The HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade is a premium DAC/headphone amplifier and preamplifier, offering a compelling blend of performance and build quality for its $999 price point. This comprehensive unit boasts extensive connectivity, including five digital inputs (USB, Coax, Optical, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi) and a single analog input, catering to a wide range of audio sources. Its output options are equally impressive, with five analog outputs and three headphone outputs to accommodate various listening setups and headphones. Powered by dual HIFIMAN Himalaya Pro R2R DAC chips, the Serenade delivers a warm and richly detailed sonic experience.The Serenade's robust construction, featuring a hefty aluminum chassis, exudes high-end craftsmanship. Its powerful headphone amplifier section effortlessly drives even demanding headphones, while its versatile functionality as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier makes it a highly adaptable component for discerning audiophiles. This review delves into the Serenade's sonic characteristics, build quality, and feature set, comparing it to competitors like the HIFIMAN EF400/EF600, iFi Audio Neo iDSD, and the Topping A70s/D70s stack to assess its position in the high-end audio market.
Pros And Cons
- Warm and rich sound
- Excellent detail and clarity
- Wide and deep soundstage
- Sufficient power for most headphones
- High-end look and feel
- Serves well as a standalone DAC
- Slight hum audible with extremely sensitive headphones at low volume
- Only one gain setting
- Only one analog input (RCA single-ended)
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Specifications and Features
The HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade is a high-end combination DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier, currently priced at $999. It boasts a robust feature set including five digital inputs (USB, Coax, Optical, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi – though Wi-Fi functionality may vary depending on the unit's revision), and a single analog RCA input. Output options are equally impressive with five analog outputs (RCA single-ended and XLR balanced) and three headphone outputs (6.3mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and a full-size 4-pin XLR).
Internally, it utilizes two HIFIMAN Himalaya Pro R2R DAC chips, contributing to its warm and rich sound signature. The headphone amp section is rated at 4 watts per channel (balanced) and 2.8 watts per channel (single-ended) into 32 ohms. Its physical dimensions are substantial, measuring 12 inches wide, 10 inches deep (including the knob), and 2.25 inches tall, weighing a hefty 8.6 lbs.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Serenade's sound is characterized by its warmth and richness, a hallmark of R2R DAC technology. This warmth doesn't compromise detail; the unit delivers excellent clarity and precision. The soundstage is notably wide and deep, a characteristic often associated with R2R DACs. It possesses a more tube-like quality compared to Delta-Sigma DACs, offering a fuller, more immersive listening experience.
Power output is sufficient to drive even demanding headphones, successfully handling challenging loads like the HIFIMAN H6SE V2 and Susvara. While it doesn't push the Susvara to its absolute limits, the performance is still highly commendable. The amp's power makes it a versatile option for various headphones.
Build Quality and Design
The Goldenwave Serenade exhibits exceptional build quality. Its chassis, seemingly constructed from two pieces of aluminum, feels incredibly solid and substantial. The unit's weight contributes to its premium feel, surpassing many similarly sized amplifiers in heft. The seams are well-aligned, and the overall construction exudes a sense of high-end craftsmanship.
The front panel features three headphone jacks, a volume knob, and three buttons for input selection, display brightness adjustment, and output mode switching (headphone amp, preamp, or standalone DAC). The rear panel houses the extensive connectivity options. The overall design is understated yet elegant.
Comparison with Other Amps and Conclusion
Compared to HIFIMAN's EF400 and EF600, the Serenade offers more inputs and outputs, a refined sound, and a more premium feel. While the EF600 shares a similar sonic signature, the Serenade sounds slightly more refined and polished. The iFi Audio Neo iDSD and Topping A70s/D70s stack were also considered. The iFi boasts more features and a slightly more detailed sound, but the Serenade offers a warmer, richer presentation.
The Topping stack, though more powerful and detailed, delivers a more analytical and potentially fatiguing sound. The Serenade provides a more musical and less fatiguing listening experience. While a slight hum was noticeable with extremely sensitive headphones at low volumes, this is a minor issue with the majority of headphones. The HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade is a high-quality DAC/amplifier offering a rich, detailed, and musically engaging sound. Its simplicity and high-end build make it a worthwhile purchase for audiophiles seeking a warmer, more refined listening experience.