REVIEW: Head-direct.com HiFiMan EF2 tube Hybrid Amp with USB DAC - Page 51

Really glad I found this huge thread!

Quick question, I'm thinking about getting this amp, and I'm wondering if this 'plan' I have come up with will work. Basically as of now I listen to music on my desktop, my source being an HT Omega Claro+ sound card, to this amp, to (recabled and modded) Denon D2000s. However next year, I will be without my desktop and with my Macbook. But for now, can I hook the amp up with the RCA inputs, bypassing the DAC because I want to output through my sound card. In the future when I only have my Macbook, I can use the USB connection, thus making use of the DAC.

So basically, is what I just said going to work? Also, which method will have better sound quality? I don't know much about DACs, digital output and all that stuff, but I am pretty sure using the USB connection from my desktop will just skip my sound card completely, but does that make the output digital? Hopefully if what I believe is correct, this amp will be the answer to exactly what I was looking for.

Though I have never heard the Claro, I think it has a better DAC than the EF2, which is a Burr-Brown Japan PCM2702 DAC. This may leave you desiring something next year when you switch to the EF2s DAC. However, the EF2 is very versatile and will do everything you want it to.

How is the DAC compared to letsay, a Creative Platinum (same as the xtreme music I think) sound card?

Since the uDAC is given so much praise, is it worthwhile to get it over the sound card? Also, is there another DAC around the $200 range that is bigger than the uDAC? Preferably around the same size as the EF2? These are just some things I'm picky about but really doesn't make or break anything.

I ordered the EF2 and it should be here soon... Cant wait as this is my first dedicated Amp. Hope it can work well with a HD595 or ATH-A900 and perhaps a K702 that I'm considering....

I've had my EF2 for about a month now with around 75-100 hrs on it so far. It has really smoothed out over the last couple weeks. The bass has also gotten noticably tighter and now sits on an even keel with the other frequencies. My SR80s are still a bit harsh on some recordings, but much less than before this amp. I can't say the soundstage is as spacious as I'd like, but there is definitely more space there than when it was new. This is my first tube amp, and I'm constantly amazed at the dynamics of this amp. In a few months I may opt for either better cans, NOS tubes or an upgraded DAC (or a combo of the 3).

All in all, I'm totally amazed at what I got for less than $200. Thanks for your review HeadphoneAddict! Thanks for all of you keeping the discussion going. I probably wouldn't have pulled the trigger on this purchase w/o so much info.

Currently listening: The Roy Haynes Trio (Haynes, Perez, Patitucci)

I am considering a purchase of this amp, but have some questions.

As you can see in my sig, I am pretty well set for portable. I feel I have a pretty good home setup also. I am looking to build a better PC system and utilize portions of my portable gear to build a desktop system. Below are the two basic configs I would be using.

PC --> 08 Headroom Micro DAC --> ? Amp --> Grado HF-1/RS-2
PC --> 08 Headroom Micro DAC --> Creative Cambridge Soundworks Speakers (Next item to upgrade)

I use my PC mainly for gaming with headphones, mostly because it is subpar to my other systems, but is an important part. As I upgrade this system, that may balance out.

• How would the EF2 compare to a Millet Hybrid MAX?

• Would the EF2 handling gaming needs?

I don't want to have to rely on batteries.

I am looking at using my Micro DAC instead of the D10 since it has power supply. I don't have to worry about ruining the D10 battery or charging. I believe that it is also a better DAC using optical (the only way I have ever compared). I have seen numerous times that you like the D10 (using USB)with the EF2.

• Any thoughts on how the EF2 DAC would compare to the Micro DAC?

• Do you think it matters which input method (Optical/Coax/USB) is used the DAC?

Some other questions that I have been unable to find answers to.

• How does the EF2 compare to the EF5?

• How does the EF2 compare to the DarkVoice 336 and 3322) ?

• What is the next logical step up from a EF2?

For gaming, I dont think an EF2 is necessary. I use it for gaming, and it works fine, but I have an EF2 for music. Everything else is secondary. Personally I don't really think sound matters much for a game andI believe is 333 dollars itself, and prolly completely superior to the EF2's DAC, which has a pretty generic DAC chip (I believe it can be purchases by itself for under $15). It sounds like a logical upgrade for you would be a headroom micro amp.

If you really want to use your pc for gaming and not music, look at the creative x-fi lineup.

Thanks HeadphoneAddict!
When you say "Millett mini max", I presume that would be the same as a "Millett Hybrid MiniMax". There is a chance that I will be able to get on with many of the top end parts (from what I can tell). A bit more expensive ($100)then a EF2. You mentioned that would be "Nice". Would you mind expanding on that (about the same, little better, step up, etc.)?

Crazy*Carl
I understand that this may be overkill for gaming, but I am interested in building a quality music rig with my PC. I am tired of dealing with Sound Cards and drivers. I want plug and play consistancy. If the gaming side can benifit from this to, great. It seems to me that the EF2 or equivalent would be a better sound and purchase since a Micro amp is over $300.


Ultimalty, I am looking to spend as little as possible (like we all aren't). but get a desktop system that is just as good or better than a Micro DAC/SR71 combination. It seemed to me, based on information in this thread, that the EF2 might be that piece I was missing. Or maybe the Millet I mentioned above.

Now I am thinking maybe the EF5 should be my target.

So confused

A question about tubes..Would ordering this variety offer an increase in SQ? It says they are in the 6ak5 class. Thanks.

6AK5 / EF95 / 5654

It's impossible to say - because there is no information about WHAT 6AK5 variety you'd be getting: "Assorted brands in stock" says very little.

These would be a better choice:

SLEEVE OF FIVE 5654 / 6AK5W / 6096/ CV4010 TUBES - eBay (item 150258060327 end time Feb-01-10 15:07:10 PST)

I can vouch for that seller - I have bought a fair number of tubes from him, and all were excellent. Those are the British Military CV4010 tubes, and I use them in my EF2 - they sound great.

Personally, I dont think you will benefit with gaming exclusively on an EF2. Its not that its overkill, its just hi-fi audio and gaming usually use different equipment from what I have read. If your gona be doing some music listening on your compuer (which I don't see why you wouldn't, 21 century!) the ef2 is a good choice.