Introducing the HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier!

[CT007]

How is everyone's experience with EF400 using Android..? I read only ONE review saying it works with smartphones. Maybe it says more about it in the manual.

 

[JaquesGelee]

How is everyone's experience with EF400 using Android..? I read only ONE review saying it works with smartphones. Maybe it says more about it in the manual.

Android on Pixel Phone, UAPP, no issues, done.

Or what exactly you'd like to know?

Cheers

 

[CT007]

Android on Pixel Phone, UAPP, no issues, done.

Or what exactly you'd like to know?

Cheers

Just that it actually works with smartphones lol. Nobody seems to mention this feature of EP400, for some reason. Basically a Chord Mojo, but different.

Sounds like there are some issues with this thing, tho, huh..? :/ I am planning to use it only as a DAC mainly, because the output impedance is so high, and the DAC is likely the best thing about it. Something I can take into a hifi shop to demo music with, off my phone and another amp.

 

[Gymboy]

I have purchased EF400 and very happy with a sound of DAC and Amp in the unit. Currently used RCA output to Xduoo Ta26 for tubey sound now I am looking to use XLR output for solid state amp. Thinking of A90 Discrete or maybe a proper Class A? Anyone using TOPPING and how is the sound compared to amp in the unit?

 

[Johnfg465vd]

I have purchased EF400 and very happy with a sound of DAC and Amp in the unit. Currently used RCA output to Xduoo Ta26 for tubey sound now I am looking to use XLR output for solid state amp. Thinking of A90 Discrete or maybe a proper Class A? Anyone using TOPPING and how is the sound compared to amp in the unit?

I tried it with Topping A30 Pro (very similar to A90) and NX7 but preferred the SA-1 a bit more for my tastes. No A90D. With Topping, I felt the soundstage depth was a bit less but instrument separation and definition was a tiny bit better. I don't think it's worth the extra cost over the EF400's internal Amp.

 

[Brain Damage]

Oh just out of curiosity, anyone tried running EF400 as a dac and into another amp.

Do you guys find running another amp help (or adds flavor) or the internal amp is already really good already?

So, I am about 75hrs in and I am loving the sound of EF400 as an all-in-one dac amp - great purchase. I am currently testing the EF400 as a dac with balanced output (x2 3 pin female XLR to 4.4 cable) to the ifi Zen CAN. Fully balanced dac to fully balanced amp. This also sounds great with my DT880 pros - especially with the XBass active as sometimes these cans can lack bass. Great synergy - provides a slightly cleaner presentation and refines the micro details as opposed to straight out of the EF400; however, I wouldn't say this set up is better - just a different taste. Amazing to have different options .

 

[Brain Damage]

When I connect my laptop to the EF400 via USB C and play Qobuz files through Audirvana, I can only turn the volume potentiometer up from minimum by 2 notches on the EF400. I'm using relatively difficult to drive cans as well - DT880s and 770s (both 250Ω) from the 1/4 inch SE.

Frustrating as it means I have no chance using my iems or other headphones (all of which are easier to drive) directly out of the EF400 with this setup; unless I use the EF400 purely as a dac and output to the ifi Zen CAN amp.

When I use:
Phone/tablet>>UAPP>>USB C>>EF400>>DT880/770
I don't have this problem. I have to turn up the volume potentiometer on the EF400 up to 12 o'clock on most recordings. Similarly, I can then use my other, more sensitive IEMs and headphones.

Why is the signal from Audirvana via USB C to the EF400 so powerful? I am making sure the volume via both Audirvana and UAPP is set to maximum so not to affect SQ. Just don't understand why there would be a night and day difference in volume between the two software programs. My laptop is a Samsung 300E5C, so not the newest by any stretch (it doesn't even have any USB C ports so using a USB A to USB C adapter similar to the one that is provided with the RU6). Anyone else experiencing this?

 

[Hyde00]

When I connect my laptop to the EF400 via USB C and play Qobuz files through Audirvana, I can only turn the volume potentiometer up from minimum by 2 notches on the EF400. I'm using relatively difficult to drive cans as well - DT880s and 770s (both 250Ω) from the 1/4 inch SE.

