Breaking the High-Dollar Statement DAC Price/Performance Barrier - Rockna Wavedream Reference Signature DAC

[Barry2013]

Confirmed for this weekend so it'll definitely be an A/B with M21 and I'll test the digital connection side of life as well. I've got Jorma / Intona AES/USB here for direct connetion from the K50 (I'll use a run of the mill HDMI for I2S for now) and I'll check network as well with a nice noisy PC and simple switch.

I gave Nicolae a shout yesterday to confirm pin out for I2S so hopefully will have a reply today and I can set the K50 switches accordingly. Default I believe is PS Audio spec which from memory and a brief look though the WDRS manual a while ago, is one of the pre programmed I2S in options on WDRS.

Quite excited to hear it TBH, just wish my XA30.8 was with me for it (away for mod) but Envy will suffice for now. (Only using HP's for now).

If there's any particular feedback wanted, just shout and I'll keep an ear open for it.

Thanks Doug
You will obviously be sharing your experience of the sound quality with us but I would be interested to know how it performs with CD/SACD discs from a transport if that is possible.
I would also appreciate your thoughts on ease of setup and operation.
Yesterday I sorted out my trip to Munich next month where I look forward to hearing it in person

 

[Doug2507]

Sorry for the delay, courier issues.

Fired it up last night, short listen so I'll reserve judgement on SQ until further listen but it wasn't quite the home run I thought it would be vs M21, both have their own distinct sound. I'll post thoughts on this once I've done a more thorough listen.

Build quality is excellent, all ins / outs well positioned, remote is very nice and the UI is really good. Everything in the UI is very intuitive, very easy to go through and responsive. Touch screen also works really well but I'm using the remote mostly.

I'll sit down with it later today / this evening, deep dive into the manual to make sure it's optimised for playback and go have some fun with it. Last night was a quick n dirty listen, also cycled digital inputs from the K50. I2S default is indeed PS Audio spec as I had no issue using I2S out of the K50 which is PSA spec as default.

Today will be a revisit of last night but broader library playback, see how network sounds and throw Roon into the mix as well (I tend to use squeeze with K50).

No transport here @Barry2013 so apologies, that won't be part of it.

 

[gleeds]

Thanks for the preliminary comments, Doug. One note: The WDRS requires approximately 250-300 hours of burn-in time before it comes on song. There are tons of small caps, as well as other elements that take their sweet time, so please inquire with your dealer about how much play time your unit has. You'll know it's ready once the bass power and timing are among the best you've heard from digital. Enjoy!

 

[Doug2507]

Thanks for the preliminary comments, Doug. One note: The WDRS requires approximately 250-300 hours of burn-in time before it comes on song. There are tons of small caps, as well as other elements that take their sweet time, so please inquire with your dealer about how much play time your unit has. You'll know it's ready once the bass power and timing are among the best you've heard from digital. Enjoy!

You've got PM.

 

[gleeds]

Lots of caps and other goodies inside so break-in time is essential

 

[Steve williams]

Thanks for the preliminary comments, Doug. One note: The WDRS requires approximately 250-300 hours of burn-in time before it comes on song. There are tons of small caps, as well as other elements that take their sweet time, so please inquire with your dealer about how much play time your unit has. You'll know it's ready once the bass power and timing are among the best you've heard from digital. Enjoy!

Good advice Gary with most all audio components as my experience is that the bass is typically the last to come in

 

[Pancho]

I’ve had Wavedream Net for around two years. One unit I still regret selling is that Rockna WD Net. The only reason for offloading was as simply many of us have done and gone through - the itch to buy new - keep upgrading and try new units! I moved onto Lampizator and didn’t stope there before ending up with the Linn DSM with Organik DAC.

In terms of performance I would certainly rate it high and was very affordable - but aesthetically as they say about the Volvos - I thought it was a bit boxy bulky to my liking. Nucu was always helpful but I never had any issues with the unit to complain about. If I ever get a chance get the unit back, I will certainly pick it up.

 

[gleeds]

I’ve had Wavedream Net for around two years. One unit I still regret selling is that Rockna WD Net. The only reason for offloading was as simply many of us have done and gone through - the itch to buy new - keep upgrading and try new units! I moved onto Lampizator and didn’t stope there before ending up with the Linn DSM with Organik DAC.

