HiFiMan EF400 DAC/Headphone Amplifier Review - There is MAGIC in this box!

[@AnarchistSupreme]

Have had this on my desk for a little over a month paired with the Ananda. Pretty much endgame headphone setup for me at this point.

[@dasninjastix]

It's an impressive unit. I was between a Musician Pegasus or Schiit BF2 when I saw this was an option. Figured the cost saving was worth the blind and yeah, it fits my use case like a glove. I can't really tell a significant difference between NOS and OS modes, I want to say OS is a bit smoother whereas NOS is a bit drier with better texture. Those differences are like 5-8 % to my ear at most. Provided someone just needs a USB input device, I mean.. you buy this and one of the Eggy HiFiMans and you're pretty much good to go. I can't see what I'd want to improve for the cost sonically. It could definitely use a better volume knob and more inputs but in terms of sound? Sounds great 👍

[@rumblerumble2276]

I wish it had more input options because, for my current use case, I'm not able to use USB.

[@stevendavis1135]

Can we please get my guy wave more subscribers. This guy is one of the most to the point , technical reviewers out there.

[@chungang7037]

indeed!

[@amplifyaudioreviews]

Agree

[@PCcardboard1354]

I love all in one stuff, this will be my next amp for my HE-R9's

[@HansProbs]

WaveTheory DE LIV ERS . Happy about the gushing being at this price point. Im sold. All about the toe tapping and head banging in the end.

[@cdotwu]

Just picked this up today.. I'm in heaven. Definitely agree with your thought on only using it in balanced as the sonic qualities definitely take a hit with the single ended.

[@AndreaDiLiddo]

Yeah, so after the Arya SE that's another gear I bought based mostly on your (excellent) reviews. Not sure if I should stop to watch your vids at once, before going bankrupt! :D Hope to see the FiiO K9 Pro reviewed one day, mostly for comparison (that's my current main dac/amp). Keep up the good work, in my opinion you are by far the most interesting and believable audio reviewer on this platform.

[@zoobi27]

It's amazing how much reviews in audiophile channels can DRASTICALLY change regarding one same item, here the EF400 based on user experience and also probably ear affinity. I've watched reviews saying that this unit isn't THAT GREAT, and some saying it's absolutely fantastic. I ordered one and I'm waiting for the HIFIMAN XS headphones to come by before I do any testing... I know hifiman have their own "sound signature" and idk what do expect until ... well, I actually test it ! Needless to say, as i'm going from a "cheap" gamer headset + DAC / AMP (asus delta core + soundblaster X G6, both for a total of about 250 EUR) i'm expecting huge upgrade, given i'm now at 4x more expensive. What I wish i can have is more fine & detailed audio at high power / volume whereas my current setup is really really good but it overall sounds like "a mess". I heard they do the best stuff p/performance but again I have to try it. I am quite a newbie when it comes to audio, not that i'm stupid to learn it and watch videos to understand concepts / vocabulary about audio but I feel like any flaws that ppl, especially highly experienced audio users or professionnals who talk about cons with this in fact make newbie users think it's a BIG flaw where it's not (at least not that much). On top of that I think each one user has its own preference and expectations about audio which can change experience (thus review) a LOT. Long story short, i'm expecting this unit to blow me away and I really hope it gives a fantastic experience to anyone in general.

[@shaggings]

Any comments?

[@truthxbl]

Picked this up based on your review! Managed to get it for $400!!! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@wavetheorysound]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@truthxbl]

@@wavetheorysound I'm in love, honestly. At my desk I had bounced back and forth between a magnius/modius stack and a dx3 pro plus... ef400 is in a different league to my ear. Thanks again!

[@disastrousemouse]

I have a Bifrost MB (first version) and it also blew me away in that way. It’s like the sound gained a shape it hadn’t had before

[@reflection1119]

Tried this at CanJam London. very unique sound. Really enhances soundstage in quite an unnatural but very fun way. Sounds to me like the sound is channeled through a delay pedal with a very short delay which creates an echo/sense of space. I wouldn't have this as my only DAC but enjoyed it for something different.

[@reflection1119]

I'd also agree that the DAC is where the magic mostly lies. The bluemini has the same R2R DAC and I could really hear the similarities between the two... Of course it was much more enhanced on the desktop unit... much more.

