Choose CAREFULLY! HiFiMan Goldenwave Serenade Review

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  • Опубликовано: 20 янв 2025

Комментарии • 106

  • @PassionforSound
    @PassionforSound  Год назад +9

    Correction: Goldenwave is/was a Hong Kong based company

    • @divertiti
      @divertiti 28 дней назад

      What is the correction here? Isn't Hong Kong a city in China?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  28 дней назад +1

      I don't know the exact political ins and outs and I think Hong Kong is considered to be different to China.

    • @wwessex
      @wwessex 2 дня назад

      @@PassionforSound HK was a part of China then the UK had it for 99 years now It is back with China

  • @ippothedestroyer
    @ippothedestroyer Год назад +5

    Nice we finally got a real review on this dac/amp.

  • @merovech7
    @merovech7 6 месяцев назад +1

    I have this with my Hifiman Arya stealth - I always look forward to switching it on … and I’m always blown away as if listening for the first time ❤

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  6 месяцев назад +1

      That's such a great feeling to have. I can imagine it being a wonderful combo with the Arya Stealth. Enjoy!

  • @Hetsu..
    @Hetsu.. Год назад +4

    This is such a stupidly detailed and in depth review, amazing work. Pure passion for sound!
    I really loved the input comparasions, because the source for your music matters alot.
    Question ,do you remember if the usb input on the ef600 was inferior to its own coaxial input etc btw?
    Thanks for the great review again.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад

      I'm glad you liked it!
      I didn't actually do detailed testing on the EF600, but I ran it from both USB and coaxial and didn't notice any significant drop-off from either so I think it's comparable on both.

    • @Hetsu..
      @Hetsu.. Год назад +1

      @@PassionforSound Thanks man, really appreciate it.

  • @Thiago_TS_BR
    @Thiago_TS_BR 10 месяцев назад +1

    I was very curious abour this review. Excelent as always.

  • @Mackey-nb1rw
    @Mackey-nb1rw Год назад +2

    Just watched the video - timely as I have been researching getting a new streamer to upgrade from a Bluesound NODE. As I never use the internal DAC on the NODE you hope the money goes into the best network streamer implementation I.e. the Lumin U2 Mini. I also want a ‘different flavour’ of sound as I have a Naim Atom Headphone Edition which has a very good streamer. Like you my main DAC is the TT2 & MScaler - but I am also saving to add a new Dac- again to try a different flavour … and am looking at Dayzee Geshilli or Audial S5 - which is interesting and has some positive comments ( and uses an old Philips chip) what matters to me is soundstaging and holographic presentation - so a transport only seems the best way to go for me and can ‘grow ’ as I want to experiment with different Dacs! Thanks

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад

      Glad I could help! I'm hoping to get my hands on a Dayzee soon too.

  • @SinisterDev85
    @SinisterDev85 10 месяцев назад +1

    I've been super curious about the Serenade. I've been using the Arya Stealth and EF400 for a good while now. Really love the pairing. I recently got the HE1000 Stealth and after lots of listening to various genres of music, and checking out opinions from people with way more experience with Dacs/amps, I've been feeling like it might be time to upgrade to something a little more robust to really bring out the full potential of the HE1K Stealth. Not sure what would pair "best" with this headphone, but the price of the Serenade is definitely at my upper limits.
    On the other hand, I've heard so many stories of how many of these Hifiman headphones pair well with tube amps, and I own 0 tube amps lol. Basically, I have lots of curiosity, but a limited budget atm. Something keeps drawing me back to the Serenade. Still not entirely sure 😅. Lots of helpful info in this video though!

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  10 месяцев назад +1

      Glad you liked the video. The HEK Stealth definitely goes well with tubes, but the Serenade is also excellent with them. Hard to say which option is best, but you could always start with the Serenade as DAC and amp upgrade and then add a tube amp later too if you want.

