We are happy that Hifiman finally recognises the essence of streaming platforms like Spotify. With that, the company released two products tailored for streaming: the EF499 and EF500. Today, our Hifiman EF500 Review will feature the latter, the flagship model between these two products.
Although the two products share similar features, the EF500 outshines its more budget-friendly sibling. What makes it a high-quality DAC/AMP for streaming? Our Hifiman EF500 Review will discuss all the essential details about this product.
Hifiman EF500 Review – Design and Functionality
EF500 has an architecture similar to the EF600, but these two products use different chipsets. It is one of the primary highlights we must discuss in our Hifiman EF500 Review.
The EF500 equips the Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, a chipset designed in-house by Hifiman. Its maximum decoding rate is PCM 24BIT/768kHz and DSD64. It takes the design of the flagship EF1000DAC with four Hymalaya Pro R2R chips.
The Hymalaya LE R2R DAC acts as the powerhouse of the EF500 for signal processing. It intricately distributes power through multiple resistors. The company refers to this power distribution as the ladder method.
With the ladder method, the EF500 maintains the precision and fidelity of digital signals. As a result, it delivers unparalleled audio quality.
Aside from the chipset, another difference in the EF500 is the THD performance range from 0.0017% to 0.0028%.
Build and Appearance of the Hifiman EF500
The EF500 features a robust and premium-looking build like the EF600. It has adequate weight to keep it stable on any desktop surface. Also, its solid chassis has a bolted front plate to reinforce structural integrity.
Although each component looks highly durable, these do not compromise elegance. When we examined the product while writing our Hifiman EF500 Review, we noticed its classic design suits any aesthetic. It was also easy to integrate with our setup since the
Like the EF600, the EF500 also has a vertical design, allowing it to double as a headphone stand. The only difference is you can position it horizontally when you unscrew the stand, making it more flexible.
Controls and Connectivity Options
The front panel has a few controls, including a volume knob and a dedicated OS/NOS knob. The latter lets you toggle between high and low gain settings with four oversampling options for versatility. OS mode enhances dynamics and transients, while NOS mode delivers unaltered and organic audio presentation.
The versatile connectivity options are some of the features worth highlighting in our Hifiman EF500 Review. In front are two headphone outputs. One is a 6.35mm connector, while the other is a 4-pin balanced XLR.
The rear panel of the EF500 features balanced XLR outs, RCA outs, coaxial, and an Ethernet port for streaming. It is a versatile DAC/AMP that works for various audio setups.
You can use the EF500 as a Roon Bridge to stream content from a Roon Core device. Also, you can connect the DAC/AMP to your home network and use it as an output device for the Roon Core. When doing the latter, switch to NET+USB at the back.
Aside from using a Roon Core device, the EF500 lets you use audio playback applications on your NAS. You only need to connect it to the same network and select the NAS as your playback device. Music libraries and online radio stations play smoothly on the EF500, allowing you to enjoy enhanced audio conveniently.
Playing audio content via Airplay also works with the EF500, which is excellent for Apple Music and Mac users. Moreover, it can work as an output device for streaming services like Spotify, Sony Select, QQ Music, etc.
Key Features of the Hifiman EF500
Before purchasing this DAC/AMP, check this list we made in our Hifiman EF500 Review. These features make this DAC/AMP a high-quality product for enhanced listening experiences.
DAC/AMP With Streaming Capabilities
The EF500 delivers 4.5W power output and the pure sound of the Hymalaya LE R2R DAC. It also has an Ethernet connection for lossless streaming, whether you use your NAS or a mobile device.
NOS and OS Modes
The amplifier output of the EF500 has high and low gain options. Plus, you can choose from Non-oversampling (NOS) or Oversampling (OS) processing options to optimise your audio.
Lower Noise and Distortion
Enjoy lower distortion and noise with less power consumption with the Hymalaya LE R2R DAC. This chipset received Japan’s 2022 VGP Gold Technology Award, guaranteeing excellent audio quality for the EF500.
Desktop Versatility
The EF500 features standard connectors, including USB-A, USB-C or digital coax, allowing you to connect it to multiple devices. Also, the RCA and XLR outs work with external headphone amps or a power amp.
Hands-on with the Hifiman EF500
We spent several hours testing the Hifiman EF500 DAC/AMP to thoroughly understand its capabilities, and we were consistently impressed with its performance. From the moment we started using it, the EF500 stood out for its ability to deliver highly detailed and nuanced audio responses across a variety of headphone models, showcasing its versatility.