In terms of performance I would certainly rate it high and was very affordable - but aesthetically as they say about the Volvos - I thought it was a bit boxy bulky to my liking. Nucu was always helpful but I never had any issues with the unit to complain about. If I ever get a chance get the unit back, I will certainly pick it up.

Pancho, thank you for your positive comments on the Wavenet. It remains a superb piece for those who own it. I'm pleased to report that Nicholae has an all-new server on the drawing board to bring his latest thinking on the subject to market. It won't be ready in 2025, but I hope to have it available sometime in 2026. Like the new Reference Signature, the Rockna Signature server promises to punch way above its weight class.

 

[Doug2507]

So...

WDRS went back yesterday after plenty of break in time. I did have notes from initial listen vs M21 but it did change after extended playtime, but not substantially enough for me to part with my money.

Short version, whilst it did change (fuller bass and slightly softer attack), it didn't get close to the emotional engagement M21 gives me. I actually found it hard to pick an aspect of sound reproduction that I liked better than M21. This could largely be down to system synergy / preference but it was a firm pass for me.

WDRS had tighter bass than M21 but didn't sound as full, mids were a no contest for me (with M21 in DS or R2R) and fully agree with current reviews about it not sounding like typical R2R, treble I also preferred M21. M21 sounded more organic, WDRS sounded quite tight / energetic and not something I could listen to for hours on end. Stage is probably the one thing I'd tick a box for.

Punching above it's weight class? Hmm, maybe in a system well optimised for it. The streamer section is better than Bricasti but both fed with K50 levelled the playing field for that point.

Build, UI etc, all really good, zero complaints there, just the sound wasn't for me.

Also interesting is lack of venting, it stays pretty cool so no issues running it in a tight for space rack.

I know everything seems to be quite positive for it but it just didn't work for me. Maybe it'll be a no brainer for those who already like the older WDS sound....

 

[matthias]

with M21 in DS or R2R

Thanks for sharing
IIUC, you prefer M21 with both DS and R2R to WDRS?

 

[gleeds]

So...

WDRS went back yesterday after plenty of break in time. I did have notes from initial listen vs M21 but it did change after extended playtime, but not substantially enough for me to part with my money.

Short version, whilst it did change (fuller bass and slightly softer attack), it didn't get close to the emotional engagement M21 gives me. I actually found it hard to pick an aspect of sound reproduction that I liked better than M21. This could largely be down to system synergy / preference but it was a firm pass for me.

WDRS had tighter bass than M21 but didn't sound as full, mids were a no contest for me (with M21 in DS or R2R) and fully agree with current reviews about it not sounding like typical R2R, treble I also preferred M21. M21 sounded more organic, WDRS sounded quite tight / energetic and not something I could listen to for hours on end. Stage is probably the one thing I'd tick a box for.

Punching above it's weight class? Hmm, maybe in a system well optimised for it. The streamer section is better than Bricasti but both fed with K50 levelled the playing field for that point.

Build, UI etc, all really good, zero complaints there, just the sound wasn't for me.

Also interesting is lack of venting, it stays pretty cool so no issues running it in a tight for space rack.

I know everything seems to be quite positive for it but it just didn't work for me. Maybe it'll be a no brainer for those who already like the older WDS sound....

Doug, thanks for trying the WDRS. It's interesting that your notes on the sound of the WDRS are so different from the formal reviews in Audiophile Style, HiFi+, and others, which all aligned. This is not my experience or that of my clients who have purchased one.

As you said, it may be system-related. Perhaps listing your system components other than your server will shed some light on things. Thanks for weighing in. Enjoy the music!

 

[Doug2507]

Thanks for sharing
IIUC, you prefer M21 with both DS and R2R to WDRS?

I did.

 

[Doug2507]

Doug, thanks for trying the WDRS. It's interesting that your notes on the sound of the WDRS are so different from the formal reviews in Audiophile Style, HiFi+, and others, which all aligned. This is not my experience or that of my clients who have purchased one.

As you said, it may be system-related. Perhaps listing your system components other than your server will shed some light on things. Thanks for weighing in. Enjoy the music!