[@olimphus26]

I feel like there’s an innate bass boost on this unit but it also has some nice slam and punchy qualities on that bass which is unusual to have in these type of units. I love it.

[@mikeg2491]

Sounds a bit like my Sony ta-zh1es, neutral snobs be damned I like my coloration.

[@olimphus26]

@@mikeg2491 There's a reason I ate color crayons in kindergarten 😂😂

[@lanx0003]

It is not a small mistake. One of the usb input should be the RCA. The decoder tops out at 24 bit 192 khz anyway.

[@stevenjackson8226]

Thanks for the review. I got an EF400 on HiFiMan's claims that it could drive their most difficult-to-drive headphones. For me, that's the HE-6SE V2. I have several 2+ wpc amps, including several THX tech amps. None I felt were doing a good job with the HE-6s. The HiFiMan $100 discount promotion also made the EF400 more attractive. The EF400 does an utterly outstanding job driving the HE-6, but they still don't sound great. No bass/midbass. It's lead me to consider it's an issue with my HE-6s. All my other headphones sound fine with the EF400, and all the other kit I have. Arya V2, Drop DCA Aeon Open X, Focal Clear, Drop Senn 6XX, and some others, all sound very nice. I do like EF400. It's a nice package. Loads of power. Sounds good. Looks nice. Simple. Easy. Reasonable price for the performance. That stactic'y noise you mention. I get that, too. I can play the same track and get the same low-level static'y, pop'y noise every time. I seem to recall another review mentioning this, too. And another minor'ish buggy issue is that the 6.35 mm jack can be intermittent, dropping a channel with plug movement, even when using the stock 6.35 mm cabling HiFiMan cabling that came with some of my HiFiMan headphones.

[@jasonalec6573]

My HE-6 also has no bass with the EF400. Sounds great with the Parasound Hint 6 through the speaker taps but that's significantly more expensive

[@natestewart734]

Just curious, how do you switch between the pre-amp output and headphones? Is it just unplugging and plugging in the headphones?

[@LeDechaine]

Great review again Mr. Theory!

[@Hakku1403]

@Reviews By WaveTheory G111, Violectric DHA V226, and EF400. which one has the most magic in the sound? Thank you for this Review, Sir

[@wavetheorysound]

The two Lake Peoples are better technically, especially the 226, and give a but more detail, etc. The EF400 has a fun factor that few offer, tho.

[@Hakku1403]

@@wavetheorysound thanks 4 the reply. if you could only choose one of this 3 , which one would you take to an island for the rest of your life? ^^

[@TC-bz8sm]

Thanks I’m convinced ! I heard the popping sound issues could be in an issue , is it a valid concern ?

[@blue6point62]

This unit NOS with Dan Clark Aeon X Closed (upgraded Blue Dragon cable) on Qobux through Audirvana (yes sounds better than Qobuz app) is so insanely good that my mind is blown. I am learning it is not how much you spent but how well it is paired. I used the DCA on the Xduoo TA-22 and it was meh (but my custom made dynamic headphones loved the TA-22). Source is Mac Air M1 with Audioquest Carbon USB.

[@Error_4x5]

Love your written and video reviews but with that shirt you look like a Best Buy employee, lol

[@wavetheorysound]

🤣 Best comment I've gotten in awhile. Thanks!

[@Scapegoat32]

Great review man. Got my sub!

[@stevendavis1135]

Im ordering a vioelctric v222 tomorrow. I know your views since then has changed on this unit and that its a pretty terrible piece. But you think i would get buy using the ef400 as a dac for my vioelctric v222 till i can affordable a schiit bifrost 2/64?

[@kyron42]

Is it better than the mojo 2?

[@johs12345]

As a someone really familiar with the He1000 V2’s, how much would you say this dac/amp gets out of them? I’ve got the pairing, but I haven’t heard my V2’s with anything else. Lovely review! I agree that the EF400 is fuuuun.

[@wavetheorysound]

It's likely the best driver of the HekV2 for a total amp and dac cost of $600. It's ability to control the HekV2 treble is what sets it apart and where most budge-to-mid-fi source gear struggles the most with that headphone. It also maintains a fair amount of soundstage integrity, which the lower priced stuff usually flattens. That said, the HekV2 scales up really well, too. It's hard to know what it's ceiling is because it keeps telling you new stuff as you climb the source ladder.