  • @ericlafond3703
    @ericlafond3703 Год назад +2

    Great review! thanks!
    I have the Arya Stealth with the Schiit Modius DAC and Drop THX AAA 789 amp currently and i definitely find this setup way too bright on the highs... I was looking at replacing the Drop THX AAA 789 for the Xduoo TA-20 plus hybrid tube amp to warm things up but now after seeing this review, should i consider the serenade to give me similar results of taming the highs but keeping more resolution overall?
    Thanks.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад +1

      I think both paths will sound great, but the Serenade will be a nice upgrade of both DAC and amp

  • @priedits
    @priedits Год назад +3

    Would you say that Serenade is a big step up over the Mojo 2 in both DAC and DAC+headphone amp department for driving He1000 stealth?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад

      Good question. I'd have to test this to be certain, but I think the amp stage on the Serenade might pull ahead while the DACs are probably comparable. I'll see if I can find the time to check for you...

    • @priedits
      @priedits Год назад +1

      @@PassionforSound That would be amazing! Thank you for providing community with amazing in depth reviews. :)

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад +8

      Having now compared both the Mojo 2 and Serenade driving the Arya Stealth (nearest tuning to the HEK Stealth that I have here), I'd say that both are similar in overall performance, however, the tonality of the Serenade brings a better tonal balance to the headphones IMO. The Mojo 2 comes across as maybe having slightly better resolution, but the Serenade has more weight and authority in the sound which I think these brighter HiFiMan headphones benefit from. The Serenade isn't lacking in resolution either, it's just not emphasising the details due to the richer/warmer tuning of the amp and DAC.
      I.e. if I were choosing, I'd get the Serenade despite the fact that I LOVE the Mojo 2 as a portable device.

    • @priedits
      @priedits Год назад +2

      @@PassionforSound Thank you very much for doing the comparison! Really appreciate taking the time! :)

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад +1

      My pleasure 🙂🙂

  • @Thiago_TS_BR
    @Thiago_TS_BR 9 месяцев назад +2

    Now in 2024 Hifimann bring another 3 in one device : EF 500 for a very nice price.
    I hope to see an review in your channel .

  • @Nikita11035
    @Nikita11035 12 дней назад

    Thanks for the great video! Would Serenade be a huge step forward from THX 887 + topping d10balanced for HE1000SE?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  11 дней назад +1

      Definitely, but also different because it's a smoother sound so some people might find it less clean/detailed sounding.

  • @Enihel
    @Enihel 11 месяцев назад +1

    question to somone who knows: Serenade and LAN connection, so can i connect this to PC somehow and there is no issue with latency? or only usb?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  11 месяцев назад

      You'll need to use USB for a direct connection to PC. The LAN connection is only for streaming from dedicated apps like Roon.

  • @user-jo8nj
    @user-jo8nj 4 месяца назад

    excellent review, thanks! 🎉

  • @radiofreealbemuth
    @radiofreealbemuth 7 месяцев назад

    12:26 can i ask what device you're using in order to access the optical input, coax input, and network input on the Serenade and Bifrost? As a newbie, who got into this hobby via iems, I'm only familiar with usb C inputs on dongles (to connect to a phone) 🤔

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  7 месяцев назад +1

      Sure thing! For the optical, coax, etc. I'm taking those outputs from a Singxer SU-6 digital to digital converter (DDC). This is a great way to give you many outputs from a single USB connection and to also isolate your DACs from PC noise. There are multiple DDCs on the market that all seem to perform quite similarly at their price levels (i.e. similar price = similar performance).
      For the network input, that's just a regular ethernet connection from your home internet modem/router setup and then you can access it from software on devices connected to the same network.

  • @dominicthong
    @dominicthong Год назад +1

    Wonder how does the Serenade compares to the SPL Phonitor XE just on amplification alone. Great video by the way, I’ve always enjoyed your videos.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад +1

      That's a great question. I wish I still had the Phonitor XE here to compare. I think the Phonitor amp is better, but the Serenade DAC might be better.

