If it can drive the Susvara I'm all for it. It would be ridiculous for Hifiman to build an amplifier that can't drive their own headphones! That's why I always trust a Hifiman amp architecture.
Great review Sandu. Your comments on the tone and timbre have me very interested. The combo of an R2R DAC and Class A headphone amp and fits fits what is missing in my current system. Does this have an external 110/220V switch?
If you watched my K19 review, then you know that I didn't quite like its tonality (ultra-detailed, but somewhat clinical, it was opposed to what I would describe as "musical" sounding). The Serenade sits at the opposite pole when it comes to tone & timbre - it's much thicker sounding, and denser, there is more energy oozing from the midrange and bass, and it was never clinical sounding with any of my headphones. Personal taste plays a bit role, but for me, there isn't even a comparison, I would pick the Serenade with my eyes closed.
Any chance of a Holoaudio Cyan 2 dac review in the foresee furure? Serenade seem a good all in one solution, but I would stretch the budget to something like cyan2 + s17 pro if that deliver an upgrade in sound.
I will ask their European distributor, but last time they weren't so jolly, especially after complaining about Holo Bliss KTE power output and dynamics that were far from a world-class amplifier.
@@Soundnews fingers crossed! Cyan 2 has so few reviews released so far, it's in the same ballpark as denafrips ares 15 and musician pegasus, and I definitely consider your impressions before pulling the trigger! Thank you Sandu!
Can't help you with that...never tried the Tungstens, but knowing that I'm arriving at 3 o'clock with the Susvara, Tungstens might not work on the Serenade. Check my Flux Mentor review if you want something affordable for the Tungstens.
Imagine you've got only HE1000SE and want the best music experience over USB. Would you choose EF499, EF500 or even the serenade? I don't use any other input and streaming is not important, because it is a PC only setup. So pure sound related decision. I could afford the serenade, but don't want to spend more than necessary, if I'm using just USB input and no streaming. Thanks for your response :)
Hi sandu, i was wondering did you test pre-amp section and what was your thought's on it? I'm thinking of pairing this or the topping dx9 in a 2nd system with some bel canto ref601m's
Thank you for reviewing this wonderful DAC. I bought the same one for myself 😃😊 I listen to it with the Hi-End amplifier Onkyo Integra 9911, the sound is simply magnificent and stunning. It sounds very emotional and soulful, and you can even watch movies with this DAC, I have never experienced such realism and presence effect, it's a completely different level 👍
is this hifiman much better in every way than Aune aune s9c pro? I have Aune and I am quite happy, I would be very grateful for information in which Serenade is definitely better, if at all :) best regards!
Perfect timing! I was looking into R2R Dacs and Discreet class A amps and this seems to be a great all-in-one solution. I currently use an old Topping L30/E30 stack with a Schiit Loki Mini+ as an entry level system. I also use a Hifiman Arya Stealth which works pretty well even with the neutral sound signature of the Topping. However, I am looking for something on the slightly warmer/smoother side with more dynamics and punch. Would you say the Serenade is be a marginal step above that many headphones can benefit from? Cheers!
Hi, the upgrade won't be marginal at all, it will feel like listening to your headphones for the first time. You'll get a different type of sound, one much closer to a live event. The first thing you'll observe - the Loki Mini+ will no longer be needed, since the tone is already balanced and natural, next will come dynamics and then all the technicalities.
As for me, this is not a well-designed construction. I only tested the 6.35mm headphone output, and there’s audible brum on easy-to-drive headphones. You can even hear it on the headphone output in DAC mode when the headphone amplifier should be inactive.
wow. this seems to be the cheapest way to drive the Susvara's to a decent level, exactly what i need, i would like to buy the Susvara first (with the serenade i guess) then wait a couple of years before buying top electronics
roon makes the most sense if you have multiple zones. i have my main two-channel stereo, 2 computers, 2 apple tv, 2 sonos speakers, etc. i purchased the life-time membership a couple of years ago.
Just picked one up 2nd hand for $500, coming from a Topping DX3 pro+ and WiiM mini, looking forward to receiving it.
Great sound, love mine!
Did you upgrade to the Gold modules? Just curious.
Hello, I have the stock edition, sound great with Audeze 4z and Meze Empyrean 2....
Thank you for your review. Thank you always. Do you have any plans to review SMSL RAW-MDA 1 products? Soundnews' reviews are the most reliable.
If it can drive the Susvara I'm all for it. It would be ridiculous for Hifiman to build an amplifier that can't drive their own headphones! That's why I always trust a Hifiman amp architecture.
Serenade or dx9?
Great review Sandu. Your comments on the tone and timbre have me very interested. The combo of an R2R DAC and Class A headphone amp and fits fits what is missing in my current system. Does this have an external 110/220V switch?
Im prob. to late but when ordering i had to choose between voltages.
Hi, serenade VS topping dx9? are there any differences or are they not significant
Great review.
I have Raw-mda1, can anyone confirm me if this Serenade is truly a magic compared to that? 😂
So how does it compare to the Gustard R26 and others of this range ?
how does it compare to the Topping A70 Pro stack?
How in your opinion would this measure against the Fiio K19 you recently reviewed?
