veil on my hd580's.. bass is tighter too.. im really loving the pico + ef2 combo right now

mine stays on 24/7..just at low/moderate levels when im not listening.. the pico is also feeding my powered speakers at the same time, it noticeably improved the sound of those as well.. again, mainly the bass/transparency

Oh man, you're killin' me! Well, I guess that just seals the deal for me. I will definitely have to save up for a DAC. I may go with the ibasso D10, or the Pico.

I suppose it will depend partly on the deal I can get, and the feedback that I get from people who own both. From what I've read on here, it seems that people are happy with both. They are different, but both are good in their own way.

Have you listened to both? If so, how would you compare the two? One of my considerations will also be price. I am not against spending more, but I don't want to spend a lot more for something very similar, or with just a slight edge when compared side by side.

Thanks for helping me out!

I'm a huge Denon Fan and I've had the EF-1 and now have the EF-2, I have heard the stock 2K's,5K's,7K's, and Larry's Modded 2K's, and loaner LA7K's, and they all have such an incredible synergy with the EF Hybrids. All of the richness and flavor of the Tubes with the Solid State power to back it up.
For the budget minded, The EF line is an incredible bargain. and a perfect first step into the world of tube rolling.

Thanks everyone for the useful information about this amps working well with Denons. I've read through this thread a couple of times now, but I don't recall if anyone has described the sound out of this amp as having the characteristic warm sound-signature of tubes. Or is it more similar to the sound one might get out of a solid state amp? (I'm new to tubes so I have nothing to base this question on other than reviews of other amps).