HiFlight
Headphoneus Supremus
Today I received my EF1 from Head-Direct. I had first heard the amp at CanJam2008, and was quite impressed with the prototype.
The amp is a hybrid that utilizes a single 12AU7 tube.
Although I have only accumulated about 3 hours listening time, I did try most of my phones and a variety of different genres of music.
The amp sounded superb with everything I threw at it, even with a brand new tube and virgin componentry.
Soundstage is very large and realistic, bass is deep and tight, and highs smooth and detailed. Tonal accuracy of individual instruments is outstanding, even with very large orchestral recordings. Background is dead silent with no input.
The power supply provided with the EF1 is a hefty regulated source that outputs 18vac. There should never be a lack of current to provide all the headroom one could ever need.
The clear acrylic cover allows one to see the innards, which give all appearances of a superb circuit layout. There is plenty of heatsink to dissipate the heat generated by the tube circuitry.
My only disappointment was that the opamp was soldered to the circuit board, rather than being socketed. I will probably at some point install a socket so as to be able to match opamp with tube.
I look forward to hearing how this amp matures with additional burn-in. I will post further impressions and comparisons with some of my other amps after I have enough time accumulated to feel that the amp has reached its maximum potential
Fang is to be commended for continuing to provide such fine equipment at prices WAY below their performance level.
The amp is a hybrid that utilizes a single 12AU7 tube.
Although I have only accumulated about 3 hours listening time, I did try most of my phones and a variety of different genres of music.
The amp sounded superb with everything I threw at it, even with a brand new tube and virgin componentry.
Soundstage is very large and realistic, bass is deep and tight, and highs smooth and detailed. Tonal accuracy of individual instruments is outstanding, even with very large orchestral recordings. Background is dead silent with no input.
The power supply provided with the EF1 is a hefty regulated source that outputs 18vac. There should never be a lack of current to provide all the headroom one could ever need.
The clear acrylic cover allows one to see the innards, which give all appearances of a superb circuit layout. There is plenty of heatsink to dissipate the heat generated by the tube circuitry.
My only disappointment was that the opamp was soldered to the circuit board, rather than being socketed. I will probably at some point install a socket so as to be able to match opamp with tube.
I look forward to hearing how this amp matures with additional burn-in. I will post further impressions and comparisons with some of my other amps after I have enough time accumulated to feel that the amp has reached its maximum potential
Fang is to be commended for continuing to provide such fine equipment at prices WAY below their performance level.