Frustrating as it means I have no chance using my iems or other headphones (all of which are easier to drive) directly out of the EF400 with this setup; unless I use the EF400 purely as a dac and output to the ifi Zen CAN amp.

When I use:
Phone/tablet>>UAPP>>USB C>>EF400>>DT880/770
I don't have this problem. I have to turn up the volume potentiometer on the EF400 up to 12 o'clock on most recordings. Similarly, I can then use my other, more sensitive IEMs and headphones.

Why is the signal from Audirvana via USB C to the EF400 so powerful? I am making sure the volume via both Audirvana and UAPP is set to maximum so not to affect SQ. Just don't understand why there would be a night and day difference in volume between the two software programs. My laptop is a Samsung 300E5C, so not the newest by any stretch (it doesn't even have any USB C ports so using a USB A to USB C adapter similar to the one that is provided with the RU6). Anyone else experiencing this?

I vaguely remember someone else having the same issue, where tablet and their PC have different level of output. I think it was mentioned that it was a bug that hifiman need to fix.

But I forgot the exact reason and how to get around it.

See if someone else can chime in.

 

[Gymboy]

Has anyone tried Singxer SA1 over XLR from ER400?

Wondering if the upgrade would be worth it, planning to drive HD800S, LCD2 2021 CB, FT3. Not sure if amp is better than the one a thats already in Hifiman.

 

[XGeneX88]

Hey folks, just thought I'd pitch in my 2 cents here.

Decided to try the EF400 because of the R2R DAC component. Pairing it with a Lyr+ and can only say this is "magic". I tried pairing my Lyr+ with a Bifrost 2/64 and it was a massive disappointment.. my $500 delta sigma DAC wiped the floor with it. Everything sounded worse on the Bifrost. I ended up returning the unit and gave up on the idea that R2R DACs are any good. Then saw a good used deal on the EF400 and decided to give it a final try. Wow.. okay.. I get it now. This thing is awesome. Everything sounds rich, smooth, liquid and detailed. This is just magical. Tried using it as an all-in-one and this thing is also awesome as an all in one unit.. it sounds as good as some of the $2000 systems I've tried (looking at you Burson) .. but this thing actually sounds musical, less clinical, and much more enjoyable. It sounds organic/natural.. and feeding this into Lyr just provides one of the richest, most natural sounds I've ever experienced. I am extremely impressed and feel this thing is a ridiculous bargain even at msrp. Well done Hifiman.. Well done! Now I am very curious about the EF600. I may have to try it just to see if it could possibly get any better than the EF400 that's on my table right now.

 

[Hyde00]

Hey folks, just thought I'd pitch in my 2 cents here.

Decided to try the EF400 because of the R2R DAC component. Pairing it with a Lyr+ and can only say this is "magic". I tried pairing my Lyr+ with a Bifrost 2/64 and it was a massive disappointment.. my $500 delta sigma DAC wiped the floor with it. Everything sounded worse on the Bifrost. I ended up returning the unit and gave up on the idea that R2R DACs are any good. Then saw a good used deal on the EF400 and decided to give it a final try. Wow.. okay.. I get it now. This thing is awesome. Everything sounds rich, smooth, liquid and detailed. This is just magical. Tried using it as an all-in-one and this thing is also awesome as an all in one unit.. it sounds as good as some of the $2000 systems I've tried (looking at you Burson) .. but this thing actually sounds musical, less clinical, and much more enjoyable. It sounds organic/natural.. and feeding this into Lyr just provides one of the richest, most natural sounds I've ever experienced. I am extremely impressed and feel this thing is a ridiculous bargain even at msrp. Well done Hifiman.. Well done! Now I am very curious about the EF600. I may have to try it just to see if it could possibly get any better than the EF400 that's on my table right now.

Damn why you do this to me, I have Lyr 3 and has previously given up the idea on buying EF400 to use as dac due to one reviewer likes Bifrost 2 better as a dac.

But now what you said is the opposite so it piqued my interest again LOL. I have Geshelli J2 on order but since there is a long wait so I wonder if I could look for an EF400 in the meantime lol.

 

[XGeneX88]

Damn why you do this to me, I have Lyr 3 and has previously given up the idea on buying EF400 to use as dac due to one reviewer likes Bifrost 2 better as a dac.