[@johs12345]

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! I actually didn’t love the sound of my He1000 V2 and EF400 combo up until just recently. I found the treble sharp and piercing, and figured that it had to be the EF400 not being able to control it.. because I really HAD taken about 200 hours to burn in the setup. But then, after 24 more hours, it DRASTICALLY changed for the better. Treble became controlled, bass a little tighter, and just all-around more engaging! I’m really happy with my setup. Of course I’d love to upgrade my Dac/Amp, but the setup really stretched my budget. So nice to hear your He1000 reflections here, before I venture out.

[@InDueTime25]

Great review. Can you tell me if this would work with an hdmi to usb c cable? That way I can also connect my TV to it and listen to my he6se v2.

[@wavetheorysound]

I honestly have no idea lol. That's an interesting thought but I have no such cable to try it with. Plus my tvs are all old hahaha.

[@InDueTime25]

@@wavetheorysound Thank you. I figured I'd ask as I know that the inputs are limited.

[@cooldin]

Is it true that the XLR balanced outupt sounds different than the 4.4 balanced outupt? did you notice any differences?

[@Jamie-666]

Great review. Disappointed there's no SPDIF grrr.

[@wavetheorysound]

IKR. That's one of the reasons I say that at $750 with a couple more digital input types and an analog pass-through and this thing would really shake up the market.

[@hemispherecompensation]

Any opinions on EF 400 x Susvara? Have heard positive reviews by a handful of people, but most recommend more power. In the meantime, have an A90D coming in.

[@wavetheorysound]

Susvara + EF400 sounds good but is clearly leaving a lot on the table. The Sus is capable of so much more than the EF400 can deliver. IMO that imbalance is more pronounced with A90D (for which I'm working on a review).

[@CsTruth]

I was thinking of getting this as an upgrade from my zen dac v2 + zen can. However, after hearing that there's static when playing 44.1khz tracks, I'm actually re-considering :(

[@danielmiller7276]

I had that static issue on my first unit because it was a very early model, newer models don't have this issue

[@Steve0310]

I don't have that static issue on mine either. I honestly love it. It's a huge bang for the buck IMHO. I also have the HE6SE V2 and it drives them very well, just like everything else I've thrown at it (HE560 V4, Monoprice M1070, Senn 58X, etc).

[@CsTruth]

@@Steve0310 I just ordered mine haha. Can't wait to try it on my hd 800s

[@enigmazach]

Re: 26:22 Would the headphones need to be balanced in order to use the balanced outputs? Noob question, I know. I guess more specifically I'm wondering if my (unbalanced) DT 700 headphones would sound better plugged into this unit's balanced outputs than its single-ended outputs. Or if there would be no difference.

[@wavetheorysound]

Here's some basics explained by yours truly forum.hifiguides.com/t/is-balanced-better-pros-cons-of-balanced-vs-single-ended/21905 Only way to plug many Beyers into a balance amp output is to mod one, unfortunately.

[@enigmazach]

Thanks WaveTheory! Very well-written and explained.

[@stipsazg]

Let me guess, you bumped the beyer dt880 and they scratched the amp?

[@wavetheorysound]

🤣 A good guess. Pretty sure it was the new Ananda, actually.

[@colingordon0986]

What’s more powerful this? Our the topping A90 D. Trying to decide between the 2. I have a pair of 10 ohm and 16 ohm headphones Thanks

[@wavetheorysound]

Tbh they're both powerful enough. IMO the EF400 is the more natural sounding device. For 10 and 16 ohm cans they're both way overkill anyway.

[@slsmaster]

Hi Wave, Do you think it is worthwhile to upgrade to an EF400 from an iFi Micro iDSD Signature? I have just purchased an Arya Stealth and want to drive it to its full potential.

[@wavetheorysound]

I haven't heard that iFi model. But, I know the EF400 will be great.

[@SimpleMailWork]

You are the best!

[@elba_magellan]

Does it make sense to pair this dac with a thx 789 amp? Over the built in amp.

[@tomriddle2257]

Can you compare the EF400 with the Jotunheim 2 + solid state DAC module?

