We present the comparative review of hifiman: EF499 vs EF500. Hifiman is known for its range of audio products, ranging from entry-level to high-end. Now, they have expanded into the DAC/Amp market with the EF499 and EF500. In this article, I will compare these two devices to help you make an informed decision. Stay tuned as I discuss its performance, features, and value. Let us begin.
look and feel
Both the EF499 and EF500 exhibit excellent build quality, exuding durability and robustness. The EF499 stands out with its captivating black and copper aesthetic, accentuated by a transparent front panel that creates fascinating effects under direct light. In contrast, the EF500 boasts a more professional and understated appearance with its all-gray/silver design, evoking a feeling of refinement and sophistication. While I personally prefer the sleek EF500, both devices are impeccably built, demonstrating Hifiman's commitment to creating durable, reliable audio equipment.
Design
The EF499 and EF500 not only sport different color schemes but also differ significantly in their internal configurations. The EF500 features Hifiman's advanced Himalaya LE R2R DAC, which employs a sophisticated “ladder” method with resistors to ensure natural and balanced audio output during digital signal processing. In contrast, the EF499 opts for Philips' R2R DAC, which offers similar technology but may have performance differences compared to its counterpart. In particular, the EF500's utilization of Himalaya LE technology, inspired by Hifiman's premium offerings such as the EF600 and EF400, results in a refined and technically precise sound profile. Therefore, if you prioritize advanced design and cutting-edge technology, the EF500 emerges as the superior option.
sound stage
After spending a lot of time listening to the EF499 and EF500 with various headphones, I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed. The soundstage of both devices is remarkably wide, providing ample lateral space and, with headphones selected, a pleasing sense of vertical depth. While the EF499 offers a commendably wide soundstage, I couldn't help but notice a slight artificiality that affected the accuracy of the image, unlike the EF500, which excels in this regard. Additionally, the EF500's ability to scale effortlessly with high-end headphones really highlights its superior imaging capabilities, resulting in a more accurate and immersive listening experience that left a lasting impression on me.
low end
While both the EF499 and EF500 share a similar lower frequency range, they exhibit a bias toward mid-bass rather than sub-bass extension. However, the EF500 reaches subtly deeper bass, offering a punchier and sometimes boomy bass experience, despite not being the most dynamic. However, both devices maintain a clean, neutral bass response, effectively reproducing bass details and distinguishing bass notes within complex tracks like Helion's “When Love Takes Over.” Of note, enabling oversampling improves bass performance on both models, a rare feature in this price range, although the EF500 still stands out for its superior sub-bass response and overall dynamic presentation.
media
When comparing the midranges of the EF499 and EF500, I find them remarkably similar. Both amplifiers excel at detail recovery, delivering a lush, natural midrange thanks to their R2R designs. However, the EF500 steps up slightly with greater clarity and detail in vocals and instruments, elevating the listening experience. Despite this distinction, both devices maintain a natural and balanced mid-range representation, ensuring solid performance for their respective price points.
Highs
When comparing the highs, the EF499 and EF500 stand out for their different DAC chips. The EF499 offers plenty of brightness, but can sometimes sound a little artificial, especially with cymbals. However, at $299, it excels at detail recovery, especially with entry-level headphones. In contrast, the EF500 features significant improvements in the high range, offering a more natural and dynamic treble response. Overall, the EF500 emerges as the clear winner in the treble, delivering a more enjoyable listening experience and setting a new standard for DACs/Amps in its price range.
Summary
In conclusion, my journey with the EF499 and EF500 revealed their distinct appeal to different types of audiophiles. The EF499 pleasantly surprised me as an entry-level DAC/Amp, offering R2R technology at an affordable price, a boon for newcomers like me. By contrast, I was intrigued by the EF500's ability to elevate sound quality to mid-fidelity levels, thanks to its Himalaya DAC architecture that's perfectly suited for high-end headphones. Both devices left a strong impression on me, showcasing Hifiman's expertise in combining advanced technology with affordability, making them standout additions to Hifiman's DAC/Amp lineup.
Leave feedback about this