Hifiman Serenade

Name: Serenade
Brand: Hifiman
SKU: 6925624202484
Price: 890.0 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)

€890

In stock

Delivery in 5 days (free)

Fast delivery: in 2 days

Advice

Warranty 2 years, Parts and labour

Complementary product

Hifiman

HE1000SE

Hi-fi headphones

In stock

€1,899

+ Free gift (worth €39)

Specifications and features

Awards

Diapason d'Or

The number 1 in classical music and hi-fi. It is a benchmark in the field of classical music and hi-fi, as well as the distinction it awards to the best devices each year

Overview

The HiFiMAN Serenade combines the features of a digital-to-analog converter, a headphone amplifier, a preamplifier, and a network player in a sleek and high-performance device.

Exceptional Versatility

The Serenade stands out for its versatile design, featuring the Himalaya Pro R2R DAC, developed in collaboration with GoldenWave. The device is equipped with an XMOS XU316 USB interface and a Class A amplification circuit, providing a comprehensive solution for discerning audiophiles. Its extensive connectivity includes an RJ45 Ethernet port for network connection, USB-B, coaxial S/PDIF, and optical Toslink digital inputs, as well as various headphone output options.

The Serenade supports a wide range of high-resolution audio formats, including PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 via its local network connection, as well as DSD256 and PCM 32-bit/384 kHz via USB. This broad compatibility makes it an exceptionally versatile device, capable of adapting to nearly all modern hi-fi setups.

Outstanding Technical Performance

The Serenade’s technical specifications are impressive, with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.1 dB), an exceptionally low total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.0015%, and a signal-to-noise ratio of -110 dB. The output power is particularly generous, reaching 4,000 milliwatts at 32 Ω in balanced mode, ensuring optimal compatibility with a wide range of headphones.

The integrated headphone amplifier, based on a Class A circuit architecture, delivers powerful, rich, and warm sound reproduction. This configuration allows the Serenade to efficiently drive even the most demanding headphones, such as the HiFiMAN Susvara or the Sennheiser HD8XX, with ample power reserves and excellent dynamics.

Design and Ergonomics

The chassis boasts a minimalist and modern aesthetic, crafted from CNC-machined aluminum. The front panel, featuring a glass insert, houses an LCD screen that provides excellent readability of essential information. The ergonomically placed volume control knob completes the intuitive user interface.

Despite its compact size (300 x 255 x 50 mm), the device exudes a sense of solidity with its integrated 50-watt toroidal transformer. This transformer, surrounded by oxygen-free copper wire and featuring a high-quality iron core, ensures a pure and responsive power supply, essential for optimal audio performance.

Distinctive Sound Quality

The Serenade’s sound signature is characterized by a warm and immersive presentation. The midrange is particularly well-rendered, with detailed yet non-aggressive highs. The Class A amplification enables powerful and controlled sound reproduction, especially suited for demanding planar headphones.

HiFiMAN’s Himalaya Pro R2R DAC, with its new FPGA algorithm and 0.01% precision resistors, delivers superior performance, achieving a total harmonic distortion of just 0.0012% at -6 dB. This innovative architecture, which eliminates switches while maintaining or improving THD levels compared to traditional DAC chips, results in better power management and enhanced sound performance.

Technical Specifications

Architecture

Headphone amplifier and preamplifier
Pure Class A
Conversion: R2R Himalaya Pro

Audio Performance

Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB at 1 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: -110 dB (0 dBFS at 1 kHz)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.0015% (-3 dBFS at 1 kHz)

Output Power

Balanced headphone output:
- 4,000 mW at 32 Ω
- 760 mW at 300 Ω
Unbalanced headphone output:
- 2,800 mW at 32 Ω
- 510 mW at 300 Ω

Digital Audio Compatibility

USB port: PCM up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, DSD64 to DSD256
Coaxial/optical inputs: PCM up to 32-bit / 192 kHz, DSD DoP64
Wired network: PCM from 44.1 to 768 kHz, DSD64 to DSD512
Wireless transmission codecs (Bluetooth): aptX, aptX HD, LDAC

Connectivity

Inputs: optical, coaxial, USB, RJ45, RCA, wireless (Bluetooth)
Headphone outputs: XLR 4-pin, RCA, 6.35 mm jack, 4.4 mm balanced jack

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions (W × H × D): 300 × 50 × 255 mm
Weight: 3.9 kg

Frequently asked questions

What is the compatibility with high-resolution audio formats?

The Serenade supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 via its local network connection, as well as DSD256 and PCM 32-bit/384 kHz via USB. The coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs support up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD DoP64.

Is the device suitable for high-impedance headphones?

Yes, with an output power of 760 milliwatts at 300 Ω in balanced mode, the Serenade can efficiently drive the most demanding headphones, offering impressive dynamics and power reserves.

What connectivity options are available?

The device offers balanced XLR 4-pin and 4.4 mm mini-jack headphone outputs, a standard 6.35 mm jack output, as well as XLR and RCA line outputs. It also features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with support for aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC codecs.

Can the Serenade function as a preamplifier?

Yes, it can operate as a stereo preamplifier thanks to its balanced and unbalanced line outputs, providing additional flexibility for integration into more complex audio systems.

