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

[Ron Resnick]

Congratulations on the great review, Gary and Nicolae!

 

[dbeau]

- Hear This will handle and manage the US service and hold spare parts to reduce the repair lead time.
- We strongly believe in the importance of home demos for SQ and system compatibility testing.
We offer new product replacements for purchasers of our DACs. If a unit fails within 90 days, we will replace it with a new one and pay for shipping both ways.
This means one can confidently purchase any product from Hear This and our authorized retail partners. We believe that at these price levels, a high level of service and support are table stakes and essential to the long-term vitality of our business and the brands we serve.







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I can attest to Gary Leeds, of HearThis, fullfilment of all the above in receipt of an order, ($$>Rockna DAC) which had a defect.
His response was immediate and beyond what might be expected. The replacements were shipped so quickly (w/o questions) that they arrived the same day my original returns were recieved by HearThis/Gary. His word is good and if I wasn't already content with my current DAC, I'd be all over his Rockna, in a large part because he recommends it, allows in-home trial, and he is behind the sale.

 

[gleeds]

I've been a very happy owner of the new Wavedream Reference Signature DAC since December 2024, having previously owned both the Wavedream Edition DAC and the Wavedream Edition Signature DAC balanced. I'm particularly pleased to learn that a new distributor has been appointed for North America.
Last Sunday at the Southwest Audio Fest in Dallas, I had the opportunity to see the black version of my DAC in action. It was part of an impressive system featuring Westminster Lab amplifiers and VR speakers, which produced beautiful sound.

This latest model represents a significant upgrade over the previous top-of-the-line Wavedream version. The improvements are particularly noticeable in terms of control, dynamics, and tonal colors, among other characteristics. In my opinion, this isn't your typical R2R DAC, with soft edges and somehow lacking attack - quite the contrary. I strongly encourage anyone in the market for a DAC in this price range to consider it, especially since I understand home demonstrations may be available.

Appreciate your observations, AH. Let us know if you're coming to Axpona.

 

[gleeds]

I can attest to Gary Leeds, of HearThis, fullfilment of all the above in receipt of an order, ($$>Rockna DAC) which had a defect.
His response was immediate and beyond what might be expected. The replacements were shipped so quickly (w/o questions) that they arrived the same day my original returns were recieved by HearThis/Gary. His word is good and if I wasn't already content with my current DAC, I'd be all over his Rockna, in a large part because he recommends it, allows in-home trial, and he is behind the sale.

Davis, thank you for your kind words. With so many choices for consumers these days, for a specialty importer like Hear Tghis and our small band of retail partners, it can be a tricky business at times. Satisfied owners inspire us to keep pushing the envelope in terms of value and service. Rob, Fred, and I truly appreciate you!

 

[gleeds]

I think the Audiophilestyle review was already published yesterday, here: https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/review-rockna-wavedream-reference-signature-dac-r1343/

AH, you beat me to it! Thank you!

 

[Kingrex]

How do you connect the DAC? Robert of WWW was trying to get me to purchase one years ago. He said it would sound like crap with my server as I2s was the only good interface. I was not going to get a DAC and Server.
What I mean by connect it is, do you need a Rockna server to get the most from the I2s interface?
I saw in the review that its a Roon Ready endpoint. With Roon, do you need a server? Can you plug an ethernet cable in the back of the Rockna and via Roon have your Qobuz and files off your NAS play? How amazing would that be. No need for a server. That saves a whole lot of money.
What about Spotify? Can that go through Roon too now?
Thanks Rex

 

[gleeds]

How do you connect the DAC? Robert of WWW was trying to get me to purchase one years ago. He said it would sound like crap with my server as I2s was the only good interface. I was not going to get a DAC and Server.
What I mean by connect it is, do you need a Rockna server to get the most from the I2s interface?
I saw in the review that its a Roon Ready endpoint. With Roon, do you need a server? Can you plug an ethernet cable in the back of the Rockna and via Roon have your Qobuz and files off your NAS play? How amazing would that be. No need for a server. That saves a whole lot of money.
What about Spotify? Can that go through Roon too now?
Thanks Rex

Hi Kingrex. I can't comment why World Wide would say that, although the Wavedream RS works with any connection on any server. We have used it so far with Lumin, Aurender, and Pink Faun servers, and we have had fantastic results with both AES EBU and USB. Rockna is updating their server line and working on a new advanced interface for a Rockna DAC-to-Rockna server connection, but as stated, it is certainly not a requirement.

The RS is an end-point only, so a host computer for Roon server software is required.

 

[Kingrex]

Hi Kingrex. I can't comment why World Wide would say that, although the Wavedream RS works with any connection on any server. We have used it so far with Lumin, Aurender, and Pink Faun servers, and we have had fantastic results with both AES EBU and USB. Rockna is updating their server line and working on a new advanced interface for a Rockna DAC-to-Rockna server connection, but as stated, it is certainly not a requirement.

The RS is an end-point only, so a host computer for Roon server software is required.

Is the best interface still i2s?

My understanding is, as an endpoint, any laptop will performs as well as the most expensive server. Would you say this is true. Or does one still want to use a high end server.

 

[gleeds]

THE BEST DRINKS, FOOD, AND MUSIC AT AXPONA ARE AT PERRY'S RESTAURANT
FRIDAY EVENING APRIL 11TH between 5 and 8 PM​

Hi, all. We are headed to Axpona. Damon Von Schweikert and I are holding a special off-site event Friday evening for press, retailers, and friends of our companies, Von Schweikert and Hear This. To thank WBF owners and members, Damon and I would like to invite members of Whats Best Forum to join us for a fun and casual evening. Unfortunately, space is limited, so we can only accommodate the first twenty (20) members that RSVP. Transportation on the 1/2 hr. to Perry's will be provided in front of the Renaissance Hotel.