But now what you said is the opposite so it piqued my interest again LOL. I have Geshelli J2 on order but since there is a long wait so I wonder if I could look for an EF400 in the meantime lol.

Man.. skip the Bifrost (just my opinion). I honestly have no idea why it is so praised and how it got to have the crazy reputation that it does. I was expecting stupid good sound when I purchased one and was dumbstricken when I listened to it and heard what I heard. I actually called my wife in and had her do some A/B comparisons to verify that the thing really sucked as bad as I thought it did.. and yes.. my wife agreed.. this thing was an $800 overpriced thing that sucks lol.. I even burned it in for 2-3 weeks straight hoping it would change (and it actually did imrpove by quite allot!) .. and while it did improve noticeably with burn-in... it was still horribly overpriced for the sound quality being produced. I was using an old Topping DX7 as a DAC (originally $500 msrp but you can find them for about $300 used) and it was significantly better sounding in every way over the Bifrost. Better bass, detail, treble.. you name it. The only thing Bifrost did was produce a non-fatiguing but somehow a "muted" sound (in comparison). It was boring and i didn't enjoy it as much.

The EF400 is quite the opposite. Things sound MORE detailed, musical, rich, smooth, liquid and just utterly beautiful. This is actually my endgame. I have no reason to go any further. I've tried products up to the $2000 category and I could NEVER justify the price. I always end up comparing something like a Burson Conductor (which is $2k+) only to find out it doesn't actually sound any better.. only "different" and maybe too clinical on some of my gear. The EF400 simply doesn't have any of those issues. All my gear pairs so well with it.. and when using it as a DAC only to my Lyr.. well.. this is the best I've ever heard any of my headphones sound at any price point. I guess apples to apples.. we're talking Lyr (600$) + EF400 ($600) + Tube system ($300) so I guess technically at MSRP my system is actually $1500.. Okay.. maybe it's not actually cheap at all.. but damn it sounds so good ... WORTH IT! I recommend you try it lol.. I'm sorry for doing this to you but hope you discover the same level of magic that I have. I'm not sure how Lyr3 compares vs Lyr+ since I've never heard the 3.. but I think it's astounding how good my chain sounds (finally). Took me a long time to get here.. I feel like I've finally found my "One Piece" equivallent of audio and it somehow ended up costing me way less than I ever imagined it would..

 

[Hyde00]

Man.. skip the Bifrost (just my opinion). I honestly have no idea why it is so praised and how it got to have the crazy reputation that it does. I was expecting stupid good sound when I purchased one and was dumbstricken when I listened to it and heard what I heard. I actually called my wife in and had her do some A/B comparisons to verify that the thing really sucked as bad as I thought it did.. and yes.. my wife agreed.. this thing was an $800 overpriced thing that sucks lol.. I even burned it in for 2-3 weeks straight hoping it would change (and it actually did imrpove by quite allot!) .. and while it did improve noticeably with burn-in... it was still horribly overpriced for the sound quality being produced. I was using an old Topping DX7 as a DAC (originally $500 msrp but you can find them for about $300 used) and it was significantly better sounding in every way over the Bifrost. Better bass, detail, treble.. you name it. The only thing Bifrost did was produce a non-fatiguing but somehow a "muted" sound (in comparison). It was boring and i didn't enjoy it as much.

The EF400 is quite the opposite. Things sound MORE detailed, musical, rich, smooth, liquid and just utterly beautiful. This is actually my endgame. I have no reason to go any further. I've tried products up to the $2000 category and I could NEVER justify the price. I always end up comparing something like a Burson Conductor (which is $2k+) only to find out it doesn't actually sound any better.. only "different" and maybe too clinical on some of my gear. The EF400 simply doesn't have any of those issues. All my gear pairs so well with it.. and when using it as a DAC only to my Lyr.. well.. this is the best I've ever heard any of my headphones sound at any price point. I guess apples to apples.. we're talking Lyr (600$) + EF400 ($600) + Tube system ($300) so I guess technically at MSRP my system is actually $1500.. Okay.. maybe it's not actually cheap at all.. but damn it sounds so good ... WORTH IT! I recommend you try it lol.. I'm sorry for doing this to you but hope you discover the same level of magic that I have. I'm not sure how Lyr3 compares vs Lyr+ since I've never heard the 3.. but I think it's astounding how good my chain sounds (finally). Took me a long time to get here.. I feel like I've finally found my "One Piece" equivallent of audio and it somehow ended up costing me way less than I ever imagined it would..

