REVIEW: Head-direct.com HiFiMan EF2 tube Hybrid Amp with USB DAC - Page 16

Yeah that's what I plan to do - buy this amp and use my soundcard line-out to bypass internal DAC in the EF2. I'm just wondering if it's normal to process the sound by so much things? In my case it would be triple op-amp used in this soundcard and then the tubes (which are here for amplification reasons but they do colour the sound in some way too obviously).
I originally thought that high-end DACs do as bare D/A converting as possible. Like without any additional triple-or-whatever-amps.

Question for you guys

I'm listening to it with a pair of Grado 125s and I can turn the volume all the way up to it's fullest when I use the internal DAC and almost all the way up when I use it with my Keces. Is it normal for the volume knob to be turned up this high?

That doesn't sound right... I can barely go past the 9 o'clock position on my Grados. Any more than that and I feel like it's blasting in my ears. Maybe the volume on your music program is turned down?

no, it's up all the way

I use the same exact setup for my speakers

edit: Mine's been parked at the 5 o'clock position since I got it. Figures I'd be the one to get a defective unit. It still sounds nice, it just seems like it should be louder.

edit 2: Tried it with a pair of 555s and both of my IEMs with the same result . . .

edit 3: I've been having bad luck with audio lately (see DacMagic)

that's weird.. there's no way i can get up to full volume with either the DAC or amp..

12 o'clock is where im usually at... ~2 is the absolute max for me

I shot them an email. I'm on a bad luck streak. I'm going to exchange it. I'm in love with the form factor and it doesn't sound that bad, it's unfortunate that I can't get it to a louder volume.

yeah, that definitely doesnt sound right.. it should drive your grado's easily.. go for the exchange

headphoneaddict, as far as amp upgrades (tube), at what price point do you think i'd see a noticeable improvement vs the ef2? or what tube amp do you feel is a good value step up from the ef2?

Still wondering if I would be good to go with such configuration (see above) Anyone?

Any thoughts on how the EF2 might pair with my AudioTechnica ATH-A900 cans?

awesome

freakin' awesome

I'm shipping it to a NY location, no reason to send this baby back to China. I'm getting a replacement. I guess I'll post here same time next week.

I got a chance to listen to this wonderful little amp for a few days. I found that for the price, it's a REALLY good value. The top end is slightly rounded as expected from the tube design but not fuzzy or veiled. Bass is nice and solid. Soundstage is acceptable but not wide/large. However, instruments have their own place in the soundstage with good separation from each other.

Overall, if you're looking for an amp in the $200 range, this little amp is hard to beat! Thanks again to Miguel for an opportunity to test this amp out!