REVIEW: Head-direct.com HiFiMan EF2 tube Hybrid Amp with USB DAC

[Cluny]

I need a dac/amp for my grado 225 with a Supreme FX II (something like that) soundcard as source.
im thinking of buying the EF2 or the Ibasso d10. With one do you guys recommend?
I don't really care about size and price as long as its not over 300$

/Cluny

 

[Crazy*Carl]

I dont see how you could use the EF2 DAC with a sound card (which is a DAC). If you used your Supreme FX II, then you would only be using the AMP on the EF2.

 

[Cluny]

True, is the soundcard better then the dac?
Anyways.. I also use a macbook from time to time.

 

[JaxM]

Hey all,

I didn't go through the entire thread so forgive me if this is a double post, but it looks like the EF-2 is $169 as part of a Christmas sale on head-direct!

 

[mmd8x28]

I wonder why it's called EF2A..

I wonder if Fang replaced the PSU from the undergauged wires I found from their supplier of PSU's..

 

[Crazy*Carl]

Headphone jack looks a little different.

 

[mmd8x28]

Indeed it does, looks like it's missing the bolt that normally screws on to hold it to the front panel.

 

[DayoftheGreek]

So how much of an upgrade would this be from a D2 Boa? I'm currently using SR80's. I'm worried about making more of a sidestep than a step forward, but this looks really good. I like the fact that it is a hybrid amp too.

I also heard this was socketed, does that mean you could use the HDAM units in it? Would I want to?

Quote:

Assuming the EF2 is fully burned-in, yes, it is better than the D2 Boa, no question - while the D2 Boa isn't bad it just isn't as enjoyable as the EF2.

Oops, found 1 answer on the 4th page!

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DayoftheGreek /img/forum/go_quote.gif So how much of an upgrade would this be from a D2 Boa? I'm currently using SR80's. I'm worried about making more of a sidestep than a step forward, but this looks really good. I like the fact that it is a hybrid amp too. I also heard this was socketed, does that mean you could use the HDAM units in it? Would I want to? Oops, found 1 answer on the 4th page!

I feel the EF2 is a step up from the D2 Boa as an amp. The DAC is not as detailed and spacious, but the amp is noticeably more balanced, refined and powerful in the EF2 vs the D2 Boa. The EF2 with a better DAC like the Nuforce uDAC will give you the extra detail if you feel it's lacking.

 

[burgunder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DayoftheGreek /img/forum/go_quote.gif I also heard this was socketed, does that mean you could use the HDAM units in it? Would I want to? !

What is the purpose of the opamp in the EF2? I think it would be cool to try a HDAM or perhaps the Fetishizator if that is suited for the job.

 

[mmd8x28]

Pull the tubes, and listen. There's your opamps.

 

[crowley]

I'm sold, I'm getting one of these for the holidays

 

[migs008]

I seem to be experiencing a little problem with mine. It makes slight background noises that ruins my experience a little after like a few minutes. Each time I turn it on and off again it dissapears then reappears. This sucks and I just got my Denon D7000 playing on it. Anyone know how to fix this?

 

[mrarroyo]

migs008 I would turn it off wait a couple of minutes and check to see if the tubes are properly seated. I would then check all my connections. Make sure that if you are using a PC you set the priority as high for the software you are using to play your music files with. Lastly let the unit burn-in for a 36-48 hours, I have found that some new amps have "noise" that disappears after being used for a while. Good luck.

 

[boomy3555]

Clicking, hiss then clicking again? If laptop, try turning off the wireless conection.