BELLMORE, NY, February 6, 2024 –HIFIMAN, the leader in high fidelity personal audio, today introduces two additions to its growing lineup of high-performance desktop headphone DAC/amplifiers: EF500 and EF499.

Both the EF500 and EF499 (SRP: US$ 459 and US$ 299, respectively) bring true audiophile-grade performance to sleek, slender designs that provide powerful output while requiring minimal space on a desk or tabletop.

The EF500 and EF499 feature industrial designs that are not only aesthetically appealing, but also serve as headphone stands, reducing desktop clutter. Included are fully balanced input/output connections, a Coaxial/NET+USB function switch, an independent power supply, and a thermal optimized tower case.

“The success of our reference desktop DAC/amplifiers is proof that music lovers are hungry to invest in gear that has a demonstrably positive effect on the listening experience” says Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “With our new models, we are able to extend the benefits of these products to moderately priced models that put the sonic attributes of our sonic signature within reach of more headphone fans than ever before.”

The EF500 desktop DAC/amplifier features HIFIMAN’s Hymalaya LE ladder DAC, consisting of an array of highly accurate resistors that use a “ladder” method of conversion. This approach converts the digital signal with maximum accuracy and overall musicality. Signal-to-noise ratio, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are at their musical and efficient best.

A highlight of the EF500 is HIFIMAN’s Hymalaya LE R2R DAC, which provides unsurpassed sonic output, especially when compared to the more commonplace PCM1704k module. The Hymalaya LE, with the added support of a new algorithm and 0.01% precision resistors, reaches a THD (total harmonic distortion) rate of 0.0025% (-8dB), with distortion reduced to a previously unheard of low with no audible distractions.

The EF499 offers similar benefits as the EF500, but with the familiar Philips R2R DAC architecture known for its naturally warm, full range sonics and the company’s signature sonic tuning.

Both the EF500 and EF499 will be available in February from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and the company’s online store, http://store.hifiman.com/. For additional information, visit https://hifiman.com.

SPECIFICATIONS

EF500

•  6.35mm Single-ended Headphone Output
• Volume Control
• XLR 4-Pin Balanced Headphone Outputs
• RCA Single-ended Outputs
• Inputs: USB-C, Coaxial, USB-B
• Coaxial/Net+USB Function Switch
• THD+N (Line out): 0.0025% (-8dB)
• Channel Separation: 131±3dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 117dB (A Weighted)
• Maximum Power Output: 4.5 WPC@32Ω balanced/1.32 WPC@32Ω unbalanced

EF499

• 6.35mm Single-ended Headphone Output
• Volume Control
• XLR 4-Pin Balanced Headphone Outputs
• RCA Single-ended Outputs
• Inputs: USB-C, Coaxial, USB-B
• Coaxial/Net+USB Function Switch
• THD+N (Line out): 0.008%（0dB)
• Channel Separation: 95±3dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 99dB (A Weighted, AP Open Loop Test)
• Maximum Power Output: 4.35 WPC@32Ω balanced/1.28 WPC@32Ω unbalanced

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About HIFIMAN
HIFIMAN was founded by Dr. Fang Bian in 2007 and, two years later, introduced the acclaimed HM-801, the first digital audio player to feature true audiophile-grade performance from a pocket-size form factor. Since then, HIFIMAN, under Dr. Bian’s guidance, has developed an extensive selection of no-holds-barred headphones, digital audio players, and headphone amplifiers that are consistently recognized as the best in class, offering performance that belies their price point, no matter the cost.

For additional information, visit https://hifiman.com/.

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