Introducing the HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier!

[TeamHiFiMAN]

Introducing the HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier
​

Designed as both an homage to the acclaimed EF6 and a statement of modern audio technology, the fully balanced EF400 features our new low-energy, high sampling HIMALAYA R2R DAC, which features 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, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are at their musical and efficient best.

We have placed equal emphasis on performance, flexibility, and convenience when developing the EF400 DAC/amplifier. The fully balanced four-channel differential structure features our HIMALAYA DAC module, which supports the common PCM signal transmitted by the most common IIS (Integrated Interface of Sound) audio interface, with a maximum 24Bit resolution. When combined with a buffer, active filter and Class AB amplifier that offers the fidelity of a Class A design and efficiency of Class B architecture, the HIMALAYA DAC raises the bar for desktop DAC/amplifier performance under $600.

The compact physical dimensions of the EF400 contradict its substantial output. Measuring 9.5” D x 9” W x 2.5” H, the EF400 requires the bare minimum of desktop or rack space. The front panel includes four balanced outputs – 6.35mm single-ended, 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, XLR four-pin balanced – in addition to a four-level function switch and volume control. The rear input panel includes jacks for USB-B and USB-C source connectors, in addition to dual (L/R) XLR three-pin full balanced line outputs, a rarity in products at this price point.

Specs:
Signal to Noise Ratio: 118+/-3dB (A Weighted)
THD+N (line out) : Between 0.002% and 0.004%
Channel Separation: 125+/-3dB
Maximum Power Output: 4.4 WPC (Giving the EF400 the power to drive the majority of low-efficiency planar headphones, including HIFIMAN Electronics’ flagship model, Susvara)
Dimensions: 246.5mm(L)*228mm(W)*61mm(H)
Weight: 3.08kg

The EF400 DAC/amplifier will be available in March at a suggested retail price of $599. It will be available from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and our online store, http://store.hifiman.com/.
For additional information, visit https://hifiman.com.

***Samples will be available at the CanJam NYC 2022 on Feb 26-27! Welcome to stop by and audition!***
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[Pashmeister]

Introducing the HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier
​

Designed as both an homage to the acclaimed EF6 and a statement of modern audio technology, the fully balanced EF400 features our new low-energy, high sampling HIMALAYA R2R DAC, which features 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, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are at their musical and efficient best.



We have placed equal emphasis on performance, flexibility, and convenience when developing the EF400 DAC/amplifier. The fully balanced four-channel differential structure features our HIMALAYA DAC module, which supports the common PCM signal transmitted by the most common IIS (Integrated Interface of Sound) audio interface, with a maximum 24Bit resolution. When combined with a buffer, active filter and Class AB amplifier that offers the fidelity of a Class A design and efficiency of Class B architecture, the HIMALAYA DAC raises the bar for desktop DAC/amplifier performance under $600.



The compact physical dimensions of the EF400 contradict its substantial output. Measuring 9.5” D x 9” W x 2.5” H, the EF400 requires the bare minimum of desktop or rack space. The front panel includes four balanced outputs – 6.35mm single-ended, 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, XLR four-pin balanced – in addition to a four-level function switch and volume control. The rear input panel includes jacks for RCA, USB-B, and USB-C source connectors, in addition to dual (L/R) XLR three-pin full balanced line outputs, a rarity in products at this price point.



Specs:
Signal to Noise Ratio: 118+/-3dB (A Weighted)
THD+N (line out) : Between 0.002% and 0.004%
Channel Separation: 125+/-3dB
Maximum Power Output: 4.4 WPC (Giving the EF400 the power to drive the majority of low-efficiency planar headphones, including HIFIMAN Electronics’ flagship model, Susvara)
Dimensions: 246.5mm(L)*228mm(W)*61mm(H)
Weight: 3.08kg

The EF400 DAC/amplifier will be available in March at a suggested retail price of $599. It will be available from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and our online store, http://store.hifiman.com/.
For additional information, visit https://hifiman.com.

***Samples will be available at the CanJam NYC 2022 on Feb 26-27! Welcome to stop by and audition!***

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Now that’s one cheap Susvara amp. Hope it sounds good.