  • @radiofreealbemuth
    @radiofreealbemuth 7 месяцев назад

    14:13 can i ask how you would rate the usb output of an android phone like samsung s22 ultra? As a newbie, who got into this hobby via iems, I've been using my phone as the music source and connecting it to a dongle. But it seems like when i watch desktop dac reviews, nobody is using a phone

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  7 месяцев назад +1

      There's nothing at all wrong with using your phone and they can actually be better than a laptop/desktop computer because they produce less noise by being more power efficient (i.e. less stuff going on = less noise produced). It's most likely that reviewers like me are using desktop setups with computers because that's what we have. I've also done things to my desktop to optimise the USB output quality. (I'll explain that in my response to your other question)

  • @simonsayshomeassistant
    @simonsayshomeassistant 11 месяцев назад +1

    Hey mate, your sound is so awesome! Do you have any audio processing after that Podmic?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  11 месяцев назад

      That's so funny! The previous comment on my feed was complaining about it, but I'm with you - I'm really happy with my audio capture and processing now.
      To answer your question, I apply some gentle compression (2:1) with a very soft knee and then some multiband compression to tailor the tonality a bit (+3dB below 120Hz, -2.9dB from 308-3176Hz). And I also run a de-esser to take the edge of any sibilance.
      Honestly, it sounds pretty great with none of that applied so this is more preferential than necessary.

    • @simonsayshomeassistant
      @simonsayshomeassistant 11 месяцев назад +1

      Thank you, I have 2 Podmics that I use for my podcast and they are such great value for money!@@PassionforSound

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  11 месяцев назад

      I agree. They're crazy good for the cost. What interface do you use them with? My only challenge with them is getting sufficient gain.

    • @simonsayshomeassistant
      @simonsayshomeassistant 11 месяцев назад

      Yes, they really need a cloud lifter. I use a rodecaster pro.@@PassionforSound

  • @agustinpaz1530
    @agustinpaz1530 4 месяца назад

    Hello! Great review as always
    I’m currently using a Fiio K5 Pro as my DAC/amp and I’m considering an upgrade. I’ve been eyeing the Serenades to pair with my Meze 109 Pros. Since the Mezes have a more treble-focused sound, I feel like the Serenades, with their calmer and warmer emphasis, could complement the tonality of the headphones and further enhance the already excellent experience I’m getting. Would love to hear your thoughts on this pairing!

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  4 месяца назад +1

      I didn't have the 109s here to try with the Serenade, but I do think it would be an excellent pairing, particularly if you're finding the treble on the 109s to be too spicy.

    • @agustinpaz1530
      @agustinpaz1530 4 месяца назад

      @@PassionforSound Thank you very much for your response! If you think there are other pairings for the 109s, I’m open to suggestions within the same budget and would love to hear if you know any other alternatives to consider. Thanks!

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  4 месяца назад +1

      Nothing else springs to mind at the price and with that style of sound unless you went for separates like maybe a Geshelli J3 DAC & A3/E3 amp.

  • @FonzVorselaars
    @FonzVorselaars 10 месяцев назад +1

    Do you think the Serenade is a great combo for the Empyrean 2? Or would you prefer the Aune S9c? Or maybe something else? Looking forward to your answer :)

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  10 месяцев назад

      I haven't tried the S9C, but the Serenade would be a great match!

  • @plyush
    @plyush 7 месяцев назад

    I wonder how you can be sure about Serenade internal DAC implementation since there is no any mention about how it works on Serenade manual? Is it NOS or oversampling, who knows?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  7 месяцев назад

      I believe I speculated in the video, but said "I think", not "I know" as it was only based on how it sounded when compared to the Himalaya DAC in the EF600 which can be switched between OS/NOS.

    • @plyush
      @plyush 7 месяцев назад

      @@PassionforSound ic
      Then would be nice to see your thoughts about the differences between OS/NOS modes in EF600. Or am I miss something and you've already mentioned it in one of your previous videos?)

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  7 месяцев назад

      I covered that off in my dedicated EF600 review: ruclips.net/video/jWpcw9jkWoM/видео.htmlsi=2u6HX2cmthY6Y6hW

  • @ekjellgren
    @ekjellgren 9 месяцев назад +1

    Is the any good R2R dac with volume control? I don't want the other features. Want it to feed my Burson 3xp in power amp mode.

