HIFIMAN EF499 no sound through headphones

[BetterCallGreg]

Hi everyone,
this is my first message on the forum and I am unfortunately starting with a bizarre situation.
I have just purchased my first dac/amp, the Hifiman EF499 and I cannot listen to any sound via the 6.35mm headphone output.
Have tested both my Beyerdynamic DT770 250ohm and my FiiO JadeAudio JT1 sets but to no avail.
I have connected my active speakers via the xlr balanced output and they sound amazing.
Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks in advance.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @BetterCallGreg! Welcome to ASR.

From what I can tell, there are no controls on the EF499 to choose between Line and Headphone output, so if you're certain that the headphone is plugged in all the way and there's still no sound, assume that the EF499 is defective and send it back.

That being said, it's a mystery to my why anyone would buy Hifiman's garbage electronics in the first place... https://www.l7audiolab.com/?s=Hifiman

Measurements and discussions with their engineers reveal both incompetence and disrespect for the customer.

 

[BetterCallGreg]

Feeling nice being a part of this community!

Thank you for your reply @staticV3, unfortunately the headphone is plugged in all the way.

I have to treat is as defective then.

Can you suggest some reputable brands?

 

[staticV3]

Can you suggest some reputable brands?

Reasonably priced, well engineered and free of controversy: JDS Lab

Reasonably priced, well engineered but with QC issues here and there: Topping, SMSL

And Schiit fits somewhere in between I feel like.