REVIEW: Head-direct.com HiFiMan EF2 tube Hybrid Amp with USB DAC - Page 23

How's a DacMagic + EF2 combo sounds? Do you think it'll be a good combo?

Almost any stand alone DAC will be on par if not better than the EF2's onboard. Pretty much all of the external dac builders will start with a DAC similar in quality and cost to the EF'2 DAC. The onboard is respectable, but so far many people have expressed a preferrence to an external dac into the RCA's of the EF-2. and truthfuly, I use it mostly right from the headphone out of my netbook. ( I disaggree with most who say headphone out on laptop sucks.)

I'd rather have a direct line-out

that's the biggest issue I have.

even a simple 100 dollar DAC could serve that purpose.

What about Travagans Green? Which one is better choice EF2 or Green?

And also has anyone got an idea about YULONG Crystal DA?
Welcome to Audiophilechina

EF2 is Tubes so an A/B isn't likely.. Both the Travagans Green and the Yulong look like great DAC/Amp combos but if you want the "Taste of Tubes" the EF-2 is a good place to start

I only want to get best performance for that amount of money.. I looked into Green but it doesnt seem to be enough powerful..

Only EF2 and Yulong are in the race now..

Check Out LittleDot Amps as well. Any of the Tube/SS hybrids such as EF2 and LD I+, should have plenty of power for your 80 ohm Beyers. But the Yulong may be a better choice if you decide to go with higher ohm cans such as Senn (300 ohm) or even the higher resistance 250 ohm Beyers.

What about K701 or other low impedance but power demanding headphones?

The AKGs have specific power consumption requirements. Especially the 701's. The 702's i had didn't seem to be particularly hungry cans. But the 701 really needs a jump start to get going.

Thanks for answers..

Still got a lot of time getting an HD650 or K701. First I am thinking about getting a Grado or Goldring or HD555 and EF2 is enough for them I think.

I am pulling the trigger for an EF2!

Go For it !! It's a great starter tube amp and you can always use it as a preamp followed by another Solid State amp when you get higher impedance cans and need more power.

I've ordered it. I will worry about high impedance cans, when I got one.

Thanks again

Cheers Hasan and enjoy your new toy!

Thanks Miguel

Hey guys, I'm looking into getting this, maybe. Right now I'm using SR-225i's, and these will be my first amp and dac. I'm also thinking of maybe getting a gamma1 and a little dot I+ maybe. Which do you guys think will be better? I'll probably be using it through college, I'm a senior now, if I can resist the upgrade bug.