Hifiman EF499 DAC/Amp Review

Hifiman EF499 DAC/Amp Review

We’ve seen a development in recent times of balanced headphone amps changing into extra inexpensive. Likewise, we’ve seen an increase within the recognition of R2R DACs. Of course, Hifiman has made a splash with its Himalaya R2R DAC system and the model has been providing higher and higher worth propositions with its DAC/amp lineup. Now enter the EF499, Hifiman’s newest DAC/amp, launched in tandem with the EF500. Retailing at $299, the EF499 differs from the EF500 in that, whereas it does use R2R expertise, it doesn’t use the Himalaya structure for which Hifiman has garnered reward. So let’s see what Hifiman was in a position to accomplish with its new DAC/amp. 

What’s within the Box:

• EF499 DAC/Amp
• Power cable
• User information

Build

Based on the texture of this DAC/amp alone, I might have guessed that that is costlier than $299. Let’s begin with the look of the EF499. Opting for an upright design, just like the EF500 and EF600, the DAC/amp advertises performance as a headphone stand. While I do discover the design of the EF600 to raised accommodate this characteristic, the upright design of the EF499 nonetheless works. I’m changing into a fan of the upright development. This design permits for a smaller footprint on desk setups and is general extra smooth and chic to my eye. 

I’m an enormous fan of the colorway adopted on this gadget. The black and copper are lovely collectively, making for a singular look. In reality, I feel the EF499 seems to be higher than the EF500, which sports activities an identical design, however a grey and silver colorway. The black and copper combine is dynamic and provides a way of luxurious to an merchandise that matches within the funds/mid-fi worth vary. The consideration to element is incredible, together with a transparent pane sitting over the entrance panel. This casts a fantastic impact when sitting in direct mild. Overall, a fantastic gadget by Hifiman.

The construct is phenomenal on the EF499. The DAC/amp is surprisingly heavy with an all-metal chassis. This is a tool that’s in it for the lengthy haul. Compared to different amplifiers in its worth bracket, the EF499 is extraordinarily aggressive. 

Functionality

In phrases of the capabilities constructed into the gadget, there are 4 indicator lights above two copper knobs on the entrance panel: one to regulate acquire and oversampling, and one other to regulate quantity. The lights point out which acquire and oversampling mode you’re in. Then there’s the only ended 1/4 inch enter in addition to a balanced 4-pin enter. At the very backside is the R2R label and gadget identify. 

On the again are loads of I/O ports. You get balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, a coaxial enter and an ethernet enter for streaming. You additionally get USB sorts B and C in addition to a management change for which enter is chosen. Lastly, you get the facility change and energy connector. 

Design 

Unlike the EF400 and 500 which use some type of Hifiman’s Himalaya R2R DAC expertise, the EF499 opts for Philips’ R2R system. Of course what issues greater than the particular chip used is the way it’s applied into the gadget. What’s most spectacular right here is that Hifiman is ready to provide R2R tech in a desktop design in any respect at a $299 price ticket. This in and of itself is a feat to applaud. 

Oversampling

One of the distinctive options on the EF499 is its oversampling controls. Both in excessive and low acquire, you’ll be able to select whether or not to show oversampling on or off. In my expertise, the variations between OS and NOS had been refined and various based mostly on the headphones used. On the Ananda, I discovered the soundstage to widen a bit, with music changing into a little bit clearer. However, on the Liric II, I discovered the soundstage to remain about the identical, although bass grew to become stronger with an emphasis on sub bass presentation. 

Soundstage

The very first thing I seen on the EF499 was how broad the soundstage is. Starting off my listening with Hifiman’s Ananda, I used to be impressed by the width and depth provided by this DAC/Amp. It introduced an ideal stereo picture, however what actually caught my ear was the depth and top-to-bottom nature of the presentation. Switching over to Meze’s Liric II, and this impact turns into extra prevalent. Imaging is nice, although I get a way that the soundstage is wider than the imaging capabilities know what to do with. In different phrases, I wasn’t certain if sounds had been essentially within the appropriate areas, or despatched out wider to create a greater image of soundstage width.

Overall, I used to be actually impressed with the soundstage of this gadget. While imaging may very well be a little bit extra exact, it’s exhausting to ask for extra given the worth level. 

Low End

The bass on the EF499 can greatest be described as even and impartial. There’s positively some punch nevertheless it’s by no means distracting. Like I mentioned earlier, I used to be in a position to get a little bit bit extra sub bass rumble when utilizing oversampling. If you want Hifiman’s basic strategy to the low finish, I feel you’ll be proud of what this gadget gives: a tactful and balanced expertise. 

Mids

Like the low finish, the EF499 is fairly impartial within the mids. I might describe this as a warm-leaning amplifier. To my ears, there’s a little little bit of a mid-bass hump that causes this. That mentioned, I discovered vocals to be clear and clear on the Hifiman DAC/amp. I used to be actually impressed with the snappiness of the mid vary. Snare drum hits particularly got here throughout as energetic and potent. 

High End

The prime finish, like the remainder of the frequency response of this DAC/amp, is clear. It’s fairly ethereal and resolving for the worth. However, I feel this can be a spot the place I actually seen the distinction between Hifiman’s Himalaya structure and the Philips R2R DAC used right here. While element retrieval was good and the treble had a stable sonic steadiness, I discovered there to be a little bit little bit of a synthetic sound to the treble. That mentioned, at $299, I can’t complain an excessive amount of. While it’s not excellent, I nonetheless discover the transparency and resolving capabilities of this gadget fairly good. What the treble does greatest is spherical out an general balanced and pure sound that the EF499 exhibits off from backside finish to prime. 

Summary

The EF499 from Hifiman is a formidable gadget. It’s extraordinarily uncommon to get R2R capabilities in a desktop DAC/Amp at this worth vary. Add within the oversampling performance, flexibility to make use of it as a streamer by way of ethernet port, and its coherent and balanced sound signature, I feel Hifiman has a winner. 

The Hifiman EF499 is out there at Audio46.

The submit Hifiman EF499 DAC/Amp Review appeared first on Major HiFi.

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March 20, 2024 at 03:57PM