HIFIMAN, a leader in high fidelity personal audio, today announced the debut of a new DAC/headphone amplifier with an integrated WiFi card that allows for lossless wireless streaming of high-resolution audio.
The new SERENADE Wireless desktop DAC/headphone amplifier (SRP: $999) is a compact, powerhouse of a 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 addition of a WiFi card adds greater flexibility to the reference-quality SERENADE,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “With its Hymalaya Pro ladder DAC, SERENADE Wireless is the perfect match for music lovers who want to wirelessly stream high-resolution audio for the best sound at any price.”
HIFIMAN’S Hymalaya Pro R2R DAC, with the added support of a new FPGA algorithm and 0.01% precision resistors, provides performance that surpasses the commonplace PCM1704 in every way, reaching a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) rate of -6dB 0.0012%. Performance is equivalent to that of two PCM1704K connectors.
With WiFi connectivity and a built-in WiFi card, it offers significantly lower latency compared to traditional Bluetooth and is compatible with major mobile devices and PC operating systems.
The SERENADE Wireless amp circuit is based on a Class A design, supplemented by a precisely matched, discrete transistor amplifier circuit, with dozens of power transistors that are precisely matched, delivering both high-frequency airiness and warm mid-to-low frequencies.
A 50w toroidal transformer is comprised of high-quality full-band iron core, combined with a large-pool filter capacitor of nearly 30,000 microfarads and a multi-stage, multi-channel, low-noise, high-speed voltage regulator circuit, providing a pure and fast power supply for the SERENADE Wireless.
The SERENADE Wireless uses the legendary FET operational amplifier, with a discrete component LPF analog circuit that translates into detailed sound with high-precision, low-noise test indicators. The digital input options and supported formats are comprehensive and meet high standards.
The SERENADE Wireless is designed for personal audio and music fans who demand both maximum flexibility and performance. Measuring a mere 300mm x 255mm x 50mm/12” x 10” x 2”, SERENADE Wireless includes a host of features and listening options that belie its compact size.
SERENADE Wireless outputs include 4-pin XLR, 6.35mm and 4.4mm on the front panel, with XLR balanced, RCA single-ended outputs, and a pair of RCA single-ended audio inputs on the rear panel.
Adds Dr. Bian: “SERENADE Wireless is the next step in our mission to bring high-resolution audio to our customers, no matter their preferred source.”
The SERENADE Wireless will be available in MONTH at a suggested retail price of $999, from authorized HIFIMAN dealers and the company’s online store, http://store.hifiman.com/. For additional information, visit https://hifiman.com.
The History of HIFIMAN Headphones
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Fang Bian, HIFIMAN has carved out a prominent place in the world of high-fidelity audio. Known for its innovation in planar magnetic headphone technology, HIFIMAN’s story is a tale of relentless experimentation, engineering breakthroughs, and a deep passion for sound.
Humble Beginnings: Head-Direct and the Birth of HIFIMAN
The origins of HIFIMAN can be traced back to New York City, where Dr. Fang Bian, a young entrepreneur with a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, began his foray into the audiophile scene. An avid music lover since his youth in China, Bian had grown up fascinated by personal audio, tinkering with Walkmans and earbuds. That curiosity blossomed into a career path.
In 2005, he launched Head-Direct, an online storefront that sold audio gear, including early in-ear monitors (IEMs) and portable headphone amps. While the business gained traction, it wasn’t long before Bian realized that to truly push boundaries, he needed to create something of his own. This vision led to the launch of the HIFIMAN brand in 2007.
Enter: Planar Magnetic Headphones
Most consumer headphones at the time relied on dynamic drivers. While capable, these drivers had limitations in detail retrieval, speed, and distortion. Planar magnetic technology, on the other hand, offered a flatter, thinner diaphragm suspended between magnetic fields—providing faster transient response and more accuracy. But planar magnetic headphones were expensive, hard to drive, and notoriously difficult to manufacture.
HIFIMAN took a risk by embracing this niche technology. In 2009, the company introduced the HE-5, one of the first affordable planar magnetic headphones on the market. With its unique wood cups and detailed, open sound, the HE-5 became an instant hit among headphone enthusiasts.
However, the HE-5 wasn’t without flaws. The wooden ear cups were prone to cracking, and its treble presentation was overly sharp for some listeners. In response, HIFIMAN quickly followed up with the HE-5LE in 2010—“LE” meaning Limited Edition, though it effectively replaced the original model. The HE-5LE featured more durable materials and a refined tuning, setting the stage for what was to come.
