Smaller and more powerful desktop DAC/headphone amplifiers have been a trend for the past few years in the headphone space with Topping, Schiit Audio, and FiiO cornering the market with a wide range of options that can drive IEMs and the most demanding dynamic and planar magnetic headphones.
HiFiMAN has also been rather focused on this category offering solutions that can properly drive its range of planar magnetic headphones.
EF499 & EF500
Ergonomics and size are very important for users who may not have a lot of desk space but wish to maximize the performance of their headphones; the new HiFiMAN EF499 and EF500 ($299 and $459, respectively) DAC Headphone Amplifiers appear to offer quite a lot of performance for the money.
The EF500 and EF499 feature industrial designs that are not only aesthetically appealing, but also serve as headphone stands, reducing desktop clutter. Included are fully balanced input/output connections, a Coaxial/NET+USB function switch, an independent power supply, and a thermal optimized tower case.
Both headphone amps are the exact same size and offer the same front and rear inputs. They differ by their exterior finish and internal DAC.
The EF500 desktop DAC/amplifier features HIFIMAN’s Hymalaya LE ladder DAC, consisting of an array of highly accurate resistors that use a “ladder” method of conversion. This approach converts the digital signal with the goal of providing the lowest possible levels of distortion, along with improved levels of energy consumption.
A highlight of the EF500 is HIFIMAN’s Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, which is designed to provide superior sonic performance to the more commonplace PCM1704k module. The Hymalaya LE, with the added support of a new algorithm and 0.01% precision resistors, reaches a THD (total harmonic distortion) rate of 0.0025% (-8dB), with distortion reduced to a previously unheard of low with no audible distractions.
The EF499 offers similar benefits as the EF500, but with the familiar Philips R2R DAC architecture known for its naturally warm, full range sonics and the company’s signature sonic tuning.
Comparison
| EF499 | EF500 | |
| MSRP | $299 | $459 |
| DAC | Philips R2R DAC | HIFIMAN Hymalaya LE R2R DAC |
| THD+N (Line out) | 0.008% (0dB) | 0.0025%(-8dB) |
| Channel Separation | 95±3dB | 131±3dB |
| SNR (A Weighted) | 99dB | 117dB |
| Max Power Output | 4.35 WPC@32Ω balanced | 4.5 WPC@32Ω balanced |
| 1.28 WPC@32Ω unbalanced | 1.32 WPC@32Ω unbalanced | |
| Outputs | 6.35mm Single-ended | 6.35mm Single-ended |
| XLR 4-Pin Balanced | XLR 4-Pin Balanced | |
| RCA Single-ended | RCA Single-ended | |
| Inputs | Coaxial, USB-B, and USB-C | Coaxial, USB-B, and USB-C |
| Operation | Coaxial/Net+USB Function Switch | Coaxial/Net+USB Function Switch |
| Volume Control | Volume Control | |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 58 x 229 x 150 mm | 58 x 229 x 150 mm |
| Weight | 3.3 kg | 3.37 kg |
“The success of our reference desktop DAC/amplifiers is proof that music lovers are hungry to invest in gear that has a demonstrably positive effect on the listening experience,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “With our new models, we are able to extend the benefits of these products to moderately priced models that put the sonic attributes of our sonic signature within reach of more headphone fans than ever before.”
Price & Availability
Both the EF499 and EF500 will be available in February 2024 from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and the company’s online store.
- EF499 – $299 at HiFiMAN’s Store
- EF500 – $459 at HiFiMAN’s Store
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