Today, our Hifiman EF499 Review will feature one of the latest DAC/AMPs from Hifiman. It is the more budget-friendly sibling of the EF500 that also works with streaming platforms.
This DAC/AMP uses the R2R technology instead of the Hymalaya architecture designed by Hifiman. Will it deliver high-quality audio like its siblings? Find out as we discuss more details about this product in our Hifiman EF499 Review.
Hifiman EF499 Review – Design and Functionality
The EF499 has a vertical form factor that doubles as a headphone stand. You can also remove the screws to set it up in a horizontal orientation. We appreciate its versatility since it keeps our desk setup organised and visually appealing.
This budget-friendly model swaps out the metallic front panel of the EF500 with a reflective black acrylic plate. It has a clear pane that forms stunning reflections when light hits it. Plus, it has copper knobs that add to its luxurious aesthetic, which is rare for products in its price range.
It is a heavy DAC/AMP, weighing 3.3kg, making it sturdy when placed on the desk. The dampening also reduces vibrations while offering enhanced chipset performance.
The build quality is one of the things we want to highlight in our Hifiman EF499 Review. Aside from premium looks, it has a robust chassis like the EF500 and feels durable enough to withstand regular use.
R2R DAC Technology
Unlike the EF500 equipped with the Hymalaya R2R LE DAC, the EF499 uses the Philips R2R DAC. It is an impressive feature since Hifiman integrated the R2R tech into a desktop design while keeping the price low.
The feature only displays the company’s dedication to offering top-quality advanced technology in a stylishly affordable package.
Functionality
We took note of its functionality while writing our Hifiman EF499 Review. Doing so lets us see how the company smoothly integrates quality elements into its design.
The front panel features two stylish copper knobs. One is for volume control, while the other is for toggling gain and oversampling settings.
Above the knobs are four indicator lights providing straightforward visual feedback on the selected mode. These include low gain, high gain, oversampling, and non-oversampling.
This DAC/amp accommodates a variety of audio setups and features a unique R2R label for easy identification. Below the knobs, you will find a 6.35mm connector and balanced 4-pin inputs.
The rear panel features numerous I/O ports, including balanced XLR, single-ended RCA outputs and a coaxial input. Plus, it has an Ethernet connector for lossless streaming. You will also find a USB-C port, a USB-B port, a power connector, and an on/off switch.
This DAC/AMP is user-friendly, thanks to its labelled ports and controls.
Key Features of the Hifiman EF499
Our Hifiman EF499 Review will discuss all the primary features of this DAC/AMP. These details will help you determine if this product meets your audio needs.
Supports Streaming
The EF499 provides the pure sound of a Hifiman R2R DAC and up to 4.35W power. Also, it has an Ethernet connection for lossless streaming from mobile devices or a NAS.
R2R Architecture
The EF499 uses an R2R chipset based on the Hymalaya R2R. As a result, it delivers a similar reference sound.
OS and NOS Modes
Like its siblings under the same lineup, the EF499 has high and low gain options for amplifier output. Plus, you can toggle between oversampling and non-oversampling DAC processing options. With this DAC/AMP, you can optimise the sound based on your preferences.
Desktop Versatility
One of the things we enjoyed while testing this product for our Hifiman EF499 Review was its versatility. With its connectivity options, this DAC/AMP works with different devices. You can connect via USB-A, USB-C, or digital coax,\ and output to RCA or XLR.
Hands-on with the Hifiman EF499
During our extensive testing of the Hifiman EF499 for this review, we found ourselves genuinely impressed with its performance across various audio scenarios. From the moment we started using it, the EF499 demonstrated a significant impact on our listening experience, elevating the overall sound quality.
One of the most noticeable aspects was its balanced sound signature, which ensured that each listening session was not only enjoyable but also consistently satisfying regardless of the music genre.
The balance allowed for an even distribution of frequencies, ensuring that no single range overpowered the others, creating a harmonious audio experience.
When it comes to the low-end frequencies, the EF499 offers a neutral presentation that strikes the perfect balance between punch and subtlety. The bass is present and impactful without being overbearing, providing just the right amount of depth and weight.