Rapid Innovation and Refinement
The 2010s were a decade of rapid innovation for HIFIMAN. The HE-6, released in 2010, was a major leap forward. It showcased the brand’s ability to create a reference-grade headphone, but its extremely low sensitivity (around 83.5 dB) meant it required a speaker amplifier to reach full potential. Despite this limitation, it became a favorite among hardcore audiophiles who valued transparency and detail above all.
As HIFIMAN continued developing planar magnetic designs, the HE-500 arrived in 2011. With higher efficiency and a warmer tonal balance than the HE-6, it became more approachable and gained widespread praise for its engaging midrange and textured bass. It became a sort of “sweet spot” in the lineup.
Alongside headphones, HIFIMAN began producing dedicated amplifiers to match their high-demand designs. Models like the EF5 and EF6 provided the necessary power, and although early HIFIMAN amps were met with mixed reviews, they signaled the brand’s intent to create complete audio ecosystems.
The Flagship Era: HE1000 and Beyond
HIFIMAN took a bold step forward in 2015 with the launch of the HE1000, a headphone that introduced several major technological innovations. It featured an ultra-thin nanometer diaphragm—so thin that it was nearly invisible to the naked eye. The headphone also used a new “window shade” grille design to reduce sound wave reflections and enhance clarity.
At the time, the HE1000 was considered one of the most advanced headphones ever made. It had a spacious soundstage, incredibly low distortion, and natural timbre that could compete with headphones twice its price. The release elevated HIFIMAN to the upper echelon of the audiophile world.
Soon after, the Edition X, HE1000 V2, and Arya followed, each bringing refinements in materials, comfort, and sound tuning. The Arya, released in 2018, offered many of the HE1000’s technologies at a lower price point, making flagship-grade performance more accessible.
Affordability Meets Fidelity: Sundara and Deva
In the late 2010s, HIFIMAN began to expand its reach with models aimed at a broader audience. The Sundara, introduced in 2017, became one of the brand’s most successful headphones. With a thinner diaphragm, redesigned headband, and a balanced tonal signature, it offered incredible value for under $500. It quickly became a go-to recommendation for new audiophiles.
Another milestone was the DEVA, a hybrid wired and Bluetooth planar magnetic headphone introduced in 2020. It showed HIFIMAN’s willingness to adapt to the wireless trend without sacrificing fidelity. The DEVA came with a detachable Bluetooth module that could be swapped for a balanced cable, giving users flexibility and high-end sound on the go.
Stealth Magnets and the SUSVARA
HIFIMAN’s pursuit of sonic perfection continued with the introduction of Stealth Magnet technology. In traditional planar magnetic headphones, the magnets can obstruct the sound waves as they pass through, causing diffraction and distortion. Stealth Magnets have a rounded, acoustically transparent shape that minimizes interference and allows for cleaner sound.
The SUSVARA, released around the same time, became HIFIMAN’s new flagship and benchmark for what planar magnetic headphones could achieve. With unmatched transparency, dynamics, and resolution, the SUSVARA was hailed as one of the best headphones in the world. However, its extreme price and demanding power requirements kept it firmly in the realm of audiophile elites.
Diversification and Evolution
Over the years, HIFIMAN has diversified its product range far beyond just headphones. The company has developed high-performance IEMs like the RE-600 and RE-2000, which use dynamic drivers tuned for clarity and precision. It also entered the world of digital audio players with devices like the HM-901 and HM-802, offering portable high-res playback options.
In more recent years, HIFIMAN has even experimented with open-back desktop speakers like the EF100 and bookshelf systems using planar magnetic drivers. This effort marks a new frontier for the company as it attempts to apply its headphone expertise to home audio systems.
Challenges and Criticisms
No journey is without its bumps. HIFIMAN has occasionally faced criticism over build quality, with some users reporting issues like cracked headbands, connector problems, or inconsistent quality control—especially in earlier models. While the company has improved significantly in this area, it remains a common talking point among longtime fans.
The company’s frequent rebranding and incremental updates (e.g., HE400 to HE400i, then 400S, then 400SE) have also drawn some confusion and criticism. However, most agree that each iteration generally brings real performance or usability improvements.
Global Influence and Legacy
Today, HIFIMAN is a globally recognized name in the audiophile world. With offices in China and the United States, it has a growing presence at audio shows, in online communities, and on the shelves of serious hi-fi enthusiasts.
Dr. Fang Bian remains the guiding force behind the company, constantly pushing forward with new ideas. His vision—to make great sound available to more people—is reflected in the brand’s diverse offerings, from budget planar magnetics to world-class flagships.
What began as a side project by a passionate student has grown into one of the most respected headphone companies in the world. By marrying engineering ingenuity with a deep love for music, HIFIMAN has not only revived interest in planar magnetic headphones but has also helped shape the future of high-end personal audio.
