[TeamHiFiMAN]

We are excited to announce our new desktop headphone DAC/AMP: EF500 and EF499!
EF500 and EF499 Put HIFIMAN Design and Performance
Within Reach of Music-lovers at Every Level​

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.

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, an independent power supply,and a thermal optimized tower case.

“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.”

The EF500 desktop DAC/amplifier features our 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 maximum accuracy and overall musicality. Signal-to-noise ratio, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are at their musical and efficient best.

A highlight of the EF500 is our Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, provides unsurpassed sonic output, especially when compared 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.

Specifications:

EF500
THD+N (Line out): 0.0025% (-8dB)
Channel Separation: 131±3dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 117dB (A Weighted)
Maximum Power Output: 4.5 wpc@32Ω balanced/1.32 WPC@32Ω unbalanced
Weight: about 3.37kg

EF499
THD+N (Line out): 0.008% (0dB)
Channel Separation: 95±3dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 99dB (A weighted, AP Open Loop Test)
Maximum Power Output: 4.35 WPC@32Ω balanced/1.28 WPC@32Ω unbalanced
Weight: about 3.3kg

Both the EF500 and EF499 are available now at the retail prices of $459 and $299!

HIFIMAN Official Online Shop:
EF500: https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/ef500.html
EF499: https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/ef499.html

HIFIMAN Authorized Dealers:
https://hifiman.com/dealers

 

[LXMc]

The black and gold looks slick - is it seriously only available on the lower end one?

 

[vkenz]

naturally warm… now that is a good description.

 

[povidlo]

glad to see ef499 being officially released to western markets. i've had mine for a few months, good unit. smooth and powerful. ef499 is unique because it's one of very few sources released nowadays using a classic r2r chip. modern r2r solutions just don't sound the same as classic burr brown and phillips chips. i also have hm1000 with hymalaya chip and hm603 with classic tda1543 chip- hm603 definitely sounds more analog.

@TeamHiFiMAN would you be able to disclose any additional information pertaining to dac configuration used in ef499? I was wondering which exact phillips chip is being used (tda1543, tda1387, tda1305?) and how many chips are installed?

 

[BLacklWf]

EF500 has a great spec! I will look forward to read some comparison against the DACs from Topping and Schiit.

 

[c34webb]

glad to see ef499 being officially released to western markets. i've had mine for a few months, good unit. smooth and powerful. ef499 is unique because it's one of very few sources released nowadays using a classic r2r chip. modern r2r solutions just don't sound the same as classic burr brown and phillips chips. i also have hm1000 with hymalaya chip and hm603 with classic tda1543 chip- hm603 definitely sounds more analog.

@TeamHiFiMAN would you be able to disclose any additional information pertaining to dac configuration used in ef499? I was wondering which exact phillips chip is being used (tda1543, tda1387, tda1305?) and how many chips are installed?

Do you find the power ratings to be accurate?
@TeamHiFiMAN We'd love to get chip specs on the 499 and 500 please!

 

[C4PPY]

glad to see ef499 being officially released to western markets. i've had mine for a few months, good unit. smooth and powerful. ef499 is unique because it's one of very few sources released nowadays using a classic r2r chip. modern r2r solutions just don't sound the same as classic burr brown and phillips chips. i also have hm1000 with hymalaya chip and hm603 with classic tda1543 chip- hm603 definitely sounds more analog.

@TeamHiFiMAN would you be able to disclose any additional information pertaining to dac configuration used in ef499? I was wondering which exact phillips chip is being used (tda1543, tda1387, tda1305?) and how many chips are installed?

How does it fair with IEMs

 

[MickBenjamins]

The 499 looks beautiful!

 

[Hyde00]

glad to see ef499 being officially released to western markets. i've had mine for a few months, good unit. smooth and powerful. ef499 is unique because it's one of very few sources released nowadays using a classic r2r chip. modern r2r solutions just don't sound the same as classic burr brown and phillips chips. i also have hm1000 with hymalaya chip and hm603 with classic tda1543 chip- hm603 definitely sounds more analog.

@TeamHiFiMAN would you be able to disclose any additional information pertaining to dac configuration used in ef499? I was wondering which exact phillips chip is being used (tda1543, tda1387, tda1305?) and how many chips are installed?

Oh yeah the EF499 has me intrigued too.

Despite the lower price point on EF499, I wonder if many would prefer this over the EF500 due to the classic R2R sound.

Looking forward to some sound comparison later.

 

[HeavenM]

The EF499 looks beautiful !

 

[InvisibleInk]

Ethernet but no WiFi?

 

[zen87192]

At these prices one could buy one of each!

 

[iFi audio]

We are excited to announce our new desktop headphone DAC/AMP: EF500 and EF499!
EF500 and EF499 Put HIFIMAN Design and Performance
Within Reach of Music-lovers at Every Level​

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.

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, an independent power supply,and a thermal optimized tower case.

“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.”


The EF500 desktop DAC/amplifier features our 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 maximum accuracy and overall musicality. Signal-to-noise ratio, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are at their musical and efficient best.

A highlight of the EF500 is our Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, provides unsurpassed sonic output, especially when compared 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.

Specifications:

EF500
THD+N (Line out): 0.0025% (-8dB)
Channel Separation: 131±3dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 117dB (A Weighted)
Maximum Power Output: 4.5 wpc@32Ω balanced/1.32 WPC@32Ω unbalanced
Weight: about 3.37kg

EF499
THD+N (Line out): 0.008% (0dB)
Channel Separation: 95±3dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 99dB (A weighted, AP Open Loop Test)
Maximum Power Output: 4.35 WPC@32Ω balanced/1.28 WPC@32Ω unbalanced
Weight: about 3.3kg

Both the EF500 and EF499 are available now at the retail prices of $459 and $299!

HIFIMAN Official Online Shop:
EF500: https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/ef500.html
EF499: https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/ef499.html

HIFIMAN Authorized Dealers:
https://hifiman.com/dealers

Absolutely Gorgeous, Congrats!

I know which one I have my eye on!

Cheers!!

 

[LostnAmerica]

Ethernet but no WiFi?

And, no RCA inputs? I know, old school...

 

[msing539]

Looking forward to hearing these at CanJam NYC