1. Introducció
The HIFIMAN EF500 is a versatile desktop balanced headphone DAC and amplifier designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction. It features the advanced HYMALAYA R2R LE DAC, offering low distortion and noise, and supports various input and output options, including streaming media capabilities. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your EF500 unit.
2. Informació de seguretat
Please read and understand the following safety precautions before operating the HIFIMAN EF500:
- No exposeu la unitat a l'aigua ni a una humitat excessiva.
- Eviteu col·locar la unitat a prop de fonts de calor o sota la llum solar directa.
- Assegureu-vos una ventilació adequada per evitar el sobreescalfament.
- Utilitzeu només el cable d'alimentació subministrat.
- No intenteu desmuntar ni reparar la unitat vosaltres mateixos. Encarregueu tot el manteniment a personal qualificat.
- Mantenir fora de l'abast dels nens.
3. Contingut del paquet
Verifiqueu que tots els elements siguin presents a la caixa:
- HIFIMAN EF500 Unit
- Cable d'alimentació
- Manual d'usuari (aquest document)
4. Producte acabatview
The HIFIMAN EF500 serves as both a DAC and a headphone amplifier, designed to be a central component of your home audio setup. Its vertical design also functions as a headphone stand.
4.1 Tauler frontal
The front panel provides access to primary controls and headphone outputs.

Figura 1: Frontal view of the HIFIMAN EF500 unit, showcasing its sleek design and front-facing controls.

Figure 2: Detailed diagram illustrating the controls and ports on both the front and rear panels of the EF500.
- 4-level Function Switch: Selects between High Gain NOS, High Gain OS, Low Gain OS, and Low Gain NOS modes.
- Control de volum: Ajusta el volum de sortida.
- 6.35mm Single-ended Headphone Output: Presa d'auriculars estàndard.
- XLR 4-Pin Balanced Headphone Output: For balanced headphone connections.
4.2 Panell posterior
The rear panel houses various input and output connections for source devices and external ampaixecadors.

Figura 3: posterior view of the HIFIMAN EF500, showing all available input and output ports.
- XLR Balanced Output (R/L): Balanced line outputs for connecting to external ampaltaveus o altaveus actius.
- RCA Single-ended Output (R/L): Unbalanced line outputs for connecting to external ampaltaveus o altaveus actius.
- Connector de xarxa: Ethernet port for multimedia streaming.
- Entrada tipus C: USB Type-C input for digital audio.
- Entrada coaxial: Entrada d'àudio digital coaxial.
- Entrada USB-B: Standard USB-B input for digital audio from a computer.
- Coaxial/NET+USB Function Switch: Selects between coaxial, network, or USB input sources.
- Interruptor d'alimentació: Encén o apaga la unitat.
- Connector d'alimentació: Per connectar el cable d'alimentació.
5. Configuració
5.1 Col·locació
The HIFIMAN EF500 is designed to function as a 2-in-1 headphone stand and amplifier. Place it on a stable, flat surface with adequate ventilation. Ensure no objects obstruct the vents on the unit.