PLEASE RSVP TO:
jennifer@vonschweikert.com

Those attending Axpona who cannot participate in the event should join us any day at the show in room 480. Our room will feature the new Von Schweikert VR.thirty loudspeaker, WestminsterLab electronics, and the all-new Rockna Wavedream Reference Signature DAC.

 

[gleeds]

Is the best interface still i2s?

My understanding is, as an endpoint, any laptop will performs as well as the most expensive server. Would you say this is true. Or does one still want to use a high end server.

Kingrex, any laptop will do nicely. There are many high-end servers to choose from, with devotees of each on WBF, so I won't wade into an opinion right now. I2s, AES/EBU, SP/DIF, and USB work well with the RS, noting the limited sample rate limit of 192 kHz with coaxial and EES3 connections. When Nicholae's new server is released next year, we will have more to say about Rockna's i2S connection. I hope that helps.

 

[Kingrex]

Kingrex, any laptop will do nicely. There are many high-end servers to choose from, with devotees of each on WBF, so I won't wade into an opinion right now. I2s, AES/EBU, SP/DIF, and USB work well with the RS, noting the limited sample rate limit of 192 kHz with coaxial and EES3 connections. When Nicholae's new server is released next year, we will have more to say about Rockna's i2S connection. I hope that helps.

Not really. The question is, if the Rockna has a built in endpoint for Roon, does a server vs a laptap make any difference at all? I though as an endpoint, the magic was really in the endpoint device rendering the control device (laptop or server) as nothing more than a control device. I though this was the purpose of endpoints in the past. Not sure if this has changed as time goes on or I misunderstood their value and purpose.

 

[gleeds]

Not really. The question is, if the Rockna has a built in endpoint for Roon, does a server vs a laptap make any difference at all? I though as an endpoint, the magic was really in the endpoint device rendering the control device (laptop or server) as nothing more than a control device. I though this was the purpose of endpoints in the past. Not sure if this has changed as time goes on or I misunderstood their value and purpose.

Kingrex, allow me to check with Nicholae and others who are more versed in using laptops as control devices only than various dedicated audiophile music servers.

On a related note, my friend and colleague, David Blumentstein of Tekworks, is presenting at Axpona on all subjects related to digital networking, streaming, and file storage. If you will be at the show, that would be a good one to attend.

 

[matthias]

Attached is a recent review in HiFi+ on the Wavedream Reference Signature. Please click on the link (no photo) to download and view it. Chris Connaker authored our first North American review, which will be published in Audiophile Style. Audio Hedonist thankfully posted it, and it is attached directly below.

TBH, I was disappointed that both reviewers didn't perform any comparisons to other DACs

 

[gleeds]

Matthis, yes, that is always a nice thing to have. That said, Nicholae and I were pleased that both reviewers effectively said, the are many great DACs in the world but none better. We hope to arrange some comparisons through the demo process but are just getting started, so perhaps in late summer or early fall, we will have comments from owners and others who experience the RS. At the moment, we are off to show the Wavedream RS at Axpona and then Munich. Perhaps you will have the opportunity to experience it at one of those two venues.

 

[Lee]

Matthis, yes, that is always a nice thing to have. That said, Nicholae and I were pleased that both reviewers effectively said, the are many great DACs in the world but none better. We hope to arrange some comparisons through the demo process but are just getting started, so perhaps in late summer or early fall, we will have comments from owners and others who experience the RS. At the moment, we are off to show the Wavedream RS at Axpona and then Munich. Perhaps you will have the opportunity to experience it at one of those two venues.

Gary,

Is the Rockne DAC at Axpona? I would love to hear it.

 

[gleeds]

Gary,

Is the Rockne DAC at Axpona? I would love to hear it.

Lee, we will be in room 480 this year, along with my other brands, WestminsterLab and VonSchweikert Audio. You're a dCS man, but Nicholae has produced something special in the RS.

Will the Varese be at Axpona? I would love to get my eyes and ears on that one!

 

[Barry2013]

Gary,

Is the Rockne DAC at Axpona? I would love to hear it.

Like you a DCS user so would be interested to read your impressions of the Rockna Wavedream dac

 

[Pokey77]

Lee, we will be in room 480 this year, along with my other brands, WestminsterLab and VonSchweikert Audio. You're a dCS man, but Nicholae has produced something special in the RS.

Will the Varese be at Axpona? I would love to get my eyes and ears on that one!

Hi Gary,
Mike @Excel Audio in Newport Beach has the Varese. It is currently running in a D’Agostino system with MBL 101E Mk IIs. The MBL Extreme system is scheduled to land in May.
Warren

 

[gleeds]

Like you a DCS user so would be interested to read your impressions of the Rockna Wavedream d

Hi Gary,
Mike @Excel Audio in Newport Beach has the Varese. It is currently running in a D’Agostino system with MBL 101E Mk IIs. The MBL Extreme system is scheduled to land in May.
Warren

Wow, some big boy toys! Are you coming to Axpona? If so, I'd like to invite you to our event. Please PM me,, and let's see one another soon.

 

[Pokey77]

Wow, some big boy toys! Are you coming to Axpona? If so, I'd like to invite you to our event. Please PM me,, and let's see one another soon.

Hi Gary,

No, I will not be at AXPONA. But I will be at Costa Mesa as usual. BTW, I appreciate the invite nonetheless. See you in June.