Hifiman
HiFiMAN EF499 Headphone Amp/DAC
Experience unparalleled audio clarity with the Hifiman EF499, a desktop headphone amplifier and DAC combo designed for audiophiles. This unit delivers exceptional clarity, depth, and power, handling high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz. Its advanced amplification system effortlessly drives various headphones with precision. The EF499 features a robust build with a sleek aesthetic, housing premium components for true-to-recording sound. It offers multiple input options including USB, optical, and coaxial, intuitive front panel controls, and a high-quality display. The fully balanced circuit design minimizes noise for a cleaner soundstage, and it includes preamp functionality for seamless integration into larger audio systems.
$260.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
581
/ 807
#581 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-81%
Below average
Max Power Output (balanced)
4.3532
/ W/Channel @ Ohms
Who it's for
- Authentic R2R Sound Signature
- Robust Driving Power
- Excellent Feature Set and Connectivity
Who should skip it
- Large Desktop Footprint
- Significant Heat Generation
- Basic and Unrefined Aesthetics
Key Specs
Max Power Output (balanced)
4.35W/Channel @ 32 Ohms
Max Power Output (unbalanced)
1.28W/Channel @ 32 Ohms
THD+N
0.00008%
Channel Separation (±3dB)
95dB
SNR
99dB
Inputs
USB-C, USB-A, Coaxial, Optical, Ethernet
Outputs
6.35mm Headphone Jack, XLR 4-pin Headphone, XLR, RCA
Dimensions
H 9" x W 3.1" x D 8.8" (H 229mm x W 80mm x D 223mm)
Features
- Exceptional audio clarity, depth, and power
- Drives a wide range of headphones
- Sleek and modern aesthetic
- Intuitive controls and high-quality display
- Minimizes noise for a cleaner soundstage
- Seamless integration into home audio systems
- High-fidelity sound reproduction
- Convenient streaming via Ethernet
What customers say
The HiFiMAN EF499 earns high praise primarily for its exceptional sound quality and driving power. Users consistently report detailed, transparent audio with an expansive soundstage that elevates recordings. A key strength is its effortless ability to power diverse headphones, from sensitive in ears to demanding planar magnetics, all while maintaining clean output from the integrated DAC. This combination of high performance in a single, compact unit simplifies desktop audio setups significantly. While the build is solid, minor aesthetic refinements have been noted by some. Overall, the EF499 is celebrated as a musically engaging device offering compelling value for serious headphone listening.
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$260