Discover the EF500 and EF499: Elevate Your Audio Experience

Hifiman have released 2 very affordable DAC/Desktop Headphone Amplifiers – The EF499 and the EF500, retailing at $299 and $459 respectively. These are very good value in comparision to some other similar products in the market. You would agree that most people into high end audio could certainly afford these.

I am going to primarily cover the EF500 for this review and summarise the main differences with the EF499 at the end of the review to help you to decide which you prefer.

The EF500 is a true masterpiece in the realm of DAC and headphone amplifiers, designed to surpass expectations and redefine your listening experience.

EF500 Features at a Glance

• HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC: Advanced DAC technology for pristine sound quality.
• 4.5 Watt Balanced Output: Powerful output to drive demanding headphones.
• THD+N of 0.0025% (-85dB): Ultra-low distortion for clean audio.
• 131dB Channel Separation: Breathtaking stereo imaging.
• 116dB SNR (A Weighted): Crystal-clear sound against a silent background.
• Network Connector: Seamless streaming from NAS drives or online services.
• Multi-Function Button: Enhanced control at your fingertips.
• Vertical Design: Space-saving 2-in-1 headphone stand and amplifier.
• USB Driver Support: Broad device compatibility with advanced USB capabilities.
• Award-Winning Design: Recipient of the 2022 VGP Gold Technology Award.

Cutting-Edge DAC Technology

At the heart of the EF500 lies the revolutionary HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC. This isn’t just any DAC; it’s a technological marvel that outperforms the renowned PCM1704K. With ultra-low distortion levels, it delivers incredibly pure, lifelike sound. Your music has never sounded this pristine. The R2R architecture is known for its precise signal processing, offering a naturally warm and full sound range. Whether you’re listening to classical symphonies or modern electronic music, the EF500 ensures every note is rendered with extraordinary clarity and detail.

Imagine listening to Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and feeling like you’re right there in the studio, hearing every electronic beat and guitar riff in exquisite detail. The HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC employs a resistor ladder configuration that reduces digital noise and enhances the signal purity. This meticulous design choice translates into an immersive listening experience, where the subtleties of each track are faithfully reproduced. The natural warmth and emotional depth of the sound bring your favorite tracks to life, allowing you to feel every nuance as if you were in the presence of the artists themselves. Audiophiles will appreciate the nuanced performance that brings out the best in high-resolution audio formats, making the EF500 an essential component in any premium audio setup.

Award-Winning Excellence

The EF500 proudly wears the 2022 VGP Gold Technology Award from Japan, recognized by experts and audiophiles alike. This accolade is a testament to its superior performance and cutting-edge innovation, setting it apart in the crowded field of audio equipment. The VGP (Visual Grand Prix) award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the audio industry, highlighting products that excel in both design and functionality. Winning this award underscores the EF500’s commitment to delivering unparalleled audio quality and user satisfaction.

Receiving this award is like David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” going platinum – it’s a clear signal that the EF500 is in a league of its own. The EF500’s recognition at the VGP 2022 ceremony is not just a testament to its technological advancements but also its appeal to discerning users. This award assures users of the EF500’s exceptional build quality, advanced features, and superior sound reproduction capabilities. It’s an acknowledgment that this device sets new standards in the audio industry, offering a perfect blend of aesthetic design and technical brilliance.

The EF499 design has a black gloss from and a very attractive copper and black style which I personally prefer over the EF500 from a design perspective.

Power to Drive Any Headphone

With an impressive 4.5 W balanced output, the EF500 can effortlessly drive even the most demanding headphones, ensuring rich, powerful soundscapes. Feel the full impact of your music, whether you’re using low-impedance or high-impedance headphones. This level of output power ensures that the EF500 can handle a wide variety of headphones, from efficient in-ear monitors to power-hungry over-ear models.

Remember when Jimi Hendrix hits those electrifying guitar solos in “All Along the Watchtower”? The EF500’s high output power also means it can reproduce dynamic swings in music with ease. Whether you’re enjoying the subtle nuances of a jazz recording or the powerful crescendos of a symphony orchestra, the EF500 delivers with authority and precision. The balanced output ensures that there is minimal interference and maximum signal integrity, providing a clean and immersive listening experience. The sound is not only powerful but also emotionally engaging, capturing the essence of each performance and bringing the artist’s intent to life.

The EF499 has a slighlty lower power output of 4.35W but from my experience it did not seem to impact the drivablity of the power hungry headphones.

Impeccable Technical Specifications

• Ultra-Low THD+N: Achieving a Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) of just 0.0025% (-85dB), the EF500 guarantees a listening experience free from unwanted noise and distortion. This low level of distortion ensures that the audio output is faithful to the source material, with no added coloration or artifacts.

• Stellar Channel Separation: With a channel separation of 131dB, the EF500 delivers breathtaking stereo imaging. Every instrument and note is precisely positioned, making your music feel more alive. This high level of channel separation ensures that the left and right channels remain distinct, providing a wide and accurate soundstage.
• High Signal to Noise Ratio: Boasting a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of 116dB (A Weighted), the EF500 ensures your audio remains crystal clear, with every detail shining through against a backdrop of silence. This high SNR means that even the quietest passages in your music are reproduced with clarity, free from background noise or hiss.

Unmatched Connectivity and Versatility

• Network Connector for Streaming: Seamlessly integrate your EF500 with NAS drives or streaming services via its network connector. Access your entire music library or stream your favorite tunes with unparalleled ease. This feature allows you to connect the EF500 directly to your home network, making it a central hub for all your digital audio needs.