[@JTB--]

Don't get the EF400 for the amp portion. It's all about the DAC. Run the EF400 to another amp for best results

[@nathanmayer87]

Did you notice any sound latency with movies/games?

[@danielmiller7276]

For me there is no perceivable latency at all

[@wavetheorysound]

I warched a show on Hulu and everything was nicely synced. My video game days are behind me so I don't check that.

[@paulcohen2556]

Without variable pre-output volume, how does one connect this to my power amplifier?

[@wavetheorysound]

Really good earplugs! Lol. Or you can try something like this: www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Fully-Balanced-Single-Ended-Pre-Amplifier-Controller/dp/B01MXC9HHW/ That will require an extra set of cables. Put it between the EF400 and your speaker amp.

[@alex-su81]

How does it compare to Bifrost 2/64?

[@dreamstormPL]

I am thinking od buying it. Does anyone tried it with Focal Clear MG?

[@tete982]

Hi! I have the Hifiman Ananda (non-stealth version) and have been anxiously awaiting your review of the EF400. Thank you! Do you think that so much available power could be "too much" for the Ananda, since they are so sensitive? What do you think of the synergy between the two? Best regards!

[@wavetheorysound]

I had no issue using the new Ananda Stealth on the EF400. I use hi gain and just keep the volume low.

[@DarkFire515]

I tried one of these last week. While it sounded AMAZING with planars such as the Arya, Dan Clark Aeon Noir etc, I found that it sounded absolutely awful with dynamic headphones. No idear why but with the dynamics it lost all sense of detail in the mids & trebble. I tried the Focal Clear MG, Meze 109 Pro and a DT 1990 - they all sounded horrible.

[@HercahyoAdiSaputro]

how is the synergy if paired with a dynamic like senn hd600 or zmf verite?

[@wavetheorysound]

This powers Hi-Z dynamics better than just about anything else for the price (when you add amp and dac cost together, that is).

[@urbenkam]

Hey i am having issues with my unit. It does not recognise the lightening to usb c cable. Plus the maximum sampling rate i am getting is 24 to 192 but other reviews suggest it can take 24bit/768kHz. Is it true?

[@wavetheorysound]

I can't speak to compatibility with the lightning-usb-c cable. Are you connecting to a iphone or ipad? I can't really say much about that. AFAIK, it tops out at 24/192 PCM files. I don't have anything above 192 to force it.

[@ysubman]

Is the violectric v281 a good pairing with the ef400 as a stand alone dac?

[@wavetheorysound]

Reasonably good, yes. But, you're still holding the V281 back. I wouldn't stay at that pairing long term.

[@bla_ank]

Well, this complicates things. I already own a Bifrost2/64 + SA-1, but I'm not satisfied with the sound coming from my HE6se v2's. I was mulling selling the SA-1 and swapping it for the A90D, because Topping's marketing material says it does well with low impedance headphones. Do you think I would get a nicer sound out of my HE6se v2's using the A90D + BF2 or would this do a better job driving them?

[@wavetheorysound]

I have not yet heard A90D but have been promised a review unit in near future. Having heard at least 5 Topping amps, including OG A90, I have my doubts about the D's ability to handle HE6. The EF400 does a remarkable job, but its DAC is a step down from BF2 (bigger step down from 2/64). I haven't confirmed with my own ears but friends I trust say the Cayin iHA-6 and Flux FA-12 are solid

[@bla_ank]

@@wavetheorysound Yeah, I've heard those are solid options. There's a chance I may be getting swept up in the hype train as the initial reviews trickle in. Would love to hear your take, I'm waiting for cooler heads to weigh in before I pull the trigger!

[@alex-su81]

That's my desired setup. I've got SA-1, LCD-X and thinking about which DAC to get. Currently Bifrost2/64 is winning the race. How does it work together?

[@bla_ank]

@@alex-su81 I think they work fine together. I haven't heard the original Bifrost, but the Bifrost 64 doesn't seem to be as warm leaning as its predecessor was said to be. I perceive the sound profile as being detailed and uncolored, but fuller and more natural than my previous DAC. It's a very subtle difference, though. I was upgrading from an entry level dac (d10 balanced), so I'm not sure how the Bifrost compares to its peers. But listening to music after upgrading was a blast. I get the sense that the Bifrost upgrade will scale with the quality of your amplifier. I tried out the A90D afterwards, and ended up preferring that combination. It's not as warm and musical as the Singxer, but it improves the sense of detail and tactility. The highs are more clearly defined, and the bass has more impact and fullness So maybe the Bifrost might be overkill for the SA1, as the resolution capabilities will be bottlenecked. Hope that makes sense

[@stevendavis1135]

Those this unit have a burn in period? If so, how do you burn it in and how long ?