    • @hermanvisser4034
      @hermanvisser4034 9 месяцев назад +1

      Sonnet Morpheus but fairly expensive.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  9 месяцев назад

      I'm not sure which DACs are using resistor volume controls, but I don't know that it's worth chasing an R2R control when most DACs these days are lossless/bit perfect with their volume controls and therefore could technically be better than R2R ladders because you're not adding additional components in the signal path.

  • @johnosam4681
    @johnosam4681 16 дней назад

    Im planning to buy this instead of ef500/ef600, for my arya stealth T-T bur can you recommend how to best connect it with mac mini, Im planning to get subscription to other than apple music. Tidal? not familiar with Roon, but also wanted to play with FLAC/ and the DSD files. do you think Im making the correct decision here?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  15 дней назад +1

      I don't have the Serenade anymore, but I seem to recall the streaming function being fairly picky so if you're not using Roon, accessing it from your computer could be hard. I'd probably just connect with USB so you can run any app you like for your music streaming.

    • @johnosam4681
      @johnosam4681 15 дней назад

      @@PassionforSound Thank you! Id probably do that, but noticed just yesterdat they released a wifi version of this recently, not really sure would that differ from this one.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  15 дней назад

      Best to check what it's compatible with as the source applications/protocols and see if any of them can work for you. 🙂

  • @urbenkam
    @urbenkam Год назад +1

    Interesting. Hifiman is really bringing value for money. does it has enough juice to play hifiman He6SE or susvara?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад

      Yes. It will deliver about 2W into a 60 ohm load so no issues at all.

    • @_DeepGroove_
      @_DeepGroove_ 7 месяцев назад

      You’re forgetting that Sus need a lot of current. Can the power supply deliver peak current needed?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  7 месяцев назад

      Current is a part of the power equation (watts = amp X volts). If the amp has sufficient power and headroom at the headphone's impedance, it has enough current.

  • @DeniosG
    @DeniosG 9 месяцев назад +1

    Hifiman Serenade JR or Hifiman ef600, could you please give advice?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  9 месяцев назад +1

      If the Serenade Jr is what I've reviewed here (I haven't seen one specifically called the junior) then I think the Serenade is the better device.

    • @DeniosG
      @DeniosG 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@PassionforSound Serenade JR Red - junior version, has Himalaya Le R2R chip, cost 500 usd, much cheaper than black Serenade with Himalaya Pro. Ef600 cost 500 usd too, but black Serenade cost 930 USD, is it worth overpaying?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  9 месяцев назад +1

      I can't say because I've not tried the Jr. Sorry

  • @Wenslauw
    @Wenslauw 7 месяцев назад

    I just listened to the Serenade and a FiiO R9 using a Focal Clear MG and I preferred the Serenade. Warmer and cleaner. The R9 sounded harsh and sibilant to me. This is of course with my ears and my tastes, so YMMV.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  7 месяцев назад

      That makes sense as the Serenade is a little more full bodied compared to some more sterile devices. It's a lovely unit.

  • @anhtuannguyenhoang2303
    @anhtuannguyenhoang2303 5 месяцев назад

    In your opinion, would the combo Chord Qutest + Schiit Jotunheim 2 be better than Serenade?

  • @yphoenix9077
    @yphoenix9077 2 месяца назад

    Are you able to output DSD directly to this DAC without converting it to PCM?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  2 месяца назад

      Yes. You can send native DSD via the LAN or USB connections.

  • @GirlNoNonsense
    @GirlNoNonsense 6 месяцев назад

    Thanks for the review! Can these drive the Susvara good? I'm looking to buy these soon but don't have the budget for like another 3k+ for an AMP/DAC, I´ve no need for speaker or anything, just the susvara via USB to my PC.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  6 месяцев назад +1

      I don't have a Susvara to test with the Serenade, but the specs of the Serenade would suggest that it has about 2W available at the Susvara's impedance so it should do fine.

  • @edwinalbright8100
    @edwinalbright8100 Месяц назад

    Is the detail as good or better than my Aune s9c?

