bump If anyone can recommend a headphone brand/model with compatible pads, that would help me search. Thanks!

I have some Mr. Speakers Alpha Dog headphones I use at work. I also have a bald head. The ear pads are comfortable, but the stitching leaves lines in my head. That's a bit embarrassing when attending a meeting. :) Are there any ear pads without stitches I could use with the Alpha Dogs? I'm...

Username:  PennySpent   Sennheiser HD 650 - There are currently 765 others waiting for this one too! 

Quote: Originally Posted by ChiComm4 Okay, I got mine. I'm liking the sound out of the amp, but the DAC is presenting some constant background noise/hiss (grain?). Does this go away with burn-in? It only has 20 minutes on it. I have not noticed any background noise from mine...

Quote: Originally Posted by roker Macbook> USB > Keces 151 DAC > RCA cables > EF2 > Grado Macbook > USB > Keces 151 DAC > RCA cables > NHT M-00 OK, that helps a lot. Now I understand why you thought the power supply could be the cause. I think some of us were under the...

Quote: Originally Posted by roker negative I did nothing more than simply the DAC from the speakers and then I route the DAC directly to the EF2. No change in settings, no USB getting unplugged, etc. I'm still a little confused about your powered speaker setup and the DAC...

Quote: Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict I think he's trying to drive a set of powered speakers out of the headphone jack of the EF2 and he isn't getting enough output level to drive them. Oh, I thought he only brought up the powered speakers to show that another DAC device...

Quote: Originally Posted by roker I have a Mac and I've been using a speaker/DAC combo for the last 5 months. Simply unplugging the DAC from my speakers then plugging it into my EF2 shouldn't change a thing with the way it's setup. Going with the EF2's internal DAC is even worse as it's...

Quote: Originally Posted by mplee79 Hello. Read your wonderful review about the EF2 and am itching to purchase one. I had a few questions prior to hitting the order button: 1. Does the unit come with all cables like power adapter, USB line for my laptop 2. Any idea if the internal...

Quote: Originally Posted by mrarroyo Here are pics of the tubes I received. <images snipped> Hey, neat! I just received those exact same tubes. I'm still breaking in the stock setup, but I couldn't resist the urge to pick up some vintage tubes. I also picked up some black...

Quote: Originally Posted by roker Quote: Originally Posted by FullTwisting I really like the volume control knob. The detents are very fine and feel great. They do not lock you into too-loud or too-quiet. I think that'd annoy me too much. I'd like my knob to be...

Quote: Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict As for ventilation - I am not experiencing extreme heat output and wasn't sure I needed to make any changes in that area, probably wont. I have not found it to be hot either. I've run it for 6 hours straight (at low-ish volume) and it...

Mine arrived yesterday. It took exactly 4.5 days to get here from the time I received confirmation of my order. Rather amazing considering it came from the other side of the planet! The EF2 has definitely improved the sound of my Grado SR80i headphones on my crummy old work PC. I had been...

I could resist no longer. Payment has been sent. Awwwwww yeah. I'm going to take my time and read more on tubes before I go buy some. I should have plenty of time while burning in and trying out the stock tubes.

Quote: Originally Posted by Skylab Yeah, I gave Larry a good deal - those Raytheons tend to go for $40-60/pair. But you can get NOS Sylvania military 6AK5's for $5-10 each, and NOS Western Electric military issue for $15 each on eBay easily - just search 6AK5. Yeah, I thought...

Quote: Originally Posted by Skylab Yes, the Raytheon tubes Larry got from me are military tubes. Thanks for the update Skylab. The military grade NOS/tested/matched tubes I found on eBay are about twice the cost of regular tubes. If you have more for that price, I'd be interested...

Quote: Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict 1) I don't recall if the tubes are military designated or not. Can't read them while they are in the amp, and they came two to a single box with no print. I think I paid $25 for the tubes. 2) I would say that the White's DAC is on par with...

I've done a little bit of reading on the LittleDot I+ tube rolling thread, and now I'm getting more excited about the possibility of getting my first tube amp! A few questions for you HeadphoneAddict, if you have a moment: 1) I'm curious about the Raytheon 6AK5 replacement tubes you...

OK, I know I said I would prefer a solid state amp, but the recent review of the HiFiMan EF2 by HeadphoneAddict has me rethinking that. So many choices... I'd still love to hear any personal experiences with the White, and now the EF2 as well.

Thanks for the great reviews HeadphoneAddict. Your reviews both help and hinder my search at the same time! Just when I think I've narrowed down my choices, you open them back up again. I had originally eliminated tube amps from my work rig search (old PC with Grado SR80i), but now I'm...

Quote: Originally Posted by moodyrn ... As for as the volume knob goes, I can confirm that there is no channel imbalance with the compass. Some and myself included have noticed a slight scratching or static sound turning the knob when no music is playing. It stops when you stop turning...

Quote: Originally Posted by az2123 Upgrade your headphones instead. You'll see a greater improvement over amping. Unless you plan on upgrading your headphones down the line. Then it doesn't really matter which you do first. Well, I know these headphones are capable of more. I...

I'm in situation very similar to yours. I'm currently debating between the Audio-gd Compass and the Travagans White. I'm still open to suggestions though, so I'll keep an eye on your thread too. You may want to post what kind of headphones you are using. That seems to help guide suggestions.

Thanks for the replies. I kinda thought there would be a few recommendations for the Compass. I read both epic threads and came so close to ordering one a few times (I missed the original offer). Then I came across the Travagans reviews and it made me pause. BTW, I have a question...

Hello all, I'm looking for opinions on DAC/amp combo units. About a month ago, I picked up some Grado SR80i headphones to use at work. I was lucky enough to sample the headphones at a local audio store (very happy with the dealer btw!). I've been using them on my cheapo PC at work and, as...