[yukihiro]

You can't just use the DAC portion. You'd have to go through the headphone out and use it like a preamp.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukihiro /img/forum/go_quote.gif You can't just use the DAC portion. You'd have to go through the headphone out and use it like a preamp.

Yes, I know. I'm just wondering if the DAC goes through a different route compared to the amp section to the headphone out.

Heh, still in the air about my question being answered.

 

[boomy3555]

Logically the DAC is routed directly to the amp. It cannot have it's own path to the headphone out.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomy3555 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Logically the DAC is routed directly to the amp. It cannot have it's own path to the headphone out.

Cheers, I think I'll just first play it with the supplied tubes, and then swap them out with the better ones to see if there's a difference.

 

[thechungster]

Just wondering since I'm new to amps and stuff, how would you go about connecting from a computer (Via USB), to a seperate DAC then to the HifiMan EF2?

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechungster /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just wondering since I'm new to amps and stuff, how would you go about connecting from a computer (Via USB), to a seperate DAC then to the HifiMan EF2?

Computer => USB cable => DAC => RCA cable (or whatever works) => EF2

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule /img/forum/go_quote.gif Computer => USB cable => DAC => RCA cable (or whatever works) => EF2

Correct, the external dac cables would be connected to the rca inputs on the back of the HF2. You would then use the selector switch. However you may wish to first explore the sound of the EF2's internal dac. You may find it is quite satisfactory.

 

[koven]

Yeah, give the EF2's DAC a chance before moving to a separate DAC solution. I thought it sounded pretty good until I tried feeding it w/ the Pico, it made me realize how mediocre the EF2's DAC is.

 

[wired00]

Hi Larry thanks for another great review

I'm tight on budget (wife constraints) and keen to upgrade my amp for HD650's. What would you recommend out of these valve amps:

- EF2
- Darkvoice 336SE - ($246US)
- Little Dott MkIII - ($199)
- LIttle Dott MkII - ($159)

Have you (or anyone else here) tried any of these amps along with the EF2?

I only have a ibasso D2 atm

Cheers for any help

 

[koven]

^ All of those choices have great synergy with the HD650. I've asked HeadphoneAddict the same question when deciding to buy the EF2... but he said he has not heard any Little Dot or Darkvoice amps.

BTW, just FYI, Skylab is selling a 336 w/ upgraded tubes in the for sale section.

And also want to add that I had a D2 Boa before the EF2... the improvement a night and day difference and got me hooked on the tube sound.

 

[wired00]

Quote:

Originally Posted by koven /img/forum/go_quote.gif ^ All of those choices have great synergy with the HD650. I've asked HeadphoneAddict the same question when deciding to buy the EF2... but he said he has not heard any Little Dot or Darkvoice amps. BTW, just FYI, Skylab is selling a 336 w/ upgraded tubes in the for sale section. And also want to add that I had a D2 Boa before the EF2... the improvement a night and day difference and got me hooked on the tube sound.

Great cheers for that info

I'll have a look at the unit skylab is selling... my problem is im in Sydney so shipping from US is generally pricey O.o I think from China its ~ $50

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Quote:

Originally Posted by koven /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, give the EF2's DAC a chance before moving to a separate DAC solution. I thought it sounded pretty good until I tried feeding it w/ the Pico, it made me realize how mediocre the EF2's DAC is.

Yeah, what bothers me is that I think I essentially bought another Little Dot I+, but with a DAC in it as well. I forgot why I chose this over the E-MU 0404 USB...

 

[roker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, what bothers me is that I think I essentially bought another Little Dot I+, but with a DAC in it as well. I forgot why I chose this over the E-MU 0404 USB...

I almost got the Little Dot I+

care to enlighten us on the differences between the two?

btw, you'd be the first to answer that million dollar question

 

[Carter54]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wired00 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi Larry thanks for another great review I'm tight on budget (wife constraints) and keen to upgrade my amp for HD650's. What would you recommend out of these valve amps: - EF2 - Darkvoice 336SE - ($246US) - Little Dott MkIII - ($199) - LIttle Dott MkII - ($159) Have you (or anyone else here) tried any of these amps along with the EF2? I only have a ibasso D2 atm Cheers for any help

I am currently considering the same list for my HD600's. I only hav ethe Zero ATM.

 

[koven]

Quote:

Originally Posted by roker /img/forum/go_quote.gif I almost got the Little Dot I+ care to enlighten us on the differences between the two? btw, you'd be the first to answer that million dollar question

i recently picked up a MKIII for fun, havent had much time to listen to it though... will try to do some listening this weekend and compare(from memory) w/ the ef2