The EF100 is a hybrid amplifier combination which consists of a preamp with a tube that drives a class A/B headphone amplifier and a digital class D power amplifier. According to the manufacturer this concept combines the warmth of the tube with the efficiency of the class D power amplifiers. How this marriage turns out you will read beyond.
Design;
The gently sloping design stands out and can increase the important WAF. The horizontal bar on the left seems decoration but turns out to support a smartphone. Indeed smart! The casing is made of sturdy injection molding metal and gives a solid and custodial impression.
Connections;
Also on the controls and connectors is not saved. You'll find on the side a line input with a 3.5 mm stereo socket. On the back are a CD input with a few gold plated RCA connectors, a USB input and a set of gold-plated speaker connectors. Beautifully chromed switches provide a smooth switch to the desired in or output. Twisting the volume knob goes hand in hand with palpable soft clicks what’s a nice detail.
Internal;
After removing the bottom plate you look directly to the bottom of a large print plate on which practically all (SMD) components and a generously sized heat sink for the amplifier are housed. I discovered a large number of rectifier components indicating separated power supply circuits. That is a good sign and can improve the sound quality.
Sound;
Listening to the EF100 turned out to be a new experience for me. I know HIFIMAN of fine-sounding headphones and expected at this amp a similar experience. With a burn-in over 150 hours and then connected to my desktop speakers and AKG Q701 headphones this experience picked up very different. First looking for an amplifier in the same price range and with the same capabilities. In my closet I found a few years previously purchased Tripath amplifier by S.M.S.L. type SA-S21. Also here a class D amplifier to speakers and a small A/B amplifier for headphones. After connecting the small Tripath showed certainly a nice spatial and cool sound image. After sharing my experiences about the disappointing sound quality of the EF100 with a mate of mine – he borrowed me the amplifier – he was certainly not amused.
That emotions play a big part is shown by a review (!) I found on the site of HIFIMAN http://www.hifiman.com/articles/detail/348
From the article it is clear that it starts as a romantic love at first sight and the EF100 became a much loved "mid-fi" desktop amplifier in the workplace. That wonderful forms shapes a live in itself and the inner (read music) qualities be taken for granted is a well-known phenomenon. There is of course nothing at all against that. As a prospective buyer "falls", for the beautiful appearance , with perhaps thoughts out far bygone years, continue reading is no longer needed.
Conclusion;
In short, a "sweetie" by an amplifier with a lot of potential lovers. I love it also but do have criticism on the disappointing sound quality that I don't directly associate with a brand as HIFIMAN. Listening experiences with my 100 $ Tripath amplifier reinforces my conviction that the EF100 can use an upgrade.
Design;
The gently sloping design stands out and can increase the important WAF. The horizontal bar on the left seems decoration but turns out to support a smartphone. Indeed smart! The casing is made of sturdy injection molding metal and gives a solid and custodial impression.
Connections;
Also on the controls and connectors is not saved. You'll find on the side a line input with a 3.5 mm stereo socket. On the back are a CD input with a few gold plated RCA connectors, a USB input and a set of gold-plated speaker connectors. Beautifully chromed switches provide a smooth switch to the desired in or output. Twisting the volume knob goes hand in hand with palpable soft clicks what’s a nice detail.
Internal;
After removing the bottom plate you look directly to the bottom of a large print plate on which practically all (SMD) components and a generously sized heat sink for the amplifier are housed. I discovered a large number of rectifier components indicating separated power supply circuits. That is a good sign and can improve the sound quality.
Sound;
Listening to the EF100 turned out to be a new experience for me. I know HIFIMAN of fine-sounding headphones and expected at this amp a similar experience. With a burn-in over 150 hours and then connected to my desktop speakers and AKG Q701 headphones this experience picked up very different. First looking for an amplifier in the same price range and with the same capabilities. In my closet I found a few years previously purchased Tripath amplifier by S.M.S.L. type SA-S21. Also here a class D amplifier to speakers and a small A/B amplifier for headphones. After connecting the small Tripath showed certainly a nice spatial and cool sound image. After sharing my experiences about the disappointing sound quality of the EF100 with a mate of mine – he borrowed me the amplifier – he was certainly not amused.
That emotions play a big part is shown by a review (!) I found on the site of HIFIMAN http://www.hifiman.com/articles/detail/348From the article it is clear that it starts as a romantic love at first sight and the EF100 became a much loved "mid-fi" desktop amplifier in the workplace. That wonderful forms shapes a live in itself and the inner (read music) qualities be taken for granted is a well-known phenomenon. There is of course nothing at all against that. As a prospective buyer "falls", for the beautiful appearance , with perhaps thoughts out far bygone years, continue reading is no longer needed.
Conclusion;
In short, a "sweetie" by an amplifier with a lot of potential lovers. I love it also but do have criticism on the disappointing sound quality that I don't directly associate with a brand as HIFIMAN. Listening experiences with my 100 $ Tripath amplifier reinforces my conviction that the EF100 can use an upgrade.
