New DAC/Amplifier Features HIMALAYA R2R Architecture for Next-Level Sonic Output

HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier Figure 1

BELLMORE, NY, February 23, 2022 – HIFIMAN, the leader in high fidelity personal audio, is now taking orders for the EF400 desktop DAC/amplifier, the company’s first new desktop model in 10 years.

Designed as both an homage to the acclaimed EF6 and a statement of modern audio technology, the fully balanced EF400 (SRP: $599) features the company’s new low-energy, high sampling HIMALAYA R2R DAC, which features 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.

HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier Figure 2

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“Thanks to its musicality to power handling that drives the lowest efficiency headphones, the EF6 is one of our most beloved amplifiers, making it a tough act to follow,” said Dr. Fang Bian, President, and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “But the EF400 is up to the challenge, with sonics and power output that are in the same league as its predecessor, but at a significantly lower price.”

HIFIMAN placed equal emphasis on performance, flexibility, and convenience when developing the EF400 DAC/amplifier. The fully balanced four-channel differential structure features the company’s world-class HIMALAYA DAC module, which supports the common PCM signal transmitted by the most common IIS (Integrated Interface of Sound) audio interface, with a maximum 24Bit resolution. When combined with a buffer, active filter and Class AB amplifier that offers the fidelity of a Class A design and efficiency of Class B architecture, the HIMALAYA DAC raises the bar for desktop DAC/amplifier performance under $600.

HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier Figure 3

The compact physical dimensions of the EF400 contradict its substantial output. Measuring 9.5” D x 9” W x 2.5” H, the EF400 requires the bare minimum of desktop or rack space. The front panel includes four balanced outputs – 6.35mm single-ended, 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, XLR four-pin balanced – in addition to a four-level function switch and volume control. The rear input panel includes jacks for RCA, USB-B, and USB-C source connectors, in addition to dual (L/R) XLR three-pin full balanced line outputs, a rarity in products at this price point.

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Signal-to-noise ratio is measured at 118+/-3dB, channel separation is 125+/-3dB, and THD+N (line out) is between 0.002% and 0.004%.

HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier Figure 4

Maximum power output is extraordinarily robust at 4.4 WPC (watts per channel), giving the EF400 the power to drive the majority of low-efficiency planar headphones, including HIFIMAN Electronics’ flagship model, Susvara.

HIFIMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amplifier Figure 5

The EF400 DAC/amplifier will be available in March at a suggested retail price of $599. It will be available from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and the company’s online store, https://store.hifiman.com/.

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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.