  • @leo11877
    @leo11877 Год назад +1

    Does this have UPnP?

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад

      Yes. It will appear as a renderer in apps like Bubble UPnP (I think - I'll got double check...)

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад

      Having some issues getting it back on the network. Might have to do a reboot of the system later and see what's going on. I'll reply once I get it all working again

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад

      Ok. Update #3: it's back on the network (after a switch reboot) and it's not showing up in Bubble UPnP, but it is available to Roon. I can't see it in JRiver either so perhaps it's limited to Roon and maybe Apple Airplay (it appeared briefly in Roon as an AirPlay device before reverting to the Roon ready option)

    • @leo11877
      @leo11877 Год назад +1

      Thanks for the response. Don't think it does have UPnP.

    • @charleschoongcc
      @charleschoongcc Год назад +1

      it does have an issue with Ethernet Tidal Connect also, when it works its great but it disappears and need to restart maybe an issue with the IP address or maybe Tidal Connect certification is not complete but Airplay via wifi is perfect. I informed Hifiman they told me they have applied for Tidal certification. Am using it purely as Dac now with Eversolo A6 as streamer. Serenade R2R Dac is good non fatiguing@@PassionforSound Your reviews are great.

  • @ayushbhaumik7980
    @ayushbhaumik7980 Год назад +1

    Wow this review was posted 5 hours after wavetheory's review for serenade, coincidence?

    • @StoneColdClassics
      @StoneColdClassics Год назад +4

      Review embargo was lifted at midnight I believe

    • @kingdip91
      @kingdip91 Год назад +3

      I wish the world was as interesting as conspiracy minded people believe it is

    • @wavetheorysound
      @wavetheorysound Год назад +3

      Lol. I was as surprised as you all. No conspiracy here.
      Another fine review, Lachlan.

    • @aRc11-11
      @aRc11-11 Год назад +3

      Edward Snowden was a week earlier.

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  Год назад +2

      Yep. No conspiracy here. It was a flip of a coin between the Serenade and Prelude and either could have been released sooner still is not for the other gear I had to get to first. 🙂

  • @aceofspades6667
    @aceofspades6667 Год назад +1

    🤜🤛💪

  • @vipernecklampy8773
    @vipernecklampy8773 3 месяца назад

    No remote, what a dealbreaker in 2024...

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  3 месяца назад +1

      Unless you have a desktop system where everything is within reach and remote controls just create clutter and mess...

    • @vipernecklampy8773
      @vipernecklampy8773 3 месяца назад

      @@PassionforSound Yes but on a well rested long crouch you have to put yourself on discomfort and you hear differently when you're rested vs when you change volume in a straight position.. And on a huge 75", i'm sorry, wished to get it but the remote control is a dealbreaker..

    • @PassionforSound
      @PassionforSound  3 месяца назад +1

      @vipernecklampy8773 I get that it's a deal-breaker for you and totally understand. My point was that the year we're in isn't relevant. It's the use case and setup that matters.

    • @vipernecklampy8773
      @vipernecklampy8773 3 месяца назад

      @@PassionforSound I can max the volume on Serenade, and lower the volume with my remote control on the TV but however i find it introduces noise floor on the sounds, at least on low volume TV output. Still, not sure so i'll try with my SMSL M500 more, so i'll see if i can use it easily. But i'm not sure, at least you didn't point it out on the video, Hifiman says it can be streamed by smartphone without cables... Can it be so?? That would bring even better sound than LDAC i think, if streamed via TIDAL! 🎋

    • @vipernecklampy8773
      @vipernecklampy8773 3 месяца назад

      @@PassionforSound Yes, it seems good adjusting volume with my tv. What about Tidal via phone without cable? And, could you compare with Sabre Pro SMSL DO300 and SMSL SU-X or SU-10?
      That would be an interesting comparison, i like Sabre but R2r have the great soundstage, it seems.
      PS. I don't know if you checked but Hifiman offers Himalaya PRO Gold instead of Silver, which offers better sound quality even, as you mention the module update for Serenade.