The HIFIMAN Serenade review sample was kindly provided free of charge. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the HIFIMAN Serenade is €1.139 $999 in US) and you can buy it from the official HIFIMAN store.
HIFIMAN acquires Goldenwave
Goldenwave is a boutique audio manufacturer from China that was recently bought by HIFIMAN. The first two products born out of this collaboration are the Prelude headphone amplifier and the Serenade DAC/amp. The Prelude used to be a DAC/amp when it was produced under the Goldenwave brand name but now HIFIMAN has stripped it out of its DAC, offering it as a standalone headphone amplifier and kept the Serenade as the DAC/amp combo unit.
HIFIMAN Serenade Review
The Serenade, manufactured by Goldenwave, originally included an ES9038PRO DAC chip, but it has since been replaced by HIFIMAN’s HYMALAYA PRO R2R DAC module.
The HYMALAYA PRO R2R DAC is a compact module containing multiple 0.01% precision resistors and is equipped with a new FPGA algorithm. HIFIMAN utilizes two of these modules in a balanced setup for the Serenade, boasting a performance on par with two PCM1704K balanced connections and even surpassing the renowned PCM1704 in terms of measured performance.
The Serenade features a discrete components LPF analog circuit with no coupling capacitors in the signal path. Its Class A, fully balanced headphone amplifier is meticulously crafted with precisely matched transistors, drawing inspiration from the circuit of the Prelude headphone amplifier.
Recognizing the importance of clean power in audio systems, HIFIMAN has integrated an internal linear power supply into the Serenade. This power supply is centered around a 50W toroidal transformer with an iron core and oxygen-free copper windings. With nearly 30,000 microfarads of total capacitance and multiple low-noise, high-speed voltage regulators, the power supply ensures optimal performance.
Design and appearance
The Serenade boasts a chassis crafted entirely from solid CNC machined aluminum alloy, complete with a sleek black finish. Its design is sophisticated, featuring rounded corners and curved edges. The front panel showcases a glass faceplate insert, adding to its allure, and houses a small LCD screen positioned just before the volume control knob.
The Serenade is designed to be compact and low-profile, making it suitable for placement on a desktop or HiFi rack. Weighing in at 3.9kg, this device is robust and exceptionally well-made. In my testing, the Serenade, along with the Prelude, stands out as the best-crafted HIFIMAN devices I have encountered thus far.
Connectivity
The HIFIMAN Serenade is equipped with a range of input options, including traditional USB, optical, and coaxial digital inputs, along with streaming capabilities through a wired LAN connection. The USB input features a separate XMOS XU316 receiver, supporting up to 384kHz/32bit PCM and DSD256, while the SPDIF inputs are limited to 192kHz/32bit PCM and DSD64. The LAN wired network outperforms the USB input, supporting 768kHz/32bit and DSD512.
Additionally, the Serenade includes an RCA single-ended line level input, allowing for use as a standalone headphone amplifier or preamplifier for an external analog source such as a phono. Analog outputs consist of XLR balanced and RCA single-ended options, while the headphone amplifier offers 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm balanced, and 6.35mm single-ended outputs.
The HIFIMAN Serenade offers a comprehensive selection of inputs and outputs to accommodate various usage scenarios. The only notable absence is WiFi wireless connectivity for the streamer, and possibly a balanced XLR analog input. A version with a Bluetooth module supporting LDAC level reception is exclusively available in the Chinese market.
Operation
The operation of the Serenade is simple and direct, featuring three buttons on the top part of the faceplate for executing different functions. The first button allows you to navigate through all available inputs. The second button enables access to a sub-menu where you can adjust the LCD brightness and choose whether the streaming board power supply remains on continuously. The third button allows you to switch between headphone amplifier, preamplifier, or DAC output options. The screen provides a clear display of all settings and input sampling rates. To power on/off the device, you will need to locate the power switch at the back as there is no standby button on the front panel.
The network streamer
The HIFIMAN Serenade comes equipped with an integrated network streamer that can be deactivated when not in use to reduce EMI interference. This board is designed for wired connections only, lacking support for wireless capabilities. Setting up the device is simple – just connect a LAN cable and begin streaming. While there isn’t a dedicated app, users can utilize third-party applications such as BubbleUPnP to access streaming services and music libraries stored on network drives. Additionally, the Serenade is compatible with Tidal Connect but does not feature a USB port for connecting external memory devices.
The LAN Vs the other digital inputs
The LAN streamer on the Serenade offers a slightly superior sound quality compared to the other digital inputs, including USB. This is not just due to the higher maximum bit rate support on LAN, but also noticeable differences in actual sound quality when playing the same track through all digital inputs. In essence, the LAN input slightly outperforms the others in audio performance, making it the preferred choice for maximizing the potential of the HIFIMAN Serenade.
Power output and associated gear
The headphone amplifier in the Serenade is powerful, offering 4W/32Ω or 760mW/300Ω through its balanced output. The single-ended output is also strong, providing 2.8W/32Ω or 510mW/32Ω. This device can effortlessly drive headphones like the HIFIMAN Susvara and Sennheiser HD8XX with plenty of headroom and excellent dynamics. When using the Susvara, I never had to turn the volume knob past the middle point.
The noise floor remains at a minimum level, making it inaudible unless you connect extremely sensitive earphones such as the FiiO FX15 or headphones like the Aune AR5000. However, using such devices may result in the sound becoming excessively loud too quickly due to the absence of a low gain setting on the amplifier. Fortunately, there is a solution available. You can utilize the iFi iEMatch, which effectively eliminates noise and enables a broader range of volume control, allowing you to fully appreciate the exceptional sound qualities of the Serenade with your preferred sensitive earphones.
