The HiFiMAN SERENADE Wi-Fi combines a high-resolution R2R DAC, balanced Class A headphone amplifier, preamplifier and network streamer in a single compact high-end component.
Unlike a conventional DAC/headphone amplifier, the SERENADE Wi-Fi adds direct network playback through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, allowing music stored on a NAS or compatible network source to be streamed directly to the unit.
With balanced output power of up to 4W into 32Ω, XLR, 4.4mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs, USB, coaxial, optical and network inputs, the SERENADE Wi-Fi can function as the digital centre of a complete headphone or compact hi-fi system.
DAC, Headphone Amplifier, Preamp and Streamer
The HiFiMAN SERENADE Wi-Fi is designed as much more than a headphone amplifier.
Three selectable output modes allow the unit to function as a fixed-output DAC, a headphone amplifier or a variable-output preamplifier.
Its integrated network module adds direct Ethernet and Wi-Fi streaming, making it possible to build a complete digital playback system around one component.
Network Streaming with Ethernet and Wi-Fi
The defining feature of the SERENADE Wi-Fi is its integrated network streaming platform.
The rear panel includes an Ethernet connection, while the supplied Wi-Fi antenna allows the unit to connect wirelessly to the local network.
Compatible playback software can access music stored on a NAS or other network source, with the SERENADE appearing as the network playback device.
This makes it possible to stream directly to the DAC without relying on a separate external network transport.
Balanced Class A Headphone Amplification
Inside the SERENADE Wi-Fi is a dedicated balanced Class A headphone amplifier.
The balanced output is capable of delivering up to 4000mW into 32Ω and approximately 760mW into 300Ω.
For single-ended headphones, output power reaches approximately 2800mW into 32Ω and 510mW into 300Ω.
Three Headphone Connections
The front panel provides the three most useful modern headphone connections:
4-pin XLR balanced
4.4mm balanced
6.35mm single-ended
This gives the SERENADE Wi-Fi excellent compatibility with high-end headphones without requiring adapters between the most common cable standards.
DAC, H-AMP and P-AMP Modes
The output selector provides three distinct operating modes.
DAC: fixed-level analogue output through XLR and RCA
H-AMP: headphone outputs active with variable volume
P-AMP: variable XLR and RCA preamplifier output
This flexibility allows the same SERENADE Wi-Fi to serve different system configurations without changing hardware.
A Complete Digital Hub
The SERENADE Wi-Fi provides multiple digital input options for use with computers, dedicated transports and network sources.
Available digital connections include USB, coaxial, optical and network streaming.
A single-ended analogue input is also provided, allowing the internal headphone amplifier and preamplifier stages to be used with an external analogue source.
Balanced and Single-Ended Analogue Outputs
The rear panel provides both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended analogue outputs.
In DAC mode, these operate at a fixed output level.
In P-AMP mode, the front-panel volume control adjusts the analogue output level, allowing the SERENADE Wi-Fi to drive a power amplifier or active loudspeakers directly.
4.5V Balanced DAC Output
The balanced XLR output is specified at approximately 4.5V, while the RCA output provides approximately 2.2V.
These output levels make the SERENADE Wi-Fi suitable for integration with a wide variety of power amplifiers and active speaker systems.
Rear-Panel Connectivity
The rear panel reveals how flexible the SERENADE Wi-Fi really is.
USB digital input
Coaxial digital input
Optical digital input
Ethernet network input
Wi-Fi antenna connection
RCA analogue input
XLR balanced analogue output
RCA analogue output
The network module can also be switched between selective and always-on operating modes.
Low Distortion and High Channel Separation
The SERENADE Wi-Fi is specified with a THD+N figure of approximately 0.0015%.
Signal-to-noise ratio is approximately 110dB, while channel separation reaches approximately 120dB.
These figures support a clean and highly separated presentation while preserving the natural tonal qualities associated with HIFIMAN’s digital architecture.
Compact Reference-Class Construction
The SERENADE Wi-Fi measures approximately 300 × 255 × 50mm excluding protruding controls and connectors.
Despite its relatively compact dimensions, it weighs approximately 3.9kg.
The substantial chassis houses the DAC, network module, balanced amplifier and power supply in one low-profile component.
HiFiMAN SERENADE Wi-Fi Specifications
Type: R2R DAC, network streamer, headphone amplifier and preamplifier
Amplifier topology: Balanced Class A
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz, ±0.1dB
THD+N: approximately 0.0015%
Signal-to-noise ratio: approximately 110dB
Channel separation: approximately 120dB
Balanced headphone output: 4000mW @ 32Ω
Balanced headphone output: 760mW @ 300Ω
Single-ended output: 2800mW @ 32Ω
Single-ended output: 510mW @ 300Ω
DAC output: 4.5V XLR / 2.2V RCA
Digital inputs: USB, coaxial, optical, network
Network: Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Analogue input: RCA
Analogue outputs: XLR balanced and RCA single-ended
The standard SERENADE and the SERENADE Wi-Fi share the same basic concept of combining digital conversion, headphone amplification and preamplifier functionality.
The major difference is the integrated wireless network streaming capability of the SERENADE Wi-Fi.
For listeners who already use an external streamer, the standard SERENADE may be sufficient. For a cleaner all-in-one digital system, the Wi-Fi version removes the need for an additional network transport.
offers a more accessible route into HIFIMAN’s R2R DAC and headphone amplifier ecosystem.
The SERENADE Wi-Fi provides greater headphone output power, a more substantial analogue stage and integrated Wi-Fi streaming.
For a compact high-performance system, the Jr is extremely attractive. For a more complete network-connected reference solution, the SERENADE Wi-Fi sits above it.
is primarily a powerful R2R DAC and balanced headphone amplifier.
The SERENADE Wi-Fi adds network streaming and more extensive preamplifier functionality, making it better suited to a system where one component needs to handle source, conversion, headphone amplification and system control.
Who Is the HiFiMAN SERENADE Wi-Fi For?
The HiFiMAN SERENADE Wi-Fi is ideal for listeners who want to reduce the number of components in a high-end digital headphone system without giving up flexibility.
It is particularly attractive for NAS users and network-streaming systems because the streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier are all integrated into the same chassis.
Its preamplifier output also makes it suitable for systems that alternate between headphones, active loudspeakers and external power amplifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HiFiMAN SERENADE Wi-Fi have network streaming?
Yes. It supports network playback through Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
Does it require an external streamer?
No. The integrated network module allows compatible network sources and NAS libraries to stream directly to the SERENADE Wi-Fi.
How much headphone power does it provide?
Balanced output power reaches approximately 4W into 32Ω, while single-ended output reaches approximately 2.8W into 32Ω.
Can it be used as a DAC only?
Yes. DAC mode provides fixed-level analogue output through XLR and RCA.
Can it be used as a preamplifier?
Yes. P-AMP mode provides variable analogue output through the rear XLR and RCA connections.
Does it have balanced headphone output?
Yes. The front panel includes both 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs.
Does it have analogue input?
Yes. A single-ended RCA analogue input is provided.
Explore More HiFiMAN
For a more compact R2R DAC and network headphone amplifier, explore the HiFiMAN SERENADE Jr .
For a powerful integrated R2R DAC and headphone amplifier, discover the HiFiMAN EF600 .
By combining network streaming, digital conversion, balanced Class A headphone amplification and preamplifier functionality, the HiFiMAN SERENADE Wi-Fi can replace several separate components in a modern high-end headphone system.
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