probably because of ES signature. But sharpening is not only auditable factor of SNR, imaging/sound stage also i think. How does R2R compare to tube amplifier from your experience ? from this comparison i prefer R2R. hmm

Imo, based on specs, only ef500 is worth to consider. Ef499 has dac performance of poor Realtek motherboard alc887, if you have it just test. Instead i ve ordered topping dx3 pro plus and smsl dl200 for the price of ef499

so its true, pairing ef400 with ananda nano is a bad idea. ef400 looks like ef500.

I've read a Polish audiophile's review (https://kropka.audio/test/sluchawki/hifiman-ananda-nano-recenzja/) where they recommend the Ananda Stealth Magnet over the Ananda Nano when paired with a high-end HiFiMAN DAC/amp. The reviewer cited excessive brightness and sharp imaging with the EF400...

which one of them will be the best for Ananda Nano? i will get it tomorrow and cant wait to test :) I have also Sennheiser HD800, but topping dx7 pro is too bright and low soundstage generating, i want to sell it and get something better for me. Mainly used for gaming/videos and music.