If you watched my K19 review, then you know that I didn't quite like its tonality (ultra-detailed, but somewhat clinical, it was opposed to what I would describe as "musical" sounding). The Serenade sits at the opposite pole when it comes to tone & timbre - it's much thicker sounding, and denser, there is more energy oozing from the midrange and bass, and it was never clinical sounding with any of my headphones. Personal taste plays a bit role, but for me, there isn't even a comparison, I would pick the Serenade with my eyes closed.
Hello...if you compare Hifiman EF500 and Serenade...Is Ef 500 good for timbre brightness, as Serenade?
ty
I’m curious too!. I was planning to get EF500, but I’m holding on to it. In case Serenade is worth the extra.
Any chance of a Holoaudio Cyan 2 dac review in the foresee furure? Serenade seem a good all in one solution, but I would stretch the budget to something like cyan2 + s17 pro if that deliver an upgrade in sound.
I will ask their European distributor, but
last time they weren't so jolly, especially after complaining about Holo Bliss KTE power output and dynamics that were far from a world-class amplifier.
@@Soundnews fingers crossed! Cyan 2 has so few reviews released so far, it's in the same ballpark as denafrips ares 15 and musician pegasus, and I definitely consider your impressions before pulling the trigger! Thank you Sandu!
Do we know if it also supports HQ Player through ethernet? That would be amazing.
Hello.serenade VS topping dx9.which is better and differences? Thanks
Have you tried the EF600 and compare to the serenade?
Are you able to output DSD directly to this DAC without converting it to PCM?
I ve been eyeing Tungstens and hoping these would power them.
Me too. And if the Aune S17 Pro would be a better choice for the tungstens as well.
Can't help you with that...never tried the Tungstens, but knowing that I'm arriving at 3 o'clock with the Susvara, Tungstens might not work on the Serenade. Check my Flux Mentor review if you want something affordable for the Tungstens.
@@Soundnews Thanks so much.
I might ve missed flux review and will check out now 🤘🏼
@@Soundnews ty! will check it out right now!
@bernardoandrade88 No the S17 isn't powerful enough
Imagine you've got only HE1000SE and want the best music experience over USB. Would you choose EF499, EF500 or even the serenade? I don't use any other input and streaming is not important, because it is a PC only setup. So pure sound related decision. I could afford the serenade, but don't want to spend more than necessary, if I'm using just USB input and no streaming.
Thanks for your response :)
Hi sandu, i was wondering did you test pre-amp section and what was your thought's on it? I'm thinking of pairing this or the topping dx9 in a 2nd system with some bel canto ref601m's
Amazing review as usual btw.
Since the price is close, how would these go against aune s9c?
If this gear is in Susvara Ultimate Review.What is the Score?
thanks for the intro to wolfgang haffner
My pleasure, mate.
Thank you for reviewing this wonderful DAC. I bought the same one for myself 😃😊
I listen to it with the Hi-End amplifier Onkyo Integra 9911, the sound is simply magnificent and stunning.
It sounds very emotional and soulful, and you can even watch movies with this DAC, I have never experienced such realism and presence effect, it's a completely different level 👍
is this hifiman much better in every way than Aune aune s9c pro? I have Aune and I am quite happy, I would be very grateful for information in which Serenade is definitely better, if at all :) best regards!
DAC chip upgrade ONLY available in the EU, not the US.
Thank you so very much for the heat generation section, i now know to not get it cuz my room gets really hot XD
Perfect timing!
I was looking into R2R Dacs and Discreet class A amps and this seems to be a great all-in-one solution. I currently use an old Topping L30/E30 stack with a Schiit Loki Mini+ as an entry level system.
I also use a Hifiman Arya Stealth which works pretty well even with the neutral sound signature of the Topping. However, I am looking for something on the slightly warmer/smoother side with more dynamics and punch.
Would you say the Serenade is be a marginal step above that many headphones can benefit from?
Cheers!
Hi, the upgrade won't be marginal at all, it will feel like listening to your headphones for the first time. You'll get a different type of sound, one much closer to a live event. The first thing you'll observe - the Loki Mini+ will no longer be needed, since the tone is already balanced and natural, next will come dynamics and then all the technicalities.
Sando, thank you for another wonderful headphone amplifier review! 👌
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱
❤❤
As for me, this is not a well-designed construction. I only tested the 6.35mm headphone output, and there’s audible brum on easy-to-drive headphones. You can even hear it on the headphone output in DAC mode when the headphone amplifier should be inactive.
wow. this seems to be the cheapest way to drive the Susvara's to a decent level, exactly what i need, i would like to buy the Susvara first (with the serenade i guess) then wait a couple of years before buying top electronics
No i2s??? = hard pass for me
I can feel your pain, I2S is also my main input on the Wavedream Signature.
Nothing special about i2s
Yeah let's pay 180 a year for something useless only to be able to use an stupidly arbitrary unit. Sure
roon makes the most sense if you have multiple zones. i have my main two-channel stereo, 2 computers, 2 apple tv, 2 sonos speakers, etc. i purchased the life-time membership a couple of years ago.
@@morrimoto Right, this product is a headphone amplifier though
Great review