HIFIMAN is back with a brand new model, the EF400, using all the best of the latest technologies developed and more particularly the brand’s R2R Himalaya DAC module. The EF400 is a modern DAC and headphone amplifier combo, compact in size but with incredible sound performance.

The four-channel differential structure integrates a DAC, a buffer and an active filter and efficiently accompanies the balanced outputs of the device while offering excellent audio quality.
The amplifier circuit, also composed of four differential channels, allows it to reach an impressive output level of 10.7Vrms (THD < 1%) at a 36Ω load.

The case is matte black with a brushed aluminium face. Starting at the inputs, the rear panel has 2 USB digital inputs along with an RCA and XLR analogue outputs so the EF400 will operate as a USB DAC/Amp or as a pure headphone amplifier. You can connect an external phono preamp or CD player to the EF400 through either one of these inputs.

The front face has 6.35mm and 3.5mm single-ended outputs along with 4.4mm and XLR balanced outputs bracketed by the gain/oversampling selector knob on the left. The volume dial is placed on the right side of the front panel.

The DAC’s output is fed to a class A/B amplifier; this allows the EF400 to have as much output power as the EF6 at a much more competitive price. By using a buffer, followed by an active filter, the output is both potent and clean with an SNR of +118dB and a THD+N of 0.004%.

The 4.4 watts of output power (on the balanced outputs) gives the EF400 the ability to power even the difficult HiFiMAN HE6 with ease. The EF400 offers two gain levels making it easy to use with less demanding headphones or really hard-to-drive planar and dynamic headphones.

Features

In the Box