The HIFIMAN Serenade underwent the standard procedure of playing music for over 100 hours prior to any listening assessments. Power, USB and headphone cables used for this review, are all made by Lavricables.
Listening impressions
After delving into the intricate technical details of the HIFIMAN Serenade, which utilizes R2R DAC modules and discrete audio circuits with transistors, my expectations for its audio performance were set high. I anticipated a distinct sound that differed from the commonplace D/S & THX combo units saturating the market, and my expectations were met.
To truly grasp the essence of the Serenade and familiarize oneself with its unique sonic characteristics, only a few cherished tracks need to be listened to. Through this experience, one can appreciate the underlying philosophy behind its tuning concept. The Serenade stands among the rare breed of audio devices that are meticulously crafted and fine-tuned to deliver a natural and musical sound. Emphasizing timbre, it ensures that technicalities seamlessly complement the overall performance, providing the necessary edge for a modern audio device to remain competitive.
The Serenade excels at converting digital streams into authentic music that conveys the essence and ambiance captured in the recording, establishing a deep connection between the listener and the music. It possesses the essential tools to replicate instruments and vocals with unparalleled realism and a remarkably natural tone, producing a euphonic and organic sound enriched with vibrant harmonies and lush overtones. Moreover, any digital harshness or artificiality is completely eliminated, ensuring that the treble remains free from metallic artifacts, sharpness, or roughness.
More listening impressions
This device offers a seamless listening experience without causing any fatigue, maintaining a lively and energetic sound. It excels in retrieving details, allowing even the smallest elements to come together naturally and create a complete picture. The Serenade is designed for immersive listening rather than analytical purposes, moving away from sterile and overly technical approaches.
The HIFIMAN Serenade does not alter the original sound or manipulate the frequency response of the DAC and amplifier. It maintains linearity and neutrality, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the entire frequency range. The resolution and definition are highly competitive, meeting expectations for its category. The sound is characterized by rich and satisfying textures, from the weighty and impactful bass to the smooth and fluid mid-range, all the way to the liquid-smooth treble. The bass is technically impressive, offering speed, tightness, control, and a satisfying physical impact with well-defined layers. While there may be faster and more controlled bass options available, with greater dynamic impact and even better layering, the Serenade provides a well-balanced low-end that sounds effortlessly natural.
Speaker-like soundstage
The Serenade excels in creating a multi-dimensional and holographic soundstage, making it a spacious and open audio device with impressive depth layering and ambient information. While its imaging and separation are very good, they are not class-leading compared to competitors like the FiiO K9 PRO ESS. However, what truly distinguishes the Serenade is its ability to sound atmospheric, grandiose, and speaker-like. Listening to large-scale classical music with headphones such as the Meze Elite and the HIFIMAN Susvara provides a truly unparalleled experience.
The DAC output
In addition to testing the HIFIMAN Serenade for headphone listening, I also evaluated its DAC performance in a 2-channel speaker system featuring Audio Physic Spark speakers and the Lab 12 integre4 MK2 integrated amplifier in a room treated for acoustics.
I will not delve into the specifics of the DAC’s sound quality here, as it closely mirrors the balanced headphone output discussed earlier. Instead, I want to highlight the exceptional sound quality and competitiveness of the Serenade’s DAC section. If you do not require headphone output, you can opt for the Serenade as a standalone DAC/streamer.
The Serenade excels as a standalone R2R DAC and can complement various 2-channel speaker setups. Its sound signature and sonic performance are reminiscent of the Gustard DAC R26 or even the Denafrips Pontus II. The Serenade’s DAC performance is truly outstanding, earning my highest recommendation for those seeking a mid-range R2R DAC with the added benefit of an integrated streamer.
Vs the FiiO K9 PRO ESS
(sound only comparison)
The FiiO K9 Pro ESS provides a more neutral and transparent audio experience, leaning towards absence rather than presence. While technical aspects are superior, the sound signature is slightly sterile and drier compared to the warmer and smoother Serenade. It offers cleaner and more energetic sound, with improved overall definition and a more analytical perspective on recordings. However, it lacks the dimension and atmosphere found in the Serenade. The bass on the K9 PRO ESS is impactful, faster, and tighter, though not as rich and visceral as the HIFIMAN Serenade. The Serenade also excels in sounding more organic and natural, while the K9 PRO ESS may exhibit some digital glare and artificiality.
In the end
The HIFIMAN Serenade is a versatile audio device that provides consistent and exceptional sonic performance across all its outputs. Whether you’re using it as a DAC/amp for headphones or as a DAC/preamplifier for a 2-channel speaker system, you’ll receive the same high-quality sound experience without any compromises. Additionally, the embedded streamer is an added bonus that enhances the overall functionality of the device. Regardless of how you choose to utilize the Serenade, you’ll be treated to a captivating and natural sound signature that is supported by impressive technical capabilities.
The HIFIMAN Serenade stands out as the top quality audio device that HIFIMAN has crafted to date, and seamlessly integrated into my reference systems for both headphones and speakers. I highly recommend the Serenade for its exceptional sound quality, making it a must-listen for those who appreciate realistic timbre and lifelike musicality.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Extra musical and engaging
+ Very natural and organic timbre
+ Competitive technicalities
+ Liquid and smooth
+ Weighty and rich textures
+ Atmospheric and holographic soundstage
+ Powerful headphone amplifier
+ LAN streamer with Tidal connect
+ Fully balanced design
+ Excellent as a DAC/preamplifier
+ Analog line input
+ Beautiful looking
+ Compact size and low profile
+ Excellent build quality
- Bluetooth version is only for the Chinese market
- No gain setting
- A little noisy with very sensitive earphones
- No WiFi connectivity
- No remote control
- High sampling rates are limited to the LAN input
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