HiFiMAN Serenade – DAC and Headphone Amplifier Now with Wi-Fi Streamer!
13.01.2025 05:03 | ~1 minute read
The second generation of the HiFiMAN Serenade digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier has become $200 cheaper and received a Wi-Fi module. The new HiFiMAN Serenade DAC is based on the proprietary Hymalaya Pro Ladder engine, which is an updated version of the first generation Hymalaya DAC, originally released in 2021.
The heart of the Hymalaya Pro Ladder is an FPGA system based on precision resistors with tolerances of 0.01%, which provides performance that surpasses the classic PCM1704 chip from Texas Instruments in all parameters, achieving a total harmonic distortion rate of -6 dB or 0.0012% (such parameters are achievable only in systems based on a pair of PCM1704K).
Thanks to the use of Wi-Fi, the SERENADE DAC provides significantly lower signal transmission latency compared to traditional Bluetooth streaming. The HiFiMAN Serenade headphone amplifier is made on discrete elements and operates in pure class A. The power supply is based on a 50 W toroidal power transformer with an iron core and a bank of filter capacitors with a total capacity of about 30,000 microfarads.
The HiFiMAN Serenade Wireless connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi, includes a 4-pin XLR connector, a 6.35 mm jack and a Pentaconn 4.4 mm for headphones, balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA outputs and a pair of unbalanced RCA inputs on the rear panel. The HiFiMAN Serenade DAC with headphone amplifier is now available for sale at a recommended retail price of $ 999.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — HiFiMAN SERENADE
Model name
SERENADE
Conversion type
FPGA
Engine
Hymalaya Pro Ladder R2R
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
4.5
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2.2
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
110
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
0.0015%,
Dimensions (mm)
300 x 255 x 50
Weight (kg)
3.9
Official link
More content
Clearaudio Stylus Cleaner Gel – Cleaning Styluses for 29 Euros
Clearaudio has introduced a special Clearaudio Stylus Cleaner Gel, designed to clean dust and dirt from the tip of the cartridge stylus. During playback of records, it is the cartridge stylus that accumulates dirt, which can lead to a deterioration in sound quality.
Pro-Ject Tube Box E – Tubes and Dual Mono for an Affordable Price
Pro-Ject Tube Box E is a new MM/MC phono preamplifier from a well-known audio equipment manufacturer. The compact model uses a pair of ECC83 tubes and is offered for only £249.
EISA 2025-2026 – Full List of Awards
The EISA Awards remain one of the most significant in the industry – and the 2025-2026 awards, which have already been announced, are a real seal of quality for technology. In the list below, you will find the latest and most expertly tested models of loudspeakers, amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters and much more. An excellent cheat sheet for choosing the best equipment.
SMSL AS400 - All-in-One Integrated Amp for $279
SMSL has introduced all-in-one integrated amplifier SMSL AS400. This is a universal audio machine for only $279 with powerful DAC, MM phonostage, stereo preamplifier, headphone amplifier and a powerful power amplifier. Housed in a compact case (210×46×254 mm), the amp can be used in a table-top systems.
Hyper Analogue Production Hyper Sonic X4 - Multi-Layer Core Cartridge
The Swiss company Hyper Analogue Production has released a new MC cartridge for vinyl Hyper Analogue Production Hyper Sonic X4 - the model is equipped with the proprietary Multi-Layer Core system and a very powerful magnetic system.
