R2R Himalaya DAC
A four-channel differential DAC, buffer and filter for balanced outputs.
HIFIMANDESKTOP DAC & HEADPHONE AMPLIFIERCustomer reviews (0)
HiFiMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amp
R2R sound, 4.4W of power.
A compact desktop DAC/amp with HIFIMAN's R2R Himalaya DAC, a four-channel differential amp up to 2 × 4.4W and every output.
Regular price
£249.00
Unit price
Including VAT
Free next day UK delivery
THE AMP3 DIFFERENCE
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HiFiMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amp
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MEET THE HiFiMAN
R2R sound, 4.4W of power.
A compact desktop DAC/amp with HIFIMAN's R2R Himalaya DAC, a four-channel differential amp up to 2 × 4.4W and every output.
Powerful amp
Up to 10.7Vrms at 36Ω to drive demanding planar headphones.
Every output
6.35mm, 4.4mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs, plus XLR and RCA line outs.
Read the full description
The HiFiMAN EF400 is a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier with massive power from a sleek chassis. Built around HiFiMAN’s own HIMALAYA R2R DAC, a four-channel differential design gives up to 4.4W per channel from the balanced outputs, enough for demanding planar headphones such as HiFiMAN’s HE6, and it has every common headphone socket, from 3.5mm to 4-pin XLR.
The successor to the EF6
In 2012, Dr Fang Bian and his team at HiFiMAN introduced the EF6, a legendary desktop DAC/amplifier with plenty of power for a wide, detailed soundstage. Ten years later, the EF400 brings HiFiMAN’s more recent technologies, especially its HIMALAYA R2R DAC, into a compact, modern DAC/amp with the same kind of power.
HIMALAYA R2R DAC
HIMALAYA is HiFiMAN’s discrete R2R ladder DAC, winner of a 2022 VGP Gold Technology Award in Japan, run by its own FPGA algorithm to reduce interference, noise and power use. A front switch selects high or low gain, each with NOS (non-oversampling) or OS (oversampling).
Fully balanced, high current
A four-channel differential structure of DAC, buffer and active filter feeds a four-channel attenuator and a fully differential Class AB amplifier, reaching 10.7Vrms (THD under 1%) into a 36Ω load. An oxygen-free copper toroidal transformer and 30,000µF of large capacitors power the high-current amplifier circuit.
Every headphone socket
The front has 6.35mm and 3.5mm single-ended outputs and 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR balanced outputs, with the four-way function switch on the left and the volume knob on the right. At the back are USB-B and USB-C digital inputs and XLR balanced and RCA line outputs, so the EF400 works as a USB DAC/amp and as a DAC for active speakers or a power amplifier. The case is matte black with a brushed aluminium front.
| DAC | HiFiMAN HIMALAYA R2R · FPGA · NOS or OS |
|---|---|
| Amplifier | Four-channel differential, Class AB · up to 4.4W per channel (balanced) · 10.7Vrms into 36Ω |
| Headphone outputs | 6.35mm and 3.5mm single-ended · 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B and USB-C (digital only) |
| Line outputs | XLR balanced · RCA |
| Performance | SNR 118dB ±3dB (A-weighted) · THD+N 0.002–0.004% (line out) · separation 125dB ±3dB |
| Size and weight | 246.5 × 228 × 61mm · 3.08kg |
Good to know
- The only inputs are USB, so there is no analogue input for a CD player or phono stage.
- HiFiMAN recommends the 6.35mm and XLR sockets for hard-to-drive headphones; use the 3.5mm and 4.4mm sockets with sensitive in-ear monitors, in low gain.
- HiFiMAN supplies a two-pin EU mains lead, not a UK one: use a standard UK kettle lead (IEC) or a UK adaptor, and check the 115/230V switch on the base is set to 230V.
- Works driver-free with macOS and Windows 10 or later.
In the box
- HiFiMAN EF400 Balanced Desktop DAC/Amp
- 2PIN EU IEC power cable (NOT a 3PIN UK cable)
Downloads
THE FINER DETAILS
Built for
better listening.
Know what you’re choosing.
Find the right fit for your setup.
- DAC
- HIFIMAN Himalaya R2R
- Headphone outputs
- 3.5mm & 6.35mm single-ended · 4.4mm & 4-pin XLR balanced
- Output power
- 4.4W per channel (maximum)
- Gain modes
- High / low, each with NOS or OS
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- 118dB ±3dB (A-weighted)
- Distortion (THD+N)
- 0.002–0.004% (line out)
- Crosstalk
- 125dB ±3dB
- Size (H × W × D)
- 61 × 228 × 246.5mm
- Weight
- 3080g
- Line outputs
- XLR balanced · RCA (line out)
- Inputs
- USB-B · USB-C (digital only)
- Power
- Mains, 115/230V switch on the base (EU two-pin lead supplied)
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
The press, on the HiFiMAN
Independent ears.
Their verdict.
A different perspective on your next listen.
02 / Expert reviews
It seems the EF400 is neutral but it also feels punchy and dynamic.
Louis
Read reviewHeadfonia
Sound quality is superb, build quality is very good, I/O is excellent
Recommended Buy Award
NanoTechnos
Read reviewSelected excerpts from published reviews. Scores are each publication’s own. Follow the links for their full verdicts.
FROM FELLOW LISTENERS
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How does free delivery work?
Every UK order has a free delivery option, and orders of £50 or more qualify for free next day delivery. Order by 12 noon, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery; orders placed after 12 noon, at the weekend or on a bank holiday are dispatched on the next working day. Stock availability and destination also affect arrival — check the options shown at checkout.
Pre-orders ship when stock arrives; the next day service starts after dispatch. Full delivery information
What if it’s not right for me?
Return within 14 days for any reason, or within 30 days if faulty, with free return postage. See our full Returns Policy for conditions and how to start a return.
Can you help me choose headphones?
Absolutely. Tell us what you listen to and the headphones you have — or the ones you’re considering — and we’ll help you find a suitable pairing. Chat with us
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