Oh yeah don't worry I'm not getting Bifrost 2 don't worry LOL. I mean it's not bad but to me I realize dac varies a lot based on people's preference in sound. I demo my friend's Bifrost 2 I think in general the Schiit house sound is clean and punchy and trebly and decent space, but lacks a bit of that rich mid range I look for.

Dacs I've tried all have different pros and cons, I haven't find one that's best at everything. I've tried Audio-GD DAC19, Modi 3+, Modi Multibit 1, Modi Multibit 2, Bifrost 2 OG, Soekris 1541, Denafrips Ares II, and Musician Draco.

Dac/Amp combo I've tried Drop O2/SDAC, Grace M9XX, Fiio K7, and Burson Playmate 2 (yes as you said, Burson house sound is bright).

After all that I went back to using the dac portion of O2/SDAC feeding into my Lyr 3 / Project Solstice LOL. I find the sound signature of SDAC is more to my taste so I'm willing to sacrifice resolution a bit.

I have Geshelli J2 on order but I'll definitely look out for an EF400. From what I've been told is that Lyr+ is brighter sounding than Lyr 3 but otherwise pretty similar. So if I feed the EF400 to my Lyr 3 it might still work.

But I really wish Hifiman could just release a dac only version of their Himalaya dac. Like EF200 or something LOL. But it sounds like the amp portion of EF400 is not bad from what I've read.

 

[ozz007]

Guys
having an issue with my EF400; when it's plugged into my PC, it stutters like crazy, can't listen to music or not even used it for Teams or Zoom calls since the sound coming out is choppy.

Any Ideas? on what could be causing this issue?

I tried multiple cables and tried both inputs, USB C and USB B. No help. Both sound choppy.
Also downloaded the drivers from the Hifiman site no help.

Tested it with my phone and my Daps Fiio m15 and iBasso dx320 it works properly, So the issue seems to be on the laptop itself.

 

[Brain Damage]

Having had lots of listening time with the EF400, I have to say it is an awesome dac/amp and punches well above its price point.

Like many others commented on, I was experiencing far too high volumes when using:

Samsunglaptop>>Audirvana>>HiFiMAN EF400 (High Gain OS)>>Beyer DT880 Pro (250Ω).

I therefore switched to using my LGV40 with UAPP to feed the EF400. This worked better as I was then able to listen to the EF400 with my IEMs and other cans (which are a lot easier to drive compared to my Beyers) using the Low Gain settings (and High Gain for Beyers).

Having just recently switched back to my Samsung laptop with Audirvana, I realise that Audirvana is much better for these hard to drive cans with this set up. What's more, switching to Low Gain easily drives my DT880s and DT770s (potentiometer at 9 o'clock).

Long story short, I would recommend a mobile phone (streaming Qobuz through UAPP) with the EF400 for all IEMs and easy to drive headphones (maybe with the exception of Planar Magnetic drivers; although awaiting the arrival of the KZ PR2s to know better on this front). For harder to drive cans I would use a laptop (streaming Qobuz through Audirvana) - this setup just sounds sublime.

I'm also enjoying switching between the EF400 as a dac/amp and as a dac feeding my ifi Zen CAN amp - both are brilliant. The integrated in the EF400 offers a tube like tonality, whereas the Zen CAN separates the frequencies more (less organic sounding, but slightly more detailed without being too analytical). The XBass boost also helps the DT880 Pro sound their best, so it's nice switching between the two amps.

All-in-all, just loving the EF400. This is definitely my endgame (at least for the foreseeable future lol). My end game portable setup has been the RU6, although awaiting the RU7 which could equal it. The shared 3.5 and 4.4 LO option will be interesting when paired with the ZenCAN. Taken me years to get to this point and loving music even more such is this hobby.