Chinese audio manufacturer HIFIMAN has announced their acquisition of GOLDENWAVE, bringing the GOLDENWAVE brand under their umbrella of products.
“Since its introduction in 2011, GOLDENWAVE is rightfully seen as a leader in the development of desktop audio decoders and headphone amplifiers,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “Its reference Prelude and consumer-oriented Serenade models are among the most reliable on the market.
“By bringing GOLDENWAVE under HIFIMAN’s wing, we are embarking upon a new era for both brands, with products that feature the best of what each company has to offer, with music lovers ultimately being the beneficiaries.
Coinciding with the announcement, HIFIMAN has revealed the new SERENADE desktop DAC/headphone amplifier, the first product from the GOLDENWAVE brand to be released since the acquisition. SERENADE is a compact Class A amplifier with HIFIMAN’s proprietary Hymalaya Pro Ladder DAC, an update of the company’s first-generation Hymalaya DAC, originally released in 2021.
The SERENADE is designed for personal audio and music fans who demand both maximum flexibility and performance. Measuring 300mm x 255mm x 50mm/12” x 10” x 2”, SERENADE includes a host of features and listening options that belie its compact size.
SERENADE supports a wide variety of inputs, including PCM 32bit/384K, DSD64-DSD256 (USB); DSD DoP64 (coaxial and optical); Bluetooth 5.0, LDAC, aptX-HD, aptX (Bluetooth); and PCM44.1-PCM768, DSD64-DSD512 (LAN wired network). Outputs on the front panel include 4-pin XLR, 6.35mm and 4.4mm, with XLR balanced and RCA single-ended outputs on the rear panel.
SERENADE features the FET operational amplifier, with a discrete component LPF analog circuit that translates into detailed sound with high-precision, low-noise test indicators. The design of the whole signal path eliminates coupling capacitors, removing nonlinear distortion caused by electrolytic capacitors, leaving only pure, full range sonic output.
The SERENADE’s frequency response is measured at 20Hz-20KHz, +-0.1dB @1KHz. THD+N is 0.0015% -3dBFS@1KHz. DAC output level is 4.5V/XLR, 2.2V/RCA, 0dBFS@1KHz. Headphone amplifier power output is THD+N<0.07% @1KHz balanced output is 4000mW@32 ohms, 760mW@300 ohms; single-end output is 2800mW@32Ω, 510mW@300Ω.
“GOLDENWAVE is a company I’ve always viewed with deep respect and awe for its approach to industrial design,” adds Dr. Bian. “I am proud to make this prestigious brand one of our own. SERENADE is the first of what will be many important introductions for music lovers at every level, from casual listeners to dyed in the wool audiophiles.”
The SERENADE will be available in July at a suggested retail price of $1,199, from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and the company’s online store, http://store.hifiman.com/. For additional information, visit https://hifiman.com.
See also: Dirac Collaborates With ASUS To Provide Immersive Sound Experiences
