Hifiman Goldenwave Serenade Amplifier Review

HIFIMAN has long been renowned for its exceptional headphones, but the brand also offers a lineup of amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) designed to complete an audiophile's home listening setup. The latest addition to their collection, the Goldenwave Serenade, is a DAC/Amp that offers both wired and wireless connectivity. Priced at $999, the Serenade aims to provide powerful headphone and speaker amplification while offering the convenience of Wi-Fi integration.

Unboxing the Goldenwave Serenade

Included in the box:

• Goldenwave Serenade DAC/Amp  
• Power cable  
• USB cable  

You'll have to go online to get an in-depth setup manual, which can be found in PDF form. There is also a QR code on the packaging to take you to the HIFIMAN website for more support. 

Design & Build Quality

HIFIMAN maintains its reputation for producing visually appealing audio equipment with the Goldenwave Serenade. The amplifier sports a sleek, all-black chassis with a minimalist aesthetic. The subtly indented control buttons and matte finish contribute to its understated yet refined design, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any home audio setup.

The unit carries a reassuring weight, enhancing stability when placed on a desk. Its LED display is strictly functional, providing essential information without unnecessary visual distractions. While some users may prefer a more elaborate display, the simplicity of the Serenade's interface ensures a clean and efficient user experience.

Connectivity & Features

The Goldenwave Serenade boasts a robust selection of input and output options, ensuring compatibility with a variety of setups.

Analog & Digital Inputs:  

• RCA single-ended (analog)  
• USB-B, coaxial, and optical (digital)  
• LAN and Wi-Fi for network integration  

Headphone Outputs:

• 4-pin XLR balanced  
• 4.4mm balanced  
• 6.35mm single-ended  

These diverse connectivity options allow the Serenade to function as both a high-quality DAC and an amplifier, making it a versatile addition to an audiophile’s system. Connecting via USB to a computer is effortless, and the RCA inputs enable seamless integration with speaker setups.

One of the most intriguing features is the Wi-Fi capability, intended to reduce cable clutter and expand usability. However, the wireless setup process is somewhat complex. Users must first connect the amplifier via Ethernet, retrieve the IP address, configure settings through a web browser, and then transition to Wi-Fi mode. While this method ultimately provides a stable and reliable connection, the setup could be more intuitive. First-time users may find it cumbersome, requiring trial and error before achieving a seamless wireless experience.

Technical Performance

The Goldenwave Serenade is engineered for precision and power, delivering outstanding sonic performance across a range of headphones. Below are the key specifications:

• DAC Performance:
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz, ±0.1dB @ 1kHz  
  • THD+N: 0.0015%, -3dBFS @ 1kHz  
    
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -110dB, 0dBFS @ 1kHz  
  • Channel Separation: -120dB, 0dBFS @ 1kHz  
• Headphone Amplifier Output:
  • Balanced Output:
    • 4000mW @ 32Ω  
    • 760mW @ 300Ω  
  • Single-Ended Output:
    • 2800mW @ 32Ω  
    • 510mW @ 300Ω  
• Power and Dimensions:
  • Power Supply: 50W Toroidal Transformer  
  • Weight: 3.9kg  
  • Dimensions: 300mm x 255mm x 50mm (excluding protrusions)  

Sound Performance

To assess the Serenade’s sonic capabilities, I paired it with several headphones, including the HIFIMAN Edition XS, HIFIMAN Isvarna, and Meze Audio 109 Pro. The amplifier provided clean and dynamic power, enhancing the natural characteristics of each headphone without introducing unwanted coloration.

With the Meze 109 Pro, the bass response was particularly impressive—rich and well-defined, with a smooth yet authoritative low end. The amplifier preserved the headphone’s organic warmth while improving its articulation. The HIFIMAN Isvarna showcased the Serenade’s midrange precision, offering exceptional clarity and separation. Instrumental and vocal details became more pronounced, and the spatial imaging felt even more immersive.

Across all pairings, the Serenade maintained remarkable composure at high volume levels, avoiding distortion and ensuring a consistent, refined listening experience. The soundstage retained its natural width, and the amplifier demonstrated impressive micro-detail retrieval, allowing for an analytical yet engaging sound profile.

Conclusion

The HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade is an excellent DAC/Amp that combines versatility, power, and refinement. Its extensive connectivity options and superb sound reproduction make it a valuable addition to any audiophile’s system. While the Wi-Fi setup process could be more user-friendly, the feature itself is a welcome innovation that, once configured, provides a reliable wireless listening experience.

For those seeking a high-performance desktop amplifier with a clean, neutral sound signature and the ability to drive a wide range of headphones, the Serenade is a compelling choice. Despite minor setup hurdles, its overall performance and build quality make it well worth consideration.

The HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade is available now at Audio46.