Hifiman EF600

Headphone Amplifier and DAC Hifiman EF600

The Hifiman EF600 is a tower-format headphone amplifier, designed to save space on a desk while also serving as a stand for the headphones. Its brushed silver aluminum casing gives it an elegant and modern appearance.

R2R Himalaya Pro Digital-to-Analog Conversion

Unlike most DACs that use delta-sigma conversion chips, the EF600 adopts R2R ladder conversion. This method uses a network of high-precision resistors for clear and lively musical reproduction. Thanks to a new algorithm and 0.01% precision resistors, the total harmonic distortion rate reaches -60 dB 2%. In other words, distortion is significantly reduced, offering a distraction-free listening experience.

Powerful and Versatile Amplification

The EF600’s amplification stage can deliver up to 5.12 W per channel at 32 Ω in balanced mode (or 1.8 W in unbalanced mode). This provides all the power needed to drive most headphones, including the most demanding high-impedance models.

HD Bluetooth Reception

In addition to its wired inputs, the Hifiman EF600 features a Bluetooth receiver. This allows wireless connection to sources like a smartphone or tablet, benefiting from high-resolution transmission codecs aptX HD and LDAC for precise sound quality. SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs are also supported.

Reference Sound Signature

The Hifiman EF600 stands out with a reference-type sound signature, offering a natural and expansive soundstage. Its holographic rendering of the stereo image is impressive, with clear separation of instruments and vocals.

Compared to the excellent Hifiman EF400, the EF600 gains in power, dynamics, and resolution. It retains the slight warmth of the midrange and the brilliance of the highs from its predecessor, while maintaining good control and neutrality.

In summary, the main strengths of the Hifiman EF600

• Dual R2R Himalaya Pro DAC for natural and realistic sound
• Powerful 5 W per channel amplification, suitable for most headphones
• Complete connectivity in balanced and unbalanced, input and output
• aptX HD and LDAC Bluetooth reception for high-quality wireless listening
• Reference sound signature with excellent holographic stereo imaging

Technical Specifications

Audio Performance

• Dual R2R Himalaya Pro digital-to-analog converter (DAC) (up to 24-bit) for realistic and natural sound
• Two selectable digital filter modes
• PCM decoding up to 24-bit / 768 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 118 dB
• Crosstalk: 131 dB ± 3 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (line output): 0.0014% (-8 dB)

Power

• 5 W per channel amplification stage
• Output power:
  • Balanced: 2 × 5.12 W at 32 Ω
  • Unbalanced: 2 × 1.8 W at 32 Ω

Connectivity

• Inputs:
  • Balanced stereo XLR
  • Coaxial S/PDIF
  • Unbalanced stereo RCA
  • USB-C
  • USB-B
• Headphone outputs:
  • 6.35 mm unbalanced jack
  • 4-pin balanced XLR
• Line outputs:
  • Balanced stereo XLR
  • Unbalanced stereo RCA

Wireless Connectivity

• Bluetooth 5.0
• Codecs: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 104 mm × 165 mm × 283 mm
• Weight: 3 kg