Introducing the HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier!

[Hyde00]

Try OS mode on the EF400, it has slightly better detail, I still like using NOS mode. Also, stick to Balanced Outputs with both units. SE is fine but there's easily noticeable improvement when going Balanced even with IEMs. The Single-Ended Out on EF400 have higher output impedance so this can effect sound signature of some IEMs & Headphones.

I actually started with OS mode but then thought it sounded hmmmm......... too "normal"? If that makes sense? It's like it negated all the interesting things about using an R2R dac. To me NOS has more character and open up the space a little bit.

But now I wonder if using it single ended is the problem. As I currently don't have balanced cable also my tube amps are single ended.

So my guess is that probably EF400 Single Ended Line Out < K11 R2R Single Ended Line Out < EF400 Balanced Line Out.

Though the built in amp on EF400 is way better than the K11 R2R built in amp.

Maybe I need to pick up a balanced cable lol.

Looking at R2R options as the Fiio K11 R2R isn't cutting it, the DAC section is decent but amp really struggles. SMSL SU9/SH9 stack sounds amazing, just looking to add an R2R option for a warmer presentation when that itch arrives.

I wonder if you could try K11 R2R -> SH9 -> HE1000 Stealth.

But I'm guessing you probably want all balanced output throughout the chain.

 

[Ichos]

Does anyone use the EF400 or EF500 with the Hifiman HE1000 Stealth?

Looking at R2R options as the Fiio K11 R2R isn't cutting it, the DAC section is decent but amp really struggles. SMSL SU9/SH9 stack sounds amazing, just looking to add an R2R option for a warmer presentation when that itch arrives.

Great synergy with the EF400. I also have the EF500 but haven't tested it yet.

 

[JaquesGelee]

Looking at R2R options

Just have a look on the Topping Centaurus or even the Holo Audio Cyan 2, If you have the money. They got the same Ladder Board inside.

 

[Kommando]

I wonder if you could try K11 R2R -> SH9 -> HE1000 Stealth.

But I'm guessing you probably want all balanced output throughout the chain.

Exactly on the balanced output, it works quite well otherwise. EF400 sounds like the best (cheaper) option until you go to the Cyan 2 level.

 

[ProAcTivo]

Hi. I have an EF400 with Hifiman HE6SEV2 and really like the combo. But now i want to try an upgrade. Was thinking in two options:
-Go for the EF400 Gold r2r modules
-Go for Singxer SA-1 or Aune S17 Pro

Has anyone heard the EF400 with the silver or gold modules? Any imputs about the differences vs stock?

Thank you all

 

[SmartCheetah]

wrong thread

 

[Ichos]

Hi. I have an EF400 with Hifiman HE6SEV2 and really like the combo. But now i want to try an upgrade. Was thinking in two options:
-Go for the EF400 Gold r2r modules
-Go for Singxer SA-1 or Aune S17 Pro

Has anyone heard the EF400 with the silver or gold modules? Any imputs about the differences vs stock?

Thank you all

The EF400 with the gold modules is close to Serenade performance. An upgrade %100 worthwhile, it is like buying a new device. I have a review almost ready

 

[ProAcTivo]

The EF400 with the gold modules is close to Serenade performance. An upgrade %100 worthwhile, it is like buying a new device. I have a review almost ready

Oh thank you.
I will wait for the review
I really like the smooth sound of the EF400. If i can still have that smoothness and gain some more deep and layered sound that would be awesome.

 

[Ichos]

Oh thank you.
I will wait for the review
I really like the smooth sound of the EF400. If i can still have that smoothness and gain some more deep and layered sound that would be awesome.

It loses just a bit of smoothness to become deeper, layered and more technical without loss of timbre quality and analog character.

 

[ProAcTivo]

It loses just a bit of smoothness to become deeper, layered and more technical without loss of timbre quality and analog character.

Ok thank you. And have you try the differences between the silver vs the gold? The gold is double the price...is that better compared with the silver? 150usd is a no brainer but 300usd let me thinking..

 

[Ichos]

Ok thank you. And have you try the differences between the silver vs the gold? The gold is double the price...is that better compared with the silver? 150usd is a no brainer but 300usd let me thinking..

I have compared the silver with the gold here.

https://ichos-reviews.com/hifiman-hymalaya-pro-review/

 

[Brain Damage]

Hi. I have an EF400 with Hifiman HE6SEV2 and really like the combo. But now i want to try an upgrade. Was thinking in two options:
-Go for the EF400 Gold r2r modules
-Go for Singxer SA-1 or Aune S17 Pro

Has anyone heard the EF400 with the silver or gold modules? Any imputs about the differences vs stock?

Thank you all

Nice to meet someone else who is contemplating a Singxer SA-1 as a pairing with EF400. This is what I have been looking at for a few months now. I have watched countless YouTube reviews of the SA-1, but have yet to discover any articles or reviews that specifically pair it with the DAC of the EF400.

Also contemplating the RNHP to pair with the EF400. Does anyone have experience of this synergy?

 

[Olenka]

Is it normal for the EF400 to hum/buzz while on? I am speaking about the unit itself, there are no issues with the sound when listening to the unit but as soon I turn it on I hear a constant buzzing/humming coming from it.

This is actually my 2nd EF400 and the last one buzzed while on as well but I think it was slightly less than 2nd one. (didn't have any faults with the unit, returned because it went on sale after I bought it)

My voltage selector is set correctly, it is plugged into a surge protector but plugging it directly into the wall doesn't change anything.

Wondering if everyone else's does this as well. Thanks folks!

The same issue. Even a special audio power filter doesn't help

 

[ProAcTivo]

Nice to meet someone else who is contemplating a Singxer SA-1 as a pairing with EF400. This is what I have been looking at for a few months now. I have watched countless YouTube reviews of the SA-1, but have yet to discover any articles or reviews that specifically pair it with the DAC of the EF400.

Also contemplating the RNHP to pair with the EF400. Does anyone have experience of this synergy?

There is a reviewer on youtube that says that the Singxer SA-1 with the EF400 as a dac is better thant the EF400 alone. At least he likes it more with the SA-1 as a Amp vs the amp on the EF400. My doubt is the 500euros needed for the upgrade that is much higher than the money i gave for the EF400 itself. But an interesting path of upgrade could be:
Upgrade the EF400 with Silver Pro chips (150usd) and get the SA-1.
The level above could be the Serenade or even the EF400 with gold chips and something like the Aune S17 Pro..So many options..

 

[Hyde00]

Also contemplating the RNHP to pair with the EF400. Does anyone have experience of this synergy?

I'm currently owning an EF400 and is also eyeing the RNHP.

If I ever get to it I'll let you know.