User reviews

Patrick

I read the previous review, and I too found that installing this equipment was far from plug and play.
With a little patience and logic, you can manage without using a third-party application to connect it to my system. Then, with the help of ChatGPT, I wanted to optimize the audiophile performance of my connections based on the different digital inputs (Network, EVOLO, CD)
I have a Yamaha A-S2100 amplifier, ARIA948, Evolo DMP 6 master Edition, and a CD-S2100 player. Now all my external sources go through the Serenade DAC to reach the Yamaha amplifier via XLS, except for the Sony turntable, which is connected directly to the amplifier via RCA.
I quickly noticed that the sound is much warmer, smoother, and richer in harmonies than with the EVERSOLO DAC or the DAC in my CD player. I think the class A amplification in the Serenade has a lot to do with it.
I also bought the Sérénade with the idea of using it as a headphone amplifier. My open-back MEZE headphones let me enjoy my library without fatigue or feeling overwhelmed by the music, whether it is stored locally, on the network, or on my NAS. I can keep them on my head for long stretches without any fatigue. Be careful with your ears: the amplification can be very powerful, so turn up the volume gradually.
Personally, this device has enabled my hi-fi system to take the sound quality of digital files to a higher level.
One small comment: it gets a little warm, which is normal for class A.

Comment from 25 October 2026 — Experience from 24 October 2026

Automatically translated — Show original (French)

J'ai lu l'avis précédent, j'ai moi même trouvé que l'installation de cet équipement était loin d'être du plug and play.
Avec un peu de patience et de logique on y arrive sans utiliser d'application tiers pour le connecter sur ma chaine. Ensuite avec l'aide de ChatGPT j'ai voulu optimiser le rendement audiophile de mes connexions et ce en fonction des différentes entrées numériques (Réseau, EVOLO, CD)
Je suis équipé d'un Ampli Yamaha A-S2100, ARIA948, Evolo DMP 6 master Edition, lecteur CD-S2100, aujourd'hui toutes mes sources externes passent par le DAC Serenade pour rejoindre l'ampli Yamaha via XLS sauf la Platine Sony qui elle est connectée directement en RCA sur l'ampli.
J'ai constaté rapidement que le son est largement plus chaleureux, plus doux et qu'il y a plus d'harmonies qu'avec le DAC de l'EVERSOLO ou celui du DAC de mon lecteur CD, je pense que la classe A de l'ampli Serenade y est pour beaucoup.
J'ai acquis aussi le Sérénade dans l'idée de l'utiliser en tant qu'ampli Casque, mon casque ouvert MEZE me permet de profiter sans fatigue ou oppression musicale de ma bibliothèque qu'elle soit locale, sur le réseau ou sur mon NAS , je peux le garder sur la tête plusieurs sans aucune fatigue, attention aux oreilles, l'amplification peut être très forte, monter progressivement le son.
Personnellement cet appareil à permis à mon ensemble HIFI d'élever le niveau de la qualité sonore des fichiers numériques.
Petite remarque, il chauffe un peu normal pour un classe A.

Ralph

a fantastic DAC and headphone amplifier, and together with the Hifiman HE1000 Stealth, a dream duo.
And as always, HomeCineSolutions is a very good place to go and continues to be highly recommended. Prices, service and delivery TOP.

Comment from 8 September 2026 — Experience from 28 August 2026

Automatically translated — Show original (German)

ein fantastischer DAC und Kopfhörerverstärker und im Zusammenspiel mit dem Hifiman HE1000 Stealth ein Traumduo.
Und wie immer ist auch HomeCineSolutions eine sehr gute Adresse und bleibt auch weiterhin sehr zu empfehlen. Preise, Service und Lieferung TOP.

Nicola

The Serenade sounds simply majestic in every respect, with unique musicality combined with detail and layering that are mind-blowing in my opinion. The sounds are not saturated like on the EF400, but completely natural and nothing short of exceptional. Having only tried it with a smartphone so far, I can’t really say how spacious the sound is, but it is certainly super open. I have never heard music and love like this. You can hear every nuance of the artist; the vocals are incredible, but above all everything is balanced just right, and with the HE1000 Stealth you can literally decipher the emotions, intent, and original sonic narrative behind every sound—at least for me, given how I’m wired. The listening experience is exceptional, and the pairing with the HE1000 Stealth is truly endgame. I used silver cables.

Whereas with the EF400 the difference between the Ananda Nano and HE1000 Stealth is not very noticeable, the Serenade highlights the differences between the two headphones even more. Stellar. Watch your chain!

Comment from 20 August 2026 — Experience from 10 July 2026

Automatically translated — Show original (Italian)

Il Serenade suona semplicemente maestoso in ogni sua parte, di una musicalità unica unida a un dettaglio e un sottostrato fuori di testa a mio parere, i suoni non sono saturi come l'EF400, ma completamente naturali e a dir poco eccezionali. Avendolo provato solo con smartphone per ora non sò tanto dire quanto sia spazioso il suono, ma è certamente super aperto. La musica e l'amore non gli ho mai sentiti così. Puoi sentire ogni sfumatura dell'artista, i vocali sono incredibili, ma sopratutto tutto è bilanciato al punto giusto e con le HE1000 Stealth puoi letteralmente decifrare le emozioni, l'intento e la narrativa sonora originale dietro ogni suono, almeno io per come sono creato forse. L'ascolto è eccezionale e l'accoppiata con le HE1000 Stealth è veramente endgame. Ho usato cavi in argento.

Mentre con l'EF400 si nota non troppissimo la differenza tra Ananda Nano e HE1000 Stealth, il Serenade evidenzia le differenze delle due cuffie ancor più. Stellare. Occhio alla catena!

Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
GTIN / EAN: 6925624202484