[RC99]

I enjoyed this insightful review.

Skylab, do you think any useful generalizations about SQ can be made about hybrid vs. tube amps in headphone use? Or is it all down to individual design?

I'm investigating the hybrid route for my Grado RS2s and Denon D5ks, but am loathe to give up tube sound. Is this really a best-of-both-worlds approach for low-impedance cans or is something usually sacrificed?

 

[iozz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif I did make comments about the EF1 vs the KICAS in my review above

Yeah, hope you'll be able to compare it to the Caliente

 

[Skylab]

I hope so too. I loaned my Caliente to another head-fier who has now disappeared, with my Caliente in his possession

 

[Mazuki]

Quote:

We can not agree with you. TOTALLY DIFFERENT DESIGN. We believe EF1 are better.

I'm sure it is better than a DIY version, but you use the same input tube, similar opamp output stage.

 

[Nankai]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mazuki /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm sure it is better than a DIY version, but you use the same input tube, similar opamp output stage.

During 15 month R&D period, the design was changed several times. The original design is totally different, using different tube, opamp and power. We chose 12AU7 finially only because it is a very popular tube and sound not bad. In addition, let me tell you a secret: There are several Opamps in EF1, not only OP275 on the top.

Actually before you mention SOHA amp, we never heard about it. After reading its website, we are very sure that they are absolutely different. We will publish an introduction about EF1's design sometime.

 

[jinp6301]

Im glad Fang got this out into the market. $400 is a steal for an amplifier of this caliber!

 

[Mazuki]

Quote:

Actually before you mention SOHA amp, we never heard about it. After reading its website, we are very sure that they are absolutely different. We will publish an introduction about EF1's design sometime.

That would be great. Maybe you could even display a simplified schematic of just the amp section.

 

[jengeeskhan]

Thanks Skylab.... nice review
how does EF-1 go with W5000, could you recommend a tube to be used with EF-1
which has better synergy with W5000 between x-can v8 and EF-1

 

[Skylab]

I wish I could say, but I do not own a W5000. But the EF-1 is pretty neutral - shouldn't be an issue.

 

[mr.khali]

Seems this amp is getting a lot of praise. Skylab, did you ever get a chance to hear Channel Islands VHP2? I am wondering how it compares to this and the KICAS.

 

[Skylab]

I'm sorry to say I have not heard the CIA, but I would like to someday. I have owned other Dusty Vawter products before and liked them.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Review Link:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...id-amp-375903/

 

[kostalex]

Skylab,

how did you like EF1 with Darths?

 

[Skylab]

Actually I think the Darths sound excellent with the EF1. This is a very good combo.

 

[-=Germania=-]

The EF1 is an impressive amp in size and price. If you don't have time or skills to do a DIY, this is a fantastic option! Plus, a great intro to tube rolling. Powered my 600ohm headphones and my 32ohm headphones very well.