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HEAD-DIRECT EF-5 Headphone amplifier
Dec 20, 2009 at 1:55 AM Post #136 of 298
Quote:

Originally Posted by jinp6301 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
The ef-5 is much better then most amplifiers at driving the he-5, but it all depends on your amplifer and its ability to handle heavy loads.


I find the HE5 has excellent control over the EF5, better than the current amps (as configured, have not rolled tubes in them) and it has plenty of power for my listening habits. Currently I have the gain set at low and I do not go past 9 o'clock. The amp and the HE5 have about 120 hours of burn in, so I hope to have better impressions tomorrow and next weekend.
 
Dec 20, 2009 at 9:31 PM Post #138 of 298
Quote:

Originally Posted by Silenced /img/forum/go_quote.gif
So does the EF5 trump the CTH? Larry?


Don't think Larry has a CTH to compare the EF-5 against.
Would be curious to know though.
The CTH could be configured to drive orthos better by shoring the output resistors giving an extremely low output impedance. Orthos relish a low output impedance amplifier in my limited experience.

The CTH does have the advantage of a discrete output buffer as compared to an opamp buffer on the EF-5.

The gain of course is determined by the tube you are running on the CTH unlike the EF-5 which reportedly has a gain switch.
 
Dec 21, 2009 at 5:19 AM Post #140 of 298
Quote:

Originally Posted by Silenced /img/forum/go_quote.gif
So does the EF5 trump the CTH? Larry?


Quote:

Originally Posted by sachu /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Don't think Larry has a CTH to compare the EF-5 against.
Would be curious to know though.
The CTH could be configured to drive orthos better by shoring the output resistors giving an extremely low output impedance. Orthos relish a low output impedance amplifier in my limited experience.

The CTH does have the advantage of a discrete output buffer as compared to an opamp buffer on the EF-5.

The gain of course is determined by the tube you are running on the CTH unlike the EF-5 which reportedly has a gain switch.


Yeah, don't have one to compare.

From what I recall, the EF1 with stock tubes was as detailed but not as warm as the CTH when I compared them. And the EF1's sound warmed up with a Mullard tube, but then it wasn't as detailed as the CTH once the RCA cleartop was out. In contrast, the EF5 sounds both warm and detailed at the same time with the stock tube, but I don't have a CTH to compare to. So, it might compare better to the CTH but I can't say. Maybe wiatrob and I will get to compare the two someday.
 
Dec 21, 2009 at 6:20 AM Post #141 of 298
I am testing a returned EF5 but it works perfect. The customer declared that "THIS UNIT ARRIVED TODAY AFTER OVER THREE WEEKS AND DOES NOT WORK“ . Actually the customer did not switch voltage selection from 220v to 110v on the back panel.

There is a voltage selection switch on the back panel for 110v/220v selection. We set it as 220v default. If your power voltage is 110v, please switch to 110v after you received the amp.
 
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Dec 21, 2009 at 3:16 PM Post #142 of 298
Quote:

Originally Posted by Silenced /img/forum/go_quote.gif
So does the EF5 trump the CTH? Larry?


I'd propose that as this thread is entitled "HEAD-DIRECT EF-5" that a separate one be started if comparisons become the subject.

We all know there a lot variables (music, cans, source, etc.), differing tastes and even moods around. Heck I pulled out my old SOHA intending to test it before selling & wound up keeping it, it's sound is nostalgic for me. I've also always enjoyed listening to Head-Direct's offerings @ meets.
 
Dec 23, 2009 at 1:22 AM Post #143 of 298
Anyone else's EF-5 disappear after leaving China? Mine left China last Thursday, a day behind the replacement earpads Fang sent me which arrived Saturday, and the tracking hasn't updated since then to tell me it's in customs.
 
Dec 23, 2009 at 4:47 AM Post #144 of 298
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jodet /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Head-Direct is in New York (or is it New Jersy?). Anyway, I ordered one of these and didn't know 'in-stock' meant 'in Hong Kong'. I've been waiting two weeks and all they can tell me is 'it's on the way to the U.S.'.

The tracking page was updated this morning to show my unit JUST LEFT THE 'SORTING CENTER IN CHINA' TODAY. TWO WEEKS THEIR SHIPPER SITS ON THIS THING? What on earth is going on here????


PLease be patient, the EF 5 is made in China, maybe most orders are initially shipped from China via HONGKONG, then to the destination. for is is too heavy, so, the shipping way will be slow one. which will waiting enough goods for a batch for delivery I think ( hold on the delivery center)
 
Dec 23, 2009 at 6:34 PM Post #145 of 298
Can anybody comment on the performance of this thing w/ the GS1000?
 
Dec 23, 2009 at 9:38 PM Post #146 of 298
^ +1
 
Dec 23, 2009 at 10:12 PM Post #148 of 298
Quote:

Originally Posted by sachu /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Don't think Larry has a CTH to compare the EF-5 against.
Would be curious to know though.
The CTH could be configured to drive orthos better by shoring the output resistors giving an extremely low output impedance. Orthos relish a low output impedance amplifier in my limited experience.

The CTH does have the advantage of a discrete output buffer as compared to an opamp buffer on the EF-5.

The gain of course is determined by the tube you are running on the CTH unlike the EF-5 which reportedly has a gain switch.


can you explain the advantage of these buffers?
 
Jan 8, 2010 at 12:48 PM Post #149 of 298
Hey fellow EF5 users,

I am using this amp with the HE-5's and it has truly breathed new life into my whole collection of music! My question is, do you guys usually use low or high gain? Since I am using high gain now, but low gain sounds more open, or else I am just hearing things.... Just want your guys opinion on which gain sounds best... Cheers,
 
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