From portable players to various types of headphones, HIFIMAN has explored all products related to headphones and the audio field. However, the refresh rate for standalone amplifiers like this has been relatively slow.
Recently, HIFIMAN launched its self-developed DAC plan – HYMALAYA. Many people noticed that on the day of the press conference, a desktop headphone amplifier product equipped with the self-developed DAC was already showcased. Unexpectedly, HIFIMAN also created a compact decoding amplifier product for desktop and lightweight headphone users, which is the star of this article, the EF400.
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Self-developed “Himalaya” R2R DAC
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3.5/4.4/6.3/XLR full interfaces
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Compact size suitable for desktop placement
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Total Harmonic Distortion (Line Output) THD+N: Between 0.002% and 0.004%
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Channel Separation: 125+/-3 dB
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 118+/-3 dB (A-weighted)
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Maximum Output Power: 4.4W per channel
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Size: 246.5mm (depth) × 228mm (width) × 61mm (height)
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Weight: Approximately 3.08kg
The original packaging uses environmentally friendly cardboard, which is simple yet attractive.
The internal warranty information is printed on a black box, which contains a power cable.
In terms of appearance, the EF400 features HIFIMAN’s signature metal style, with a symmetrical design that combines straight lines and round knob interfaces, using a black and silver color scheme for a refined look.
Born for Modern Headphone Users
In the current pandemic normalization, many new headphone users require desktop devices that not only provide good sound quality but are also compact enough to fit on a computer desk; they need all types of headphone interfaces, both balanced and unbalanced, to be available, and all headphones should be able to be powered by a single device.
HIFIMAN has met all these requirements. When I saw the EF400, I found that its size is even smaller than the Xbox One X gaming console, leaving some space on the desk for a docking station. Looking closely at the front, the 6.35/3.5/4.4/XLR mainstream headphone interfaces are neatly arranged, making it completely feasible for both in-ear and over-ear headphone users to rely on the EF400 for amplification.
Looking at the back of the device, we find familiar XLR and RCA outputs, while the inputs offer both USB-C and USB-B interfaces.
We can also use the balanced output on the back to connect monitor speakers, allowing users who want to build a desktop headphone system or near-field monitoring setup to do so with a single device.
Some may wonder why mainstream interfaces like optical and coaxial were not included. In fact, due to transmission specification limits (the mainstream uses DoP to transmit high-format files), and many headphone users prefer the simplicity and convenience of USB connections, HIFIMAN likely decided to “cut down” and only retain USB input.
Passing Down the Classics
Some headphone users may not be aware that HIFIMAN, which has been active in portable players and headphone products, also has technology in desktop amplifiers. Rest assured, just do a little search and you will find that the past combination of HIFIMAN HE6 and EF6, known as the “66 combination,” not only gained support from many headphone users in the domestic market but also gained fame overseas, becoming one of HIFIMAN’s representative works.
For the EF400 decoding amplifier, HIFIMAN also utilized the R&D experience from these flagship models, such as using oxygen-free copper shockproof encapsulated toroidal transformers and developing high-current amplification circuits, to create a solid foundation for driving headphones of various impedances and sensitivities. The decoding section is naturally custom-developed for the EF400, featuring the desktop version of the Himalaya R2R decoding chip.
First, let’s listen to Adele’s album “30”, specifically the track “Easy on Me”. We tested the difference between using over-ear headphones and in-ear monitors. When listening with the Edition XS over-ear headphones, we can notice a more spacious soundstage, with each instrument’s position and timbre clearly and harmoniously blended together. The bass is naturally relaxed, and the piano solo has a powerful presence. Adele’s voice is deep but not heavy, and the details in the piano accompaniment during the final solo are more pronounced than before. Meanwhile, we also found that even when streaming Hi-Res ALAC files, the delicacy and dynamics of the sound remain well-preserved through the R2R decoding chip.
It is worth mentioning that HIFIMAN has specially added R2R DAC NOS for the EF400, allowing users to select the “Low Gain NOS” setting on the gain knob at the front to use. Regarding R2R NOS, this is a mode previously exclusive to R2R devices, relying solely on R2R NOS to complete all digital-to-analog conversion work, showcasing the purest tonal effects of the R2R architecture. It was only later, due to lossless CD, HiRes, and other higher specifications, that R2R OS had to be employed for digital-to-analog conversion. You could say that if you want to experience the original R2R sound in modern products, the HIFIMAN EF400 is likely the only machine that can achieve that.
Next, let’s listen to the “Bach: Solo Violin Works” album, which features close-mic recording that intentionally avoids excessive reverb to create a clean sound line. If the audio system is slightly unbalanced, the violin can sound harsh and electronic. Using the EF400 for decoding and amplification allows for a massive sound image while maintaining distinct contours; the music scene is vivid, with the violin moving between the left and right channels, and the sound’s shape fluctuating with the volume changes.
Easy Connections, Enjoy Beautiful Sound
Due to the EF400 offering two specifications of USB interfaces, it can be easily connected to various devices such as digital players, mobile phones, tablets, and computers. However, for stable signal transmission, I still recommend using a computer to connect to the EF400, as this ensures a superior listening experience whether playing local files or streaming music.
In addition to connecting to a personal laptop, the most direct and convenient method is to use a USB Type-C cable to connect to a mobile phone. With the mobile phone’s maximum 5G transmission speed and the ability to install any streaming platform, playing streaming music feels seamless.
In terms of sound, the EF400 continues HIFIMAN’s consistent tuning style, which is delicate and smooth. Finally, when listening to the “Interstellar” movie soundtrack, this album is recorded with more embellishments to suit the film’s scenes, showcasing a massive and deep low-frequency performance with some added effects.
However, what makes this album captivating is its good sense of scale in music. When paired with a good decoder and amplifier, you can feel a faster tempo, a quieter background, a more cohesive musical form, and an appropriate sense of grandeur. In several sections of the music, we can hear a massive and realistic momentum, but the delicacy is enhanced, and the background is darker, indicating that “Interstellar” has a very high recording standard, reproducing music that is both beautiful and realistic.
Due to the slightly lower output efficiency of the R2R NOS mode, if you want to experience a richer and more emotionally colored sound, I recommend pairing it with in-ear headphones. Conversely, for listening to dynamic and grand classical music works with over-ear headphones, it’s best to select the medium gain setting for amplification. The EF400 can easily showcase clear details and an expansive soundstage, making it suitable for listening to vocals, jazz, rock, and classical recordings with over-ear headphones.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, for those looking to master a desktop headphone system, the HIFIMAN EF400 decoding amplifier is worth trying. With its self-developed R2R decoding chip and a complete set of headphone input/output interfaces, once connected, headphone users can enjoy a high-quality listening experience. If you are a new headphone user without any headphones, I also recommend getting HIFIMAN’s headphones to build a complete HIFIMAN “suit” setup for an immediate delightful listening experience.
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