HiFiMAN EF499: Entry-level DAC and headphone amplifier

HiFiMAN is known mainly for its on-ear planar headphones such as the Sundara and Arya . They have released several desktop amps in the past, such as the EF600. Now HiFiMAN is expanding this line with two new devices: EF500 and EF499. These DACs/amplifiers are entry-level products: the EF500 costs $459 and the EF499 costs $299.

HiFiMAN EF499​

The HiFiMAN EF499 offers the same benefits as the EF500 , but features the familiar Philips R2R DAC architecture, known for its naturally warm, full-range sound and the company’s signature audio tuning.

Features of HiFiMAN EF499:

• 3.5mm single-ended headphone output
• Volume control
• XLR 4-pin balanced headphone outputs
• Single-ended RCA outputs
• Inputs
  • USB-C
  • Coaxial
  • USB-B
  • Coaxial/Network+USB function switch
• THD+N (line out): 0.008%（0dB)
• Channel Separation: 95±3dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 99 dB (A-weighted, AP Open Loop test)
• Maximum Output Power: 4.35 WPC@32Ω balanced / 1.28 WPC@32Ω unbalanced