We noticed that the oversampling mode slightly optimized the sub-bass rumble, which added an extra layer of deepness to lower frequencies. This enhancement was particularly appreciated when listening to bass-heavy tracks, as it brought out the lower registers without distorting the overall sound profile.
The midrange and highs also stood out during our testing. The EF499’s neutral audio with a subtle hint of warmth allowed vocals to shine through with clarity and transparency. Vocals were crisp, clear, and free from any muddiness, which is essential for vocal-centric music.
The instruments, meanwhile, retained their full power and liveliness, adding richness to the sound. This made for an immersive listening experience regardless of the genre, whether it was classical, rock, or jazz. The DAC/AMP faithfully reproduced the instruments, giving them a lifelike quality that enhanced the overall musical presentation.
In addition to its balanced frequency response, the EF499 excelled in providing airy and clean-sounding reproduction with remarkable detail and resolution. Every note, whether from instruments or vocals, sounded rich, alive, and distinctly separated.
The level of detail offered by this DAC/AMP is truly exceptional, allowing you to hear subtle nuances that might be missed with other audio equipment. During our testing, we found the natural and solid sonic experience offered by the EF499 to be one of its most compelling features.
Expansive Soundstage
The soundstage of the EF499 was another element that immediately captivated us. We used this DAC/AMP with several high-end headphones, and each time, we were amazed by the wide and balanced soundstage it produced.
The soundstage provided a sense of depth and space that made the music feel more immersive, as if we were in the center of the performance. The vertical dimension in its sound presentation enhanced this sense of depth, allowing us to hear instruments and vocals in a layered, three-dimensional sound field.
This effect became even more pronounced when using different headphone models, demonstrating the versatility of the EF499. The soundstage had a broad feel, with the less precise imaging contributing to the perception of greater width.
Despite this, the focus on the midrange was clear, with bright treble tuning adding nuances that further expanded the listening experience. We were particularly impressed by how the EF499 managed to maintain a strong bass presence without allowing it to overpower the vocals.
This balance between rich bass and clear vocals is rare and noteworthy for a product in this price range.
OS and NOS Modes
One of the standout features of the Hifiman EF499 is its ability to toggle between OS (oversampling) and NOS (non-oversampling) modes, as well as offering high and low gain options. This flexibility allowed us to adjust the settings based on the music we were listening to and the headphones we used, tailoring the sound to our specific preferences.
We found this level of customization to be a valuable addition, as it gave us control over how the audio was processed.
The OS mode provided a more refined and textured sound, offering enhanced resolution and more pronounced details. It felt more analytical, bringing out finer elements in the music while maintaining a polished and cohesive sound signature.
On the other hand, the NOS mode had a more organic and relaxed feel, offering a smoother and more natural listening experience. This mode was particularly enjoyable for casual listening, as it provided a more laid-back and less processed sound.
The Philips R2R implementation in the EF499 also impressed us. It delivered excellent vocal separation and maintained a high level of resolution, ensuring that each element of the audio was distinct and clear. Dynamics were preserved exceptionally well, with no excessive smoothing of the sound, even in NOS mode.
While the NOS mode provided a more unaltered and realistic sound, the OS mode gave the audio a heightened sense of resolution, making it more engaging for critical listening.
The Hifiman EF499 demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality audio across a wide range of music genres and listening preferences. Whether in OS or NOS mode, this DAC/AMP provided a tailored listening experience that allowed us to appreciate the full range of our music collection.
Hifiman EF499 Review Summary
The Hifiman EF499 stands out as a budget-friendly yet high-performing DAC/AMP. With its versatile design, premium build, and impressive R2R technology, it offers exceptional value for audiophiles.
The device’s sound quality is remarkable, delivering a balanced and immersive audio experience with rich detail and depth. The addition of OS and NOS modes, along with streaming capabilities, further enhances its appeal, providing flexibility for various listening preferences and setups.
Overall, the EF499 strikes a perfect balance between affordability, aesthetics, and performance, making it a solid choice for those seeking high-quality audio without breaking the bank.
