Finding headphones under $1000 that deliver great sound is easier than ever—but pairing them with an amp and DAC in the same price range often proves more difficult. Many affordable units either don’t provide enough power or fall short in terms of resolution and refinement. The HIFIMAN EF600 sets out to solve that problem with an all-in-one solution that’s both powerful and packed with features.
Build, Design, and Features
At first glance, the EF600’s upright “tower” design feels unconventional, but in practice it makes perfect sense for a self-contained desktop system. Its form factor doubles as a functional headphone stand, saving space while adding practicality. Controls have a solid, tactile feel, and all inputs and functions are clearly labeled for ease of use. The volume knob stands out with a floating, almost sculptural look—giving the front panel a sleek, modern touch that matches its high-end intent.
While the design is appealing, the real highlights are under the hood: the Hymalaya Pro R2R DAC and a staggering 5.12 watts per channel of output. In terms of raw power, the EF600 is a monster—capable of driving nearly any headphone with ease. During testing with the Meze 109 Pro, HIFIMAN Audivina, Audeze MM-500, and several others, we rarely needed to push the volume knob past the 30% mark to achieve comfortable listening levels.
Connectivity is another strong point. The EF600 provides a wide array of input options, including USB-C, USB-B, coaxial digital, and Bluetooth on the digital side, plus both RCA and balanced XLR for analog. This flexibility allows it to serve as a true all-in-one: it can function as a combined amp/DAC, as a standalone DAC and preamp, or simply as a dedicated headphone amplifier—making it a versatile centerpiece for almost any setup.
Sound Impressions
The EF600 combines the natural, organic presentation of its Hymalaya Pro R2R DAC with the sheer muscle of its amplifier stage. Compared to the original Himalaya DAC found in the EF400—which leaned slightly warm with a thicker tonal character—the Hymalaya Pro takes a more reference-oriented approach. The result is a presentation that feels cleaner, more spacious, and better defined, while still retaining the natural timbre that R2R designs are known for. The soundstage in particular stands out, offering a sense of width and openness that enhances both imaging and immersion without losing musicality.
Standout Qualities
What sets the EF600 apart sonically is its ability to deliver a holographic sense of imaging with excellent instrument separation. On headphones already known for their spaciousness—like the HIFIMAN Arya—the EF600 amplifies that three-dimensional stage, adding even more depth and realism. On more intimate-sounding headphones, it injects additional air and definition, giving the presentation a stronger sense of space without losing balance.
The EF600 also gives listeners the choice between oversampling and non-oversampling (NOS) modes. Both maintain its reference-oriented signature, but oversampling introduces a subtle smoothness in the treble. This can take the edge off brighter headphones, reducing fatigue while preserving detail.
Comparison: iFi NEO iDSD
In the same price bracket, iFi’s NEO iDSD makes for an interesting comparison. It offers similar digital connectivity but omits analog inputs, and replaces balanced XLR with a 4.4mm output. The NEO is smaller and sleeker, and like the EF600, can double as a headphone stand. Sonically, however, it leans toward a warmer, tube-like character, whereas the EF600 maintains a more transparent, spacious presentation.
Another key difference is amplifier power. The EF600 is significantly stronger, with the headroom to drive virtually any headphone and even function as a standalone amplifier—something the NEO iDSD can’t do. On the other hand, the NEO’s slim profile and included remote make it better suited for a living room or media-center setup, while the EF600 shines as a powerhouse all-in-one solution for dedicated headphone listening.
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