The only reviews I've read compared it to the previous WD unless there are new reviews out? And that's not to take away from those reviews, it was those reviews that made me so certain it would be a great fit.

Feliks Audio Envy AE, Thomas Mayer 300B's, a variety of driver tubes (mostly mid range focused), RAAL Immanis HP's, variety of IC's including Albedo, Intona & some customs, K50 used as server / player and just server. There's usually a Pass Labs XA30.8 in there as well but it's away for some tinkering under the hood.

Either way, the difference between it and M21 isn't small and my preference strongly leans to the latter. Only one man's set of ears mind.

 

[Barry2013]

So...

WDRS went back yesterday after plenty of break in time. I did have notes from initial listen vs M21 but it did change after extended playtime, but not substantially enough for me to part with my money.

Short version, whilst it did change (fuller bass and slightly softer attack), it didn't get close to the emotional engagement M21 gives me. I actually found it hard to pick an aspect of sound reproduction that I liked better than M21. This could largely be down to system synergy / preference but it was a firm pass for me.

WDRS had tighter bass than M21 but didn't sound as full, mids were a no contest for me (with M21 in DS or R2R) and fully agree with current reviews about it not sounding like typical R2R, treble I also preferred M21. M21 sounded more organic, WDRS sounded quite tight / energetic and not something I could listen to for hours on end. Stage is probably the one thing I'd tick a box for.

Punching above it's weight class? Hmm, maybe in a system well optimised for it. The streamer section is better than Bricasti but both fed with K50 levelled the playing field for that point.

Build, UI etc, all really good, zero complaints there, just the sound wasn't for me.

Also interesting is lack of venting, it stays pretty cool so no issues running it in a tight for space rack.

I know everything seems to be quite positive for it but it just didn't work for me. Maybe it'll be a no brainer for those who already like the older WDS sound....

Thank you Doug
Not what I expected in the light of the hifi press reviews but that is not to question your conclusions.
Next week I will be in Munich to listen to it which I am sure I will do more thoroughly in the light of your experience, but a very useful example of the importance of demoing something in your own system and room

 

[Doug2507]

Thank you Doug
Not what I expected in the light of the hifi press reviews but that is not to question your conclusions.
Next week I will be in Munich to listen to it which I am sure I will do more thoroughly in the light of your experience, but a very useful example of the importance of demoing something in your own system and room

Yep, definitely don't let my thoughts put you off. It didn't suit my system (or preference) vs what's already in it but I'm sure it'll work very well for others. Being a single box solution to dac / streamer also has quite an appeal. Unfortunately it just didn't fit right for my needs. Can't win 'em all!

 

[gleeds]

Thank you Doug
Not what I expected in the light of the hifi press reviews but that is not to question your conclusions.
Next week I will be in Munich to listen to it which I am sure I will do more thoroughly in the light of your experience, but a very useful example of the importance of demoing something in your own system and room

Doug, thanks for the system info, and no worries whatsoever. Sharing experiences and ideas is what makes WBF, WBF! Knowing the exceptional RAALs headphones and, to a lesser degree, the Feiks SE amplifier sound signature sheds more light on your preference for the Bricasti, a terrific machine.

Barry, I agree, everyone should demo a unit in their system. This is why we offer interested parties in-home demos in the US. I look forward to seeing you in Munich next week. The Rockna will be in the Trafomatic Audio/ Tune Audio and Rockna room. Nicholae will be there, so do seek him out.

For those who want to experience the new Rockna DAC during Munich in a more traditional two-channel system, please visit us at HiFi Deluxe at the Marriott. The system will include:

Von Schweikert's newest VR.30 loudspeaker, WestminsterLab electronics, MasterBuilt cabling, and the Rockna Wavedream RS as part of a neutral and highly revealing system.

Following Munich, the Rockna will be featured in two systems at THE SHOW in Irvine, California, June 6-8.

System 1. Head-Fi system:
Rockna Wavedream RS with Trafomatic Primavera SE headphone amplifier with RAAL headphones.

System 2: two-channel:
Rockna Wavedream RS, Clarysis Studio speakers, Von Schweikert Foundation room subs (used in room correction mode), WestminsterLab electronics and cabling.