Figure 4: The EF500 unit serving as a headphone stand, demonstrating its dual functionality.
5.2 Connexió d'alimentació
- Connect the supplied power cable to the Power Connector on the rear panel of the EF500.
- Connecteu l'altre extrem del cable d'alimentació a una presa de corrent de CA adequada.
5.3 Connexió de fonts d'àudio
The EF500 supports multiple digital audio inputs:
- Entrada USB-B: Connect your computer or other USB audio source using a USB-B to USB-A cable.
- Entrada tipus C: Connect compatible devices using a USB Type-C cable.
- Entrada coaxial: Connect digital audio sources (e.g., CD player, media streamer) using a coaxial digital cable.
- Connector de xarxa: Connect an Ethernet cable from your router for streaming media.
5.4 Connecting Headphones or External Ampaixecadors
- Auriculars: For direct listening, connect your headphones to either the 6.35mm Single-ended Headphone Output or the XLR 4-Pin Balanced Headphone Output on the front panel.
- Extern Amplifiers/Active Speakers: For connecting to a separate power amplifier or active speakers, use the XLR Balanced Output (R/L) or RCA Single-ended Output (R/L) on the rear panel.
6. Funcionament
6.1 Encès/Apagat
To power on the EF500, toggle the Power Switch on the rear panel to the 'ON' position. To power off, toggle it to the 'OFF' position.
6.2 Selecció d'entrada
Utilitza el Coaxial/NET+USB Function Switch on the rear panel to select your desired input source (Coaxial, Network, or USB).
6.3 Gain and Operating Mode Selection
El 4-level Function Switch on the front panel allows you to select different gain and oversampling (OS) modes:
- High Gain NOS: High gain, Non-Oversampmode ling.
- High Gain OS: High gain, Oversampmode ling.
- Low Gain OS: Low gain, Oversampmode ling.
- Low Gain NOS: Low gain, Non-Oversampmode ling.
Experiment with these modes to find the best sound profile for your headphones and listening preferences.
6.4 Ajust de volum
Gira el Control de volum knob on the front panel to adjust the audio output level. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it to a comfortable listening level.
6.5 Streaming Media
The EF500 supports streaming media via its Network Connector. You can stream music from applications like Spotify and Tidal directly to the unit. Refer to the video below for a demonstration:
Video 1: This video demonstrates how to initiate streaming from Spotify and Tidal applications to your HIFIMAN EF500 unit, showcasing the device selection process within the streaming apps.
7. Manteniment
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your HIFIMAN EF500, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Neteja: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the unit. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or chemical sprays.
- Pols: Keep the unit free from dust accumulation, especially around the vents, to maintain proper airflow.
- Emmagatzematge: Si guardeu la unitat durant un període prolongat, desconnecteu-la de l'alimentació i guardeu-la en un lloc fresc i sec.
8. Solució De Problemes
If you encounter issues with your HIFIMAN EF500, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Problema | Causa possible | Solució |
|---|---|---|
| Sense poder | Power cable not connected; Power switch off; Power outlet issue. | Ensure power cable is securely connected. Toggle power switch to 'ON'. Test power outlet with another device. |
| Sense sortida de so | Incorrect input selected; Volume too low; Headphones/speakers not connected properly; Source device issue. | Verify input selection using the rear switch. Increase volume. Check all audio cable connections. Ensure source device is playing audio. |
| So distorsionat | Volume too high; Incorrect gain setting; Faulty cable; Source audio quality. | Reduce volume. Adjust 4-level Function Switch. Try different audio cables. Check source audio file qualitat. |
| Streaming issues | Network connection problem; App settings. | Ensure Ethernet cable is connected and network is active. Check streaming app's device selection (as shown in Video 1). Restart router/EF500. |
If the problem persists after trying these steps, please contact HIFIMAN customer support.
9. Especificacions
| Característica | Especificació |
|---|---|
| Arquitectura DAC | HYMALAYA R2R LE |
| Balanced Output Power | 4.5 watts |
| Dimensions (paquet) | 12.24 x 11.89 x 6.5 polzades |
| Pes de l'article | 8.1 lliures |
| Número de model | EF500 |
| Fabricant | HIFIMAN |
| Primera data disponible | 19 d'abril de 2024 |
10. Garantia i Suport
HIFIMAN products are designed for durability and performance. For warranty information and support, please refer to the official HIFIMAN weblloc web o contacteu directament amb el servei d'atenció al client. Conserveu el comprovant de compra per a reclamacions de garantia.
Hi pot haver plans de protecció opcionals disponibles per a una cobertura ampliada:
- Pla de protecció de 2 anys
- Pla de protecció de 3 anys
- Protecció completa (pla mensual)
Per obtenir més ajuda, visiteu el HIFIMAN Store on Amazon o poseu-vos en contacte directament amb el fabricant.