One of the first things that caught our attention was the EF500’s ability to drive a wide range of headphones effortlessly. Whether we paired it with high-impedance models or more efficient planar magnetic headphones, the EF500 adapted beautifully, delivering a consistently high-quality listening experience. The range of outputs, combined with the flexibility to toggle between different gain levels and oversampling modes, made it incredibly versatile for various listening preferences.
The EF500 provided ample energy to drive even more demanding headphones, producing solid and impactful bass that resonated deeply without losing control. The lows were well-defined and powerful, while the mids and highs maintained their clarity and balance. This power and clarity were evident regardless of the headphones we used, allowing for a highly immersive listening experience.
A major highlight of the EF500 is its use of the in-house Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, which is known for its precise and high-quality signal processing. Thanks to this R2R structure, the tuning of the EF500 followed an M-shaped sound signature, offering a rich and energized treble while providing excellent vocal and midrange presence. This tuning created a well-rounded and balanced sound profile that worked exceptionally well with fast planar headphones, where the EF500 breathed new life into the music. The audio felt more dynamic, with a liveliness that enhanced the overall listening experience.
Planar headphones, which are often known for their detailed mids and treble but sometimes lack punch in the bass, benefitted greatly from the EF500’s balanced output. The DAC/AMP injected a sense of vibrancy and excitement into the music, making it a perfect match for those who appreciate fast, detailed sound with a lively character.
One of the key features we explored during our time with the EF500 was its ability to switch between OS (Oversampling) and NOS (Non-Oversampling) modes, and this added an extra layer of versatility to the device. The ability to toggle between these two modes allowed us to adapt the sound to different genres of music, headphones, and even moods.
- NOS Mode: In NOS mode, the EF500 delivered an exceptionally smooth and natural sound, making it ideal for those who prefer an uncolored, organic audio presentation. The vocals were rich and lifelike, with a smoothness that was particularly enjoyable on acoustic tracks and vocal-heavy music. Guitar tones were engaging and full of texture, with a warm, inviting quality that made instruments sound as though they were right in the room. The bass also felt punchy and textured, giving plenty of depth to drum kicks and acoustic instruments, while still maintaining a clear and open soundstage.
- OS Mode: When we switched to OS mode, the EF500’s sound became more energetic, with enhanced dynamics and greater transient response. The mode sharpened the focus on individual notes, giving music more punch and clarity. In this mode, the mid-lows became slightly more prominent, but they never overwhelmed the mids or sub-bass. This added weight made electronic music and fast-paced genres come alive, while still preserving the intricate details of the audio. The soundstage remained open and clear, making it easy to discern individual instruments even in more complex tracks.
The ability to switch between these modes effortlessly, using a simple knob on the front panel, made it easy to adjust the sound to suit different listening needs without having to delve into complex menus or settings. This feature, combined with the ability to switch gain levels, ensured that the EF500 could handle any type of headphone or audio content with ease.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the EF500 was its user-friendly design. The front panel controls, including the knob for switching between OS and NOS modes, allowed for seamless adjustments without disrupting the listening experience. Being able to quickly toggle between modes and gain levels based on the type of music we were listening to or the headphones we were using made the EF500 a highly practical device. This ease of use is especially valuable for users who frequently switch between different types of content or headphones.
The Hifiman EF500 exceeded our expectations in terms of sound quality, versatility, and ease of use. Its ability to adapt to various headphones, combined with the powerful performance delivered by the Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, made it a standout product in its category. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for the ultimate listening experience or someone who enjoys streaming high-quality audio content, the EF500 delivers on all fronts. The OS and NOS modes, along with the balanced 4.5W output, ensured that every genre of music we tested sounded engaging and full of life.
The EF500 is a highly impressive DAC/AMP that caters to a wide range of users, offering the flexibility and sound quality needed to elevate any listening experience. Whether you’re fine-tuning your audio for precision or enjoying the rich, organic presentation of NOS mode, this device truly delivers on its promise of superior performance.
Hifiman EF500 Review Summary
The Hifiman EF500 is a standout product that offers exceptional versatility, performance, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for both audiophiles and streaming enthusiasts alike.
The EF500’s sleek and robust design, combined with its in-house Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, ensures superior audio fidelity and precision.
It caters to users who demand high-quality sound, whether they are listening to music, watching movies, or using streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Roon.
The Hifiman EF500 is a feature-rich DAC/AMP that excels in delivering high-quality audio for streaming and personal listening. Its premium build, flexible connectivity, and customizable sound modes make it a must-have for anyone seeking an immersive and engaging listening experience.
Whether you’re using it for lossless streaming, critical listening, or simply enjoying your favorite tracks, the EF500 is designed to meet and exceed expectations, offering a level of performance that justifies its flagship status in the Hifiman product lineup.