[@wavetheorysound]

Not that I noticed, but it does need a few minutes of warmup. My unit has a left-bias channel imbalance for 5-8 minutes after it's been sitting awhile

[@mariovrhovski]

Hi Wave! what do you think about ef400+ lcd x, no ef 400 in the shops nearby, or if anyone has tried that combo

[@wavetheorysound]

It should sound pretty great. I don't see any reason they wouldn't sound great together. The only thing I'd watch for is that if you use high gain, the LCD-X is easy enough to drive you might be in the range of the EF400's potentiometer that is slightly channel-imbalanced. I don't know if that will happen, but it's about the only minor snag I can really see, and low gain shouldn't be an issue. Get a balanced cable for the LCD-X, though.

[@megadoodoo5088]

Just got my pair of he1000v2 and EF400. I feel like the ef400 can’t properly drive it 😣sounds kinda hollow and peaky

[@wavetheorysound]

The one area HiFiMans sometimes needs break in is the bass. Give it a few hours and see if it fills out.

[@megadoodoo5088]

@@wavetheorysound The user manual suggests 150 hrs burn-in, not sure if it changes the tone a lot tho. Also the stock cable feels kinda metallic and peaky for me.

[@bensolorio76]

I have this and a topping a/d 90 combo and can’t decide which one to sell. The EF is just god tier with the Ananda Se but Do you think it will handle future purchases like Arya or Hekse as well as the topping stack?

[@wavetheorysound]

Hi, thanks for the comment and the sub! IMO the EF400 will handle just about everything better than the Topping stack. Please see my reviews of the A90 and D90se and you'll see why.

[@christianblais3350]

@@wavetheorysound Ok but does the new A90 Discrete change the game?

[@wavetheorysound]

@@christianblais3350 I have the same question. Hopefully one of these will land on my desk soon.

[@ixoye56]

That mid forwardnes you talk about in your first video scares me from buying this, I really hate it, but you said it was a subtle feeling or is it something that is prominent all the time? I had intended to use the EF-400 with the Arya Stealth.

[@wavetheorysound]

After further testing the EF400 controls mids better than most

[@gwapster13]

Does this go well with HD800?

[@wavetheorysound]

Didn't have that pairing on hand so can't say with certainty, but given how EF400 handled other hi-Z cans and difficult loads in general I think odds are good it will be a strong pairing.

[@gwapster13]

@@wavetheorysound Thanks. I appreciate the response.

[@woopygoman]

Desktop DAC amp unit with fixed out instead of pre out? Yikes, in my opinion.

[@BloOdYJo17]

I can confirm dsd64 working on j-river,/pc

[@wavetheorysound]

Very interesting. I wonder why Audirvana didn't recognize it... But I never tried to force it either.

[@hashtag-shaneiacs]

It is probably DSD over PCM because resistor ladder DACs can only process PCM data - either 16 or 24 bits - so companies like Denafrips work around it by introducing FIR filter (whatever that means. Probably a different native DSD DAC).

[@ZedTen]

Hi WaveTheory. I want to ask you a question about this DAC. I noticed that my EF400 cuts the audio for a very short period of time (about 250/500 ms) every time I start a song or any other audio stream after some seconds of silence (even the sound Windows makes when changing volume from the taskbar gets cut at the beginning). I have this issue with every computer I connected this DAC to, and with both USB ports of the DAC. I wanted to ask you and every other EF400 owner here if you also noticed this issue, or if it is only my unit that has it, and get a replacement. Thank you.

[@stevendavis1135]

I have owned my ef400 for a little over 2 months now. I haven't had any issues like that. Latency seems to be non existent even while I'm using it for gaming.

[@soulfulfool]

are you sure its not a windows setting for sound, like buffer?

[@Nooborghini]

Single ended balanced output...? lmao