Got my EAR+HD today. Just WOW! A major upgrade from the EF-1 I was using previously. My HF-2 really shines with this amp. My HD650 is better with the EAR than with any other amp I have used, but the 650 still seems dull and lifeless compared to the HF-2. Not planning on rolling tubes, and...

Total entries: 61 None at all: 1 none (1) Entry Level: 28 Audio-GD Compass (1) Audiotailor Jade (3) Aune DAC/amp (1) AV123 x-head (1) C & C XO (1) Darkvoice THA332 (1) Gilmore Lite (1) Headamp Pico(1) Head Direct EF1 (3) Head Direct EF2 (1) Heed CanAmp (1) Hotaudio RM-1 (1)...

Total entries: 56 None at all: 1 none (1) Entry Level: 27 Audio-GD Compass (1) Audiotailor Jade (2) Aune DAC/amp (1) AV123 x-head (1) C & C XO (1) Darkvoice THA332 (1) Gilmore Lite (1) Head Direct EF1 (3) Head Direct EF2 (1) Hotaudio RM-1 (1) HotAudio Thunderbolt II (1) iBasso...

Highly recommended. Do a Google search on it for reviews. Replaced by the SA8003, but the 8001 is better. You might find a new or refurbished one left over, otherwise one comes up every now and then at Audiogon for about $600.

I've seen at least a couple other threads on the 238s that have good info. You might want to check them out. I purchased a refurbished pair through Amazon for 1/2 of what the local BB wanted. Paid about $45 and they looked brand new to me and work great. Highly recommend that route if you buy...

I got a pair refurbished for about $55 shipped and they came in like new condition. The headphones turn so they ship flat. And they sound great. I'd be more worried that with some systems the bass can really be bloated with the 238s. One of my projects today is to finish tweaking the...

Cool to go back to the late 50s and early 60s, but not at the prices approaching $300 I saw on Amazon.com for the gold series. Might be cheaper to restore gramp's deuce coupe.

And makes sense with the low-impedance load of the HF2s. I'll research the WA6SE further, particularly with regard to synergy with the SA8001. Thanks, Trees

Situation: Current setup -- Marantz SA8001>EF1>HF2 or HD650. Will be purchasing HD800 in the future. Listen to everything from Tool to Norah Jones and Eva Cassidy; but not rap. Like sound of SA8001>EF1>HF2 with RCA cleartop; HD650 seems dull with this setup, no better than the HPOut of the...

Got a project due that's not done. So need to work. Sorry for the late notice. Later, Trees

I have the HD595, IAUDIO7 (16G), and several amps, including the EF-1 often recommended for low I phones. I find the HD595 sounds great from the IAUDIO7; great synergy, and little improvement from going to the higher-priced amps. On the other hand, the HD600 and 650, to my ears, sound like cr@p...

OK. Thanks for the response. I'm in. I'll bring up my portable workout unit (HD595 and IAUDIO7 with some FLAC files; yup, looks goofy during a run or in the weight room but good synergy and sounds better to me then IEMs), an EF1 with the RCA cleartop, stock hd650s, and my Cambridge Audio 640C...

I'll probably drive up from Salem, but my equipment is pretty common: EF1, HD595, HD650, IAUDIO7. Worth hauling some of it up? Also, have ordered the HF-2s and will be upgrading to HD800s and a new amp. Would it be appropriate to put "For Sale" stickers on a few items? Don't want to offend...

Sherwood & others, shoot me a pm to if you spot an excellent k1000 (and proper amplification too). Not having much luck and am interested in trying the k1000 with my SACD and DVD-A collection. Thanks all, Trees

What I'm getting out of these most helpful comments is that this is going to be a journey rather than a destination (not a just buy it and be done with the hassle). Thats OK, I'm a patient person. And the EF1>HD650 is not much better to my ears than the EF1>HD595. So the path for the next year+...

Thanks all for your feedback. Will research amplification for the K1000s before making a decision. After the research though, it seems like there are no wrong choices here, just priorities to rank, costs and benefits to weigh and decisions to make. Thanks again, Trees

Thanks UE. The K1000s certainly look cool. I'll reseach powering them with my NAD (sounds almost erotic). I kind of knew that I'd probably end up upgrading the amplification too. Saw that Head-fi had flea market forums, and am an audiogon and paypal member so marketing the HD650s and EF1...

JH13 not what I had in mind. Learned something though. And thanks, Trees

Great comments. Will look into the amp for the K1000. Thought that if the EF1 would power the HD650, it would power the HD800 and K1000 OK and the HF-2 with ease. Guess not!

$1,000 for used with a few dings seems like a lot for a used headphone, but seems like it is worth it from the reviews. Seems like a lot of AV stuff that is really good goes out of production of is screwed with: SA8001, K1000, Sony SXRD. . . And thanks for the feedback.

Looking for a different and better sound than I'm getting from my HD650s (which I like fine, but would prefer something brighter). I could sell the 650s and buy the HD800s or used AKG K1000s or keep the 650s and buy the HF-2s. Good choices, but I'm not able to audition any of the candidates...

My experience has been that the SA8001 headphone out drives the HD650s OK, but not great. It is about the same at driving the HD650s as the NAD T773 and other receivers that are supposed to have good HP outs. However, even the moderately priced EF-1 HP amp is a major improvement over the...

Thanks M, Have not read anything about the Oritek, but will check it out. Trees

Thanks OBE, I listed my preferences in reverse order (with the Stello being my first choice), maybe hoping that someone would talk me into a cheaper alternative, but you confirm my thoughts that the Stello best meets my needs. And thanks for the link. The free shipping is a +. Oh, and...

Based on the great info on these forums I am currently running: CA 640C (V1) CDP > EF-1 > Stock HD650s Am looking to upgrade the source if a worthwhile improvement can be made for $1,000 U.S. or less. Searched the forums but not able to make a decision. Alternatives thinking about...