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HE-5 and EF5 amplifier combo

post #1 of 28
12/9/09 at 6:22pm
Thread Starter 
Several head-fiers talked about sibilance or crackling sound in their system. We want to clearify here: We recommend our customers use HE-5 from a powerful solidstate or hybrid headphone amp. Or you might have some problems such as lack of bass or crackling sound. We strongly recommend HE-5 and EF5 combo because you will not have to worry about your amp setup any more. EF5/HE-5 setup will not only make HE-5 sound right, but also will get HE-5's most potential. Most headphone amps, no matter how expensive it is, might not be as good as EF5 when driving HE-5, because EF5 can easily get 2w max output in low impedence.

For example weeks ago we have a customer reported sibilance/crackling sound/lack of bass problem on his Phonitor headphone amp. I suggested him to buy a EF5 amp. He got EF5 a week after, and his conclusion is that HE-5 and EF-5 are "matched made in heaven".

In addition, we do not recommend any receivers or power amplifiers to drive HE-5.

head-direct: The Web Store of HiFiMAN
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post #2 of 28
12/9/09 at 10:46pm
Nice looking combo Fang, I am very excited and hoping to receive mine next week or so.
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post #3 of 28
12/9/09 at 10:51pm
I'm not surprised that this is happening. the he-5s need an amp that is capable of ouputting a lot of power at very low impdence loads and from my experience many amps cannot do it.
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post #4 of 28
12/10/09 at 12:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nankai View Post
In addition, we do not recommend any receivers or power amplifiers to drive HE-5.
Hi Fang, is there any particular reason why? It is well known that the orthodynamic headphones in general respond well to higher powered amplifiers and many of the drivers are rated at 10W or more. Is there something unique about the way you have designed the HE5 ( not fishing for trade secrets, just curious ) to make it less compatible with such amplification.

I know I haven't said this directly to you before but thank you for re-inventing this technology along with your competitors, I am very happy to see these headphones on the market.

..dB
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post #5 of 28
12/10/09 at 12:36am
deleted
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post #6 of 28
12/24/09 at 7:35pm
Have one on the way...
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post #7 of 28
12/25/09 at 2:59pm
Here is mine during burn-in (250 hours).

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post #8 of 28
12/26/09 at 12:06am
Nice set up Mrarroyo!

What kind of stand is that? My Woos are too short to support the HE-5s.
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post #9 of 28
12/26/09 at 1:37pm
Landis, that is a paper towel stand/holder made by Umbria I purchased at Ace Hardware.
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post #10 of 28
12/28/09 at 2:48pm
Anything for those who purchased the HE-5 before the EF-5 was available?
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post #11 of 28
12/28/09 at 7:26pm
Is a Little Dot I+ capable of driving these?
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post #12 of 28
12/29/09 at 12:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aynjell View Post
Is a Little Dot I+ capable of driving these?
I highly doubt you'd get anything like ideal results. These are not headphones to cheap out on with source and amp.
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post #13 of 28
1/5/10 at 2:24pm
Would appreciate if anyone can share their results with tube-rolling ... thanks and happy new ear(s)
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post #14 of 28
1/6/10 at 3:26am
How often do the tubes have to be replaced and how much do they cost?

I like the idea of an amp especially made for the HE-5 but I've been happy tube-free with my solid state Opera so far... (With other headphones. I don't have the HE-5 yet but they're on their way!)
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post #15 of 28
1/6/10 at 3:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by saisunil View Post
Would appreciate if anyone can share their results with tube-rolling ... thanks and happy new ear(s)
I have over 25 tubes I could use on the EF5 but so far I have not felt the need to do so. I am very happy w/ the stock sound.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zoide View Post
How often do the tubes have to be replaced and how much do they cost?

I like the idea of an amp especially made for the HE-5 but I've been happy tube-free with my solid state Opera so far... (With other headphones. I don't have the HE-5 yet but they're on their way!)
The tube should be good for a good 5,000+ hours. The 12AU7 and its variants are plentiful and you should not have any problems finding suitable replacements in the $10 to $25, maybe less at Ham Radio Meets.

The EF5 makes my Denon D2000 w/ MarkL mods & Bubinga Cups and Sennheiser HD580 sound superb.
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