 

[Doug2507]

Doug, thanks for the system info, and no worries whatsoever. Sharing experiences and ideas is what makes WBF, WBF! Knowing the exceptional RAALs headphones and, to a lesser degree, the Feiks SE amplifier sound signature sheds more light on your preference for the Bricasti, a terrific machine.

High hopes but unfortunately not to be this time. I did wonder if maybe running WE300's would make up the lost ground, particularly in mid range but I no longer own them and I wouldn't sacrifice TM300 ability to do so. System synergy is such an important factor (IMO) and that could well be the reason it didn't work out for me this time. The rigs been tuned to within an inch if it's life so the difference bwteeen M21 and WDRS was maybe too much of a shock to the system.

One silver lining has come out of it though, I was keen to also try an MPD-8 but have decided to keep everything as is. I guess the "if it ain't broke" mentality is quite apt this time.

Outside of sound, I really liked it BTW, the UI is great, so easy to use, touch / remote both excellent, build quality is great and maybe even more important, Rockna / Nicolae are easy to get a hold of and very helpful which is a massive tick in the box for me. I'm sure new owners and prospective buyers will be very well looked after. And product longevity, been a while since WD came out, pretty sure WDRS will be flagship for many years, that I also like rather than churning out something new every other year.

Nice product, great company, I hope the WDRS does well.

 

[gleeds]

High hopes but unfortunately not to be this time. I did wonder if maybe running WE300's would make up the lost ground, particularly in mid range but I no longer own them and I wouldn't sacrifice TM300 ability to do so. System synergy is such an important factor (IMO) and that could well be the reason it didn't work out for me this time. The rigs been tuned to within an inch if it's life so the difference bwteeen M21 and WDRS was maybe too much of a shock to the system.

One silver lining has come out of it though, I was keen to also try an MPD-8 but have decided to keep everything as is. I guess the "if it ain't broke" mentality is quite apt this time.

Outside of sound, I really liked it BTW, the UI is great, so easy to use, touch / remote both excellent, build quality is great and maybe even more important, Rockna / Nicolae d me thank you are easy to get a hold of and very helpful which is a massive tick in the box for me. I'm sure new owners and prospective buyers will be very well looked after. And product longevity, been a while since WD came out, pretty sure WDRS will be flagship for many years, that I also like rather than churning out something new every other year.

Nice product, great company, I hope the WDRS does well.

Thank you, Doug, for the good wishes on behalf of Nicolae and me!

Peace.

 

[Barry2013]

Doug, thanks for the system info, and no worries whatsoever. Sharing experiences and ideas is what makes WBF, WBF! Knowing the exceptional RAALs headphones and, to a lesser degree, the Feiks SE amplifier sound signature sheds more light on your preference for the Bricasti, a terrific machine.

Barry, I agree, everyone should demo a unit in their system. This is why we offer interested parties in-home demos in the US. I look forward to seeing you in Munich next week. The Rockna will be in the Trafomatic Audio/ Tune Audio and Rockna room. Nicholae will be there, so do seek him out.

For those who want to experience the new Rockna DAC during Munich in a more traditional two-channel system, please visit us at HiFi Deluxe at the Marriott. The system will include:

Von Schweikert's newest VR.30 loudspeaker, WestminsterLab electronics, MasterBuilt cabling, and the Rockna Wavedream RS as part of a neutral and highly revealing system.

Following Munich, the Rockna will be featured in two systems at THE SHOW in Irvine, California, June 6-8.

System 1. Head-Fi system:
Rockna Wavedream RS with Trafomatic Primavera SE headphone amplifier with RAAL headphones.

System 2: two-channel:
Rockna Wavedream RS, Clarysis Studio speakers, Von Schweikert Foundation room subs (used in room correction mode), WestminsterLab electronics and cabling.

Thank you Gleeds for that info which is very helpful.
Will any of the demos feature its use with a SACD transport?
I still have a good collection of SACD/CDs

 

[gleeds]

Thank you Gleeds for that info which is very helpful.
Will any of the demos feature its use with a SACD transport?
I still have a good collection of SACD/CDs

The demo for THE SHOW in Irvine, June 6-8, can use SDACD if one of my colleagues has, for example, an Esoteric transport. If you're in the US or Canada, you can also demo the WDRS at home. Please PM me, and I'll be happy to make arrangements.