• Multi-Function Button: The versatile multi-function button enhances control, allowing you to switch inputs, adjust settings, and more, all at your fingertips. This intuitive control interface makes it easy to manage your listening experience, whether you’re switching between sources or fine-tuning the output settings.

The EF500’s extensive connectivity options also include USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. Whether you’re connecting to a computer, a media player, or a gaming console, the EF500 provides a seamless and high-quality audio experience. The inclusion of both balanced and unbalanced outputs further enhances its versatility, allowing you to connect to a variety of headphones and audio systems.

The EF499 has identical ports and buttons as the EF500.

Designed for the Discerning Audiophile

• 2-in-1 Headphone Stand and Amplifier: Combining functionality with style, the EF500’s vertical design not only saves space but also serves as a sleek headphone stand. This thoughtful design feature keeps your headphones easily accessible while adding a touch of elegance to your audio setup.

• USB Driver Support: The EF500’s advanced USB capabilities ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices. Install the necessary driver and unlock its full potential for a seamless audio experience. This support ensures that you can use the EF500 with modern digital sources, enhancing its usability and performance.

Picture yourself listening to Daft Punk’s “Digital Love” and feeling every beat and bass drop as if they’re performing live just for you. The EF500’s design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing your overall listening experience. The solid construction and premium materials used in its build ensure durability and long-lasting performance. The EF500 is crafted to withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining its sleek and stylish appearance.

Premium Build Quality

The EF500 isn’t just about performance; it’s a statement piece. Crafted with precision and an eye for elegance, it’s designed to complement any audio setup with its sophisticated aesthetics. The solid and elegant design adds to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Every component of the EF500 is meticulously chosen to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability.

The EF500’s build quality is evident in its robust chassis and high-quality connectors. These elements ensure a secure and stable connection for all your audio components, minimizing the risk of signal loss or interference. The attention to detail in its construction reflects the EF500’s commitment to delivering a superior audio experience. It’s like having a front-row seat at a Jimi Hendrix concert, with every detail and nuance crystal clear.

Comparing the EF499 and the EF500

Both the EF500 and EF499 bring true audiophile-grade performance to sleek, slender designs that provide powerful output while requiring minimal space on a desk or tabletop. Their industrial designs are not only aesthetically appealing but also serve practical purposes, such as functioning as headphone stands to reduce desktop clutter. Both models include fully balanced input/output connections, an independent power supply, and a thermally optimized tower case, ensuring that they deliver exceptional performance while maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Imagine the refined elegance they add to your setup, transforming it into a high-end audio sanctuary.

Despite their similarities, the EF500 and EF499 differ mainly in their design aesthetics and internal components. The EF499, with its Philips R2R DAC architecture, is known for producing naturally warm and full-range sonics, adhering to the company’s signature sound tuning. Its appearance is equally captivating, featuring a striking black finish complemented by copper-style text and dials that exude a sense of classic sophistication. In contrast, the EF500 utilizes the more advanced HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC, which offers a slightly higher channel separation and signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring a cleaner and more precise audio output. This difference in DAC architecture means that while both models provide excellent sound quality, the EF500 has a slight edge in technical performance metrics, appealing to those who prioritize cutting-edge technology.

Visually, the EF499 stands out with its more appealing black style accented with copper text and dials, which many might find more attractive compared to the EF500’s design. The EF499’s black chassis, highlighted with the warm, rich tones of copper, gives it a luxurious and timeless look that blends seamlessly into any décor. Both units weigh roughly the same, with the EF500 at about 3.37kg and the EF499 slightly lighter at 3.3kg. The EF499’s THD+N of 0.008% is higher than the EF500’s 0.0025%, and its channel separation of 95±3dB is lower than the EF500’s 131±3dB, indicating a difference in audio clarity and separation. Nevertheless, both models offer robust power outputs, with the EF500 providing up to 4.5 WPC at 32Ω balanced and the EF499 offering 4.35 WPC at 32Ω balanced.

In summary, while both models are mostly identical in form and function, the EF499’s design provides a unique aesthetic and sonic experience that may appeal to a different segment of audiophiles. The EF499’s visual allure combined with its proven performance makes it a standout choice for those who appreciate both style and substance in their audio equipment. However the EF500 Dac implmentation provides a much cleaner less warm signature that has a more reference appeal.

It is really hard to choose between the two and ulitmately it comes down to personal preference. They are such good value that you could justifiy buying both items, if you are like me, a bit of an audio hoarder. If I was forced to make a choice I did prefer the EF500 hence the conclusion below.

Conclusion

The EF500 is more than an upgrade; it’s a leap forward into a new era of audio excellence. With its state-of-the-art HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC, award-winning design, superior power output, and comprehensive connectivity options, the EF500 promises an immersive, high-fidelity listening experience that will captivate your senses. Embrace the future of audio with the EF500, and let every note, every beat, and every melody resonate with unmatched clarity and power.

The EF500’s blend of cutting-edge technology, award-winning design, and exceptional build quality makes it a standout choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. It’s not just a device; it’s an invitation to rediscover your favorite music in a way you’ve never heard before. Feel the difference. Hear the perfection. Welcome to the EF500. Whether you’re vibing to the latest hits from Daft Punk, rediscovering the classics from David Bowie, or losing yourself in the electrifying riffs of Jimi Hendrix, the EF500 will make every listening session unforgettable.