The HiFiMAN Serenade Jr is a high-performance R2R DAC, Class-A headphone amplifier, preamplifier and network streaming solution designed for serious desktop and headphone systems.
Built around HIFIMAN’s HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC architecture, the Serenade Jr combines discrete digital conversion with powerful balanced amplification and flexible digital connectivity in a compact, elegant chassis.
HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC Architecture
At the heart of the Serenade Jr is HIFIMAN’s HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC module.
R2R conversion uses a resistor-ladder architecture rather than a conventional delta-sigma DAC topology, with the aim of preserving timing accuracy, low-level information and natural tonal structure.
The result is a digital front end designed for listeners who value smoothness, musical flow and highly resolved playback.
Balanced Class-A Headphone Amplifier
The Serenade Jr incorporates a balanced Class-A headphone amplifier designed to drive a wide range of dynamic and planar magnetic headphones.
Balanced output power reaches up to 3000mW into 32Ω, while the single-ended output provides up to 2000mW into 32Ω.
This provides sufficient power for many demanding full-size headphones while retaining the low-noise performance expected from a high-quality desktop system.
Three Headphone Outputs
The front panel provides three headphone connections for maximum flexibility.
4-pin XLR: Balanced headphone output
4.4mm: Balanced headphone output
6.35mm: Single-ended headphone output
This allows the Serenade Jr to work with a wide variety of modern audiophile headphones without requiring adapters for the most common balanced and single-ended formats.
USB, Coaxial, Optical and Network Inputs
The Serenade Jr provides four digital input options:
USB
Coaxial
Optical
Network streaming
The network input allows the unit to connect to a router via Ethernet and access music stored on compatible network devices and NAS systems.
This gives the Serenade Jr the flexibility to operate as the central digital hub of a modern headphone or desktop audio system.
DAC, Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier Modes
The Serenade Jr is not limited to headphone listening.
Its output selector provides three operating modes:
DAC Mode: Fixed-level XLR and RCA analogue outputs
H-AMP Mode: Headphone outputs active, with rear analogue output following volume control
P-AMP Mode: Headphone output muted and rear XLR/RCA outputs operate at variable level for preamplifier use
This flexibility allows the Serenade Jr to be integrated into active speaker systems, power amplifiers and larger hi-fi setups as well as dedicated headphone systems.
Balanced and Single-Ended Line Outputs
The rear panel provides both XLR balanced outputs and RCA single-ended outputs.
The specified DAC output level is 4.5V through XLR and 2.2V through RCA at 0dBFS.
Both output formats can be active simultaneously, providing useful flexibility when connecting external amplifiers, active speakers or recording equipment.
Low Distortion and High Channel Separation
The Serenade Jr is specified with 0.0025% THD+N and channel separation of approximately -120dB.
These figures reflect the unit’s focus on low noise, strong stereo separation and accurate signal reproduction.
The specified signal-to-noise ratio is approximately -110dB, supporting clean playback even with revealing headphone systems.
HiFiMAN Serenade Jr Specifications
Product type: R2R DAC, headphone amplifier, preamplifier and streamer
The Serenade Jr is designed for listeners who want a single high-quality component to handle digital conversion, headphone amplification, network playback and preamplifier duties.
Its balanced Class-A amplifier makes it especially suitable for planar magnetic headphones, while its line outputs allow it to become the digital control centre of a larger hi-fi system.
It is particularly attractive for desktop and headphone systems where simplicity, performance and system flexibility are equally important.
HiFiMAN Serenade Jr FAQ
Does the Serenade Jr use an R2R DAC?
Yes. It uses HIFIMAN’s HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC module.
How powerful is the headphone amplifier?
The balanced headphone output provides up to 3000mW into 32Ω, while the single-ended output provides up to 2000mW into 32Ω.
Does the Serenade Jr support network streaming?
Yes. It includes a dedicated Ethernet network input and can operate as a network streaming device when connected to the same network as the music source.
Can the Serenade Jr be used as a preamplifier?
Yes. In P-AMP mode, the XLR and RCA rear outputs operate with variable volume, allowing the unit to control a power amplifier or active speaker system.
Does it have balanced headphone outputs?
Yes. It provides both 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs.
Explore More HiFiMAN Products
For high-performance planar magnetic headphones to pair with the Serenade Jr, discover the HiFiMAN Arya Organic .
For a more advanced open-driver headphone design, discover the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled .
With its HYMALAYA LE R2R DAC, balanced Class-A headphone amplifier, network streaming capability and flexible DAC/preamp operation, the Serenade Jr is designed as a complete digital control centre for serious headphone and desktop audio systems.
Specifications
Dimensions
11.8″ x 10″ x 2″
Weight
8.5lbs
Outputs
4.4mm Balanced
XLR 4-pin Balanced
6.3mm SE
L/R XLR 3-pin Balanced (Rear)
L/R RCA SE (Rear)
Inputs
L/R RCA Analog
Digital COAX, TOS Optical (PCM 32bit/192K, DSD DoP64)
USB-B (PCM 32bit/384K, DSD64-DSD256)
LAN Ethernet (PCM 44.1-PCM 768, DSD64-DSD512)
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz
THD+N
0.0025%, -3dBFS@1kHz
SNR
-110dB, 0dBFS@1kHz
Channel Separation
-120dB, 0dBFS@1kHz
DAC Output Level
4.5V/XLR, 2.2V/RCA, 0dBFS@1kHz
Headphone Amp Output
THD+N<0.07% @1kHz
Balanced Output
3000mW@32Ω, 660mW@300Ω
SE Output
2000mW@32Ω, 410mW@300Ω
Warranty
HIFIMAN 1 Year Warranty
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