Performance

HiFiMAN's newest headphone amplifier and DAC is a do-it-all device. It features several inputs, both analogue and digital. On the output front, you have the class A/B hybrid headphone amplifier and an integrated 4.5 W class T amplifier for speakers.


Its integrated headphone amplifier runs in class A/B mode and is hooked up to both the line-in and the two RCAs on the amplifier's back. You can also take advantage of the on-board DAC. The DAC is built around C-Media's CM102s.

The CM102s doesn't need an external USB bridge chip since it is an integrated chip. Compare its performance to the sound quality you get out of the PCM5102A in JDSLabs's C5D and it is OK, but you can definitely tell the difference between the two. The CM102s is not as detailed or as crisp, which is a shame because the EF100's headphone amplifier is magnificent and pairs very well with all power-demanding headphones on our desk, including the HE-560, HE-500, and HE-400is. The line-out from our JDSLabs O2+ODAC actually increased sound quality nicely once we paired the EF100 with one of those planar magnetic headphones.

The amplifier's resolving capability is on par with that of the O2 in most cases, and the difference is mainly in the tonality department where the EF100 is a bit warmer without veiling the sound. Overall, the EF100 is a real crowd pleaser as it does well in terms of detail while still maintaining the tubey harmonics and that hint of warmth in the midrange many people appreciate. This also makes it better for sub-par masterings as the O2 and the C5D have a tendency to show sibilance far earlier.

We hooked some Quinpu V-1.8 speakers up to test the EF100's capabilities with speakers. The EF100 powers them beautifully and is more than capable of extracting every ounce of performance those speakers can deliver. Use the HiFiMAN EF100 as an amplifier for speakers and it will sound a little better than the Muses T-amp I usually use as a benchmark, as it had a little less noise and was generally warmer. Hook up some normal bookshelf speakers from B&O and the EF100 will outgun the Muses T-amp when it comes to detail and volume. The speaker amplifier suits smaller bookshelf speakers or designated high-efficiency mini-speakers well. I really like the idea of having a small integrated amplifier that can also handle a set of small speakers. Such versatility definitely adds some value, making the EF100 an ideal candidate for desktop PCs. A set of bookshelf speakers usually costs less than a new set of mediocre active speakers, especially if you go for a used set; just be sure to get a set that is really efficient.