Thx for the response. I ended up buying the ef499 because the price was right
HIFIMAN New Desktop DAC/Amps: EF500 and EF499!
- Thread starter TeamHiFiMAN
- Start date
lairpost
100+ Head-Fier
I had both the EF500 and EF499 at the same time for a few weeks. In the end, the minor differences were just that, minor. I couldn't justify nearly double the price for the 500. Without having them to compare directly I'm not sure I could tell the difference now...just to minor. 500 was slightly more mid/treble forward, 499 a touch darker/warmer. One could EQ either to sound like the other with very little effort.
HIFIMAN seems to be carving out a nice niche with these all-in-one DAC/amp combos. The EF500 looks especially interesting if it borrows anything from the EF400’s performance but at a lower price point. Curious about that R2R architecture they’re using—anyone A/B’d it against something like the Topping E70 or Schiit Modius+Magnius stack?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
Also wondering how well it pairs with their own headphones like the Edition XS or Arya
I bought the EF499 just out of curiosity a month ago. A real bargain, less than 250 € including the 10% spring savings discount.
I had the EF400 in the past and I liked it a lot, but I needed coax/optical and finally sold it.
I have to say that this EF499 exceeded my expectations by far. I mean, this is suppossed to be an "entry level" dac/amp and less "technical advanced" of all the Hifiman dacs.. OK then... I plugged my HE1000 stealth in high/gain NOS and what can I say, what a fantastic pairing! Maybe the EF499 is a bit warmer than the ef400, but not only that, to me it sounds so natural, it colours the sound the way I like it... hard to describe in words hahaha. Same with the HE6 SeV2, great sound, but in this case the extra juice provided by the Schiit Mjolnir also makes a difference,
So... I think I could live with only this EF499 and my beloved Mojo 2. Seriously, I tried more expensive dacs and yes, maybe they were more resolving, better enginneered and all that, but to my ears, I prefer the EF499.
I had the EF400 in the past and I liked it a lot, but I needed coax/optical and finally sold it.
I have to say that this EF499 exceeded my expectations by far. I mean, this is suppossed to be an "entry level" dac/amp and less "technical advanced" of all the Hifiman dacs.. OK then... I plugged my HE1000 stealth in high/gain NOS and what can I say, what a fantastic pairing! Maybe the EF499 is a bit warmer than the ef400, but not only that, to me it sounds so natural, it colours the sound the way I like it... hard to describe in words hahaha. Same with the HE6 SeV2, great sound, but in this case the extra juice provided by the Schiit Mjolnir also makes a difference,
So... I think I could live with only this EF499 and my beloved Mojo 2. Seriously, I tried more expensive dacs and yes, maybe they were more resolving, better enginneered and all that, but to my ears, I prefer the EF499.
ExTubeGamer
1000+ Head-Fier
Leaning towards the EF499 for my desktop now. Is the serenade really a step up in the dynamics department? Because I wonder if the price tag is even justified.
Just in my experience and my opinion the serenade was worse than both of the ef499 and 500/600
ExTubeGamer
1000+ Head-Fier
Decided for the EF400 as I found a good used deal. Thanks!
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