 

[capetownwatches]

Considering the price differential between this and the Susvara, will it really be a viable option to drive the beast..??

It would seem, judging by HFM's own advertorial, that it is being pitched as just that.

Colour me curious...

 

[carloskleiber]

I don't think I'll ever go the Susvara route, so I'm not going to care too much about that particular pairing...I am very curious about pairing with Arya and HE6se however. Now, if this proves to be as much of a steal as the Edition Xs, I might have to give it a try...

 

[KaiFi]

Wow, I was expecting this to be much more expensive. I think this could be the perfect amp for the Edition XS...

 

[normie610]

Maximum Power Output: 4.4 WPC (Giving the EF400 the power to drive the majority of low-efficiency planar headphones, including HIFIMAN Electronics’ flagship model, Susvara)

Is this at 8, 16, 32 or 64 ohm?

 

[KamijoIsMyHero]

Is this at 8, 16, 32 or 64 ohm?

into 36 ohm according to Jude

@11:20

 

[kumar402]

Finally something priced well after Mojo. Nothing is below 3K these days. DAPs are getting ridiculous with pricing

 

[Tano]

No analog inputs is quite a bad decission. You are limited to use it with the R2R DAC...

 

[capetownwatches]

No analogue inputs isn't a big deal in my opinion and it would have pushed the price up undoubtedly.

 

[550591]

No analog inputs is quite a bad decission. You are limited to use it with the R2R DAC...

If you dont want to use the DAC anyway you could just get a better amp for the money..

 

[Tano]

If you dont want to use the DAC anyway you could just get a better amp for the money..

Hard to know that when the product isn't even out yet..

 

[HiFiRobot]

Looks like the description states RCA inputs "The rear input panel includes jacks for RCA, USB-B, and USB-C source connectors" but in the picture it has RCA Outputs.

Which one is it?

 

[433521]

First device I've seen anywhere to possibly compete with my Schiit Jotunheim 2 with the r2r card.

 

[jmwant]

Introducing the HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier
​

Designed as both an homage to the acclaimed EF6 and a statement of modern audio technology, the fully balanced EF400 features our new low-energy, high sampling HIMALAYA R2R DAC, which features 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, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are at their musical and efficient best.



We have placed equal emphasis on performance, flexibility, and convenience when developing the EF400 DAC/amplifier. The fully balanced four-channel differential structure features our HIMALAYA DAC module, which supports the common PCM signal transmitted by the most common IIS (Integrated Interface of Sound) audio interface, with a maximum 24Bit resolution. When combined with a buffer, active filter and Class AB amplifier that offers the fidelity of a Class A design and efficiency of Class B architecture, the HIMALAYA DAC raises the bar for desktop DAC/amplifier performance under $600.



The compact physical dimensions of the EF400 contradict its substantial output. Measuring 9.5” D x 9” W x 2.5” H, the EF400 requires the bare minimum of desktop or rack space. The front panel includes four balanced outputs – 6.35mm single-ended, 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, XLR four-pin balanced – in addition to a four-level function switch and volume control. The rear input panel includes jacks for RCA, USB-B, and USB-C source connectors, in addition to dual (L/R) XLR three-pin full balanced line outputs, a rarity in products at this price point.



Specs:
Signal to Noise Ratio: 118+/-3dB (A Weighted)
THD+N (line out) : Between 0.002% and 0.004%
Channel Separation: 125+/-3dB
Maximum Power Output: 4.4 WPC (Giving the EF400 the power to drive the majority of low-efficiency planar headphones, including HIFIMAN Electronics’ flagship model, Susvara)
Dimensions: 246.5mm(L)*228mm(W)*61mm(H)
Weight: 3.08kg

The EF400 DAC/amplifier will be available in March at a suggested retail price of $599. It will be available from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and our online store, http://store.hifiman.com/.
For additional information, visit https://hifiman.com.

***Samples will be available at the CanJam NYC 2022 on Feb 26-27! Welcome to stop by and audition!***
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Superb specs!