HiFiMan EF600 DAC and Headphone Amplifier

A DAC, an Amp, and a Headphone Stand in One Tower

Most desktop audio gear fights for flat space. The HiFiMan EF600 stands up instead: a striking 11-inch tower that combines a serious R2R DAC, a powerful balanced headphone amplifier, and a built-in headphone stand, so the amp that drives your headphones is also where they live between sessions.

Inside are two of HiFiMan's Himalaya PRO R2R DAC modules, one per channel. R2R (resistor ladder) conversion is the approach many DAC purists prefer over common chip designs, prized for a natural, unforced presentation, and HiFiMan is one of the few companies building its own. A four-position switch selects high or low gain and NOS or OS (non-oversampling or oversampling) modes, letting you fine-tune the DAC's character to your taste.

The amplifier delivers 5.12 watts per channel into 32 ohms from the balanced XLR output, and 1.8 watts single-ended. That's serious power aimed squarely at demanding planar headphones, including HiFiMan's own, with a 118dB signal-to-noise ratio and vanishing 0.0014% distortion.

Built for the Whole Desk, Not Just Headphones

Sources connect over USB-C, USB-B, or coaxial, and Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC covers wireless streaming from a phone or laptop. Analog inputs, both balanced XLR and RCA, let the EF600 serve as a pure amplifier, while dual 3-pin XLR and RCA line outputs feed powered speakers or a power amp, so this tower can anchor an entire desktop system.

Headphones plug into a 4-pin balanced XLR or 6.35mm jack on the front, and the curved top cradles your headphones' headband when you're done listening. At 6.8 pounds with a footprint of roughly 4" by 6.5", it holds a lot of capability in very little desk space.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Louis Gonzalez of Headfonics scored the EF600 8.5 out of 10 in a November 27, 2023 review, writing that "the DAC section sounds fluid and seems to retain micro harmonics captured in certain tracks that some DACs miss," and that the amp "is rather powerful and has a lack of shyness, so it tends to sound punchy, dynamic, and onward marching." Headfonia's NanoTechnos, in an August 16, 2023 review, described it as "a beefier version" of the well-liked EF400 "with twice more power and a dual DAC."

Who Is This DAC/Amp Best For?

• You own planar headphones — 5.12 watts balanced is built for exactly these loads, HiFiMan's own models included.
• You want R2R conversion without separates — dual Himalaya PRO modules with switchable NOS/OS modes, in one box.
• Your desk is short on space — DAC, amp, headphone stand, and Bluetooth receiver in a single vertical tower.
• You want it to run your whole desktop system — XLR and RCA line outputs feed powered speakers or a power amp.
• If you prefer traditional low-profile components, this 11-inch tower is a statement piece — a conventional flat DAC/amp will sit under a monitor; this won't.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect a computer over USB-C or USB-B, a digital source over coaxial, or stream over Bluetooth. Analog sources connect to the XLR or RCA inputs. Headphones plug into the front's 4-pin XLR or 6.35mm jack, and the line outputs on the back feed powered speakers or an amplifier.

Set the four-position switch for gain (high for demanding headphones, low for sensitive ones) and DAC mode (NOS or OS), hang your headphones on top, and you're done.

Pairs Well With

Building your desktop system? Here are some great companions for the EF600:

• Headphones: Planar models are the natural match for this much clean power — see our Headphones.
• Powered Speakers: Use the line outputs for a complete desk setup — see our Bookshelf Speakers.
• Cables: Quality USB and XLR cables complete the chain — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an R2R DAC?

A resistor-ladder design that converts digital to analog with a network of precision resistors instead of a common off-the-shelf chip. Many listeners prize R2R for a natural, analog-like presentation.

How powerful is it?

5.12 watts per channel into 32 ohms balanced, and 1.8 watts single-ended, ample for demanding planar headphones.

What are NOS and OS modes?

Non-oversampling and oversampling. NOS presents the data unaltered for a more organic character; OS applies digital filtering for tighter precision. A switch lets you choose.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes, with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs.

Can it feed powered speakers?

Yes. Dual 3-pin XLR and RCA line outputs make it a full desktop hub.

Does the headphone stand fit all headphones?

The curved top is designed to cradle full-size headphone headbands, including large planar models.

See It in Action

The Honest Audiophile asks if this is the all-in-one to beat under $1,000:

William Murdock of The Headphone Experience gives it a full review:

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Learn More

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