Waversa EXT Reference and Reference PLUS

[ketcham]

THE EXT REFERENCE​

Larger and heavier than the EXT-1, the EXT Reference series employs more advanced technology than the EXT-1, and the gains it provides are significantly greater. The Reference series has a model for each of LAN ethernet, USB, and three different Coax connections, RCA, BNC and AES/EBU. To give a sense of what the Reference is about, here are some excerpts from a post by one new owner in Europe on What's Best Forum:

I only listened to both filters for a short while and after I had recovered for the shock of the price differential [between EXT-1 and Reference], it was a no-contest decision. As I said, the Reference’s benefit was a wow. The sound stage was bigger, the control and tightness of the bass were impressive, with more detail and a lower noise floor. So clean and smooth... For its size it is surprisingly heavy. Over 3kgs. It feels good in the hand. ...more resolution of fine detail and speed/dynamics: more "alive" and bass is tighter and punchier. ​

EXT Reference



HiFi Club has also released a preliminary review of the EXT Reference series and highly recommends it. Read HIFI Club’s review of the EXT Reference, including test results, here:
https://www.kevalinaudio.com/_files/ugd/1d53ba_0301ffc5c6ed4cb8ae6e52bd21f6514e.pdf?index=true

The first North American professional review of the Waversa Digital Isolator series was published in October 2022.

"Getting the Harmonic Structure in Digital Streaming Done Right"
An excerpt from Stereo Times’ review
of the
EXT-1 and EXT Reference:

The improvements brought by the LAN EXT-1 and EXT Reference were heard and demonstrated. The impact of electromagnetic and impulse noise on the sound of digital systems is beyond what I ever imagined. Optimizing the position of these ground-breaking components is critical to experiencing their full effect. I know no other component that does what Waversa Systems does to improve network audio streaming.

Prior to the review, I was torn between adding another Ethernet switch with its cascading effect or adding a LAN filter. The overall cost and performance benefit of each approach must be considered. The LAN filter eliminates the need for another linear power supply, power cord, and DC cable to power the LAN switch, which in my system, would cost around $2100. The EXT Reference now becomes comparable in cost to a high-end Ethernet switch with all of its necessary accessories. I have chosen the Waversa EXT Reference to be an integral part of my digital streaming system and will nominate it for a Stereo Times Most Wanted Component award.
Highly recommended.

Mike Girardi, Stereo Times, October 2022 (http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/waversa-ext-reference-lan-filter-and-ethernet-cable/)



THE EXT REFERENCE PLUS​

The Reference Plus is the top-of-the-line Waversa EXT digital noise isolator and is currently available for LAN Ethernet only. The Reference Plus boasts the most sophisticated application of Waversa’s proprietary technology, and the results are truly impressive. Customers are thrilled:

When I first saw reviews of the Waversa EXT it piqued my interest. When I called John Ketcham to inquire about the unit he noted that many users retained and purchased their units after being given a ‘test run’. John suggested that I try the Waversa EXT Reference Plus as it would be a good match for my DAC and streamer. The unit arrived in short order and was easily and quickly installed. Giving it the usual pause, I sat to listen expecting the usual hours of comparison of having to take the unit in and out of my Ethernet source. Boy was I surprised!

Within mere seconds there was an immediate and very noticeable difference. Not the usual ‘difference’ but a huge positive improvement in all areas. What I immediately noticed was better control and delineation of base, much wider soundstage with greater depth and instrument delineation and positioning. I should note, all of this is delivered in a totally natural way, without any hint of over emphasis or exaggeration. Totally real!

I never realized that the output of Ethernet could be so corrupted by RF and EMI and more importantly, have such a negative impact on the resulting sound. Astonishing! This single device has transformed my digital source. I can totally recommend the Waversa EXT Reference Plus without any hesitation. This is a truly remarkable product!​

D. R.

The Reference plus is amazing! Somehow it removes 'digital' distortion (that I didn't hear before) ... increased tonal purity, lower noise floor and real 3-D.​

D. A.

More playing around... Ref Plus is better than daisy chained References. How to describe it... everything a pair of Refs do but more "drive"(immediacy?), "attack", "richness" of harmonic structure of every instrument, separation of instruments and voices but keeping "musicality" - I've never had such a sense of musicians, stage, alive in front of me - 'like in the studio' says my drummer friend... with the addition of the Ref Plus the air in the room is alive with the vibrations of the instruments' wood, wire, brass - with the breathing presence of the vocalist(s). Absolutely lovely. Use the short Waversa in-house built cable for best result.

A single original isolator is a lovely enhancement; a single Reference builds on that, providing more air, separation, stage, articulate bass; daisy chained References more than double those effects, opening-up and enlivening everything; the Plus is transformative.​

G. S.

Kevalin Audio is extremely pleased to make these exceptional, ground-breaking devices available to North American audiophiles.

READ MORE HERE!
Or
Contact John Ketcham at KEVALIN AUDIO in the USA
info@kevalinaudio.com / 1-503–292–5592
In Canada:
Bob Suwary at WATCHDOG DIGITAL & ANALOG SOLUTIONS
rsuwary@rogers.com / 1-416-844-1072​

Copyright Kevalin Audio 2023

 

[LL21]

Big fan of the Waversa Ext Ref Plus which sits in between our Zanden Transport now and Zanden DAC. Remarkable. No change to the purity, tonality of the Zanden...but exception in removal of noise where suddenly an entire wave of detail, nuance and even dynamics is able to float up from the lowered noise floor.

 

[ctsooner]

Big fan of the Waversa Ext Ref Plus which sits in between our Zanden Transport now and Zanden DAC. Remarkable. No change to the purity, tonality of the Zanden...but exception in removal of noise where suddenly an entire wave of detail, nuance and even dynamics is able to float up from the lowered noise floor.

Using the Ref unit and it does all of this. I’m sure the plus upgrade is even larger.

 

[ationg]

I am getting the Waversa hub3 network switch and the EXT Ref. They are to connect to my network streamer. What is the recommended placement? Does the switch come before or after the EXT Ref?
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[ketcham]

Based off feedback, my recommendation is try different places in your network. One individual swears the Reference PLUS placement after the router before the network extends into his home. Most place their EXT just before the final destination device. A high quality short (2M or less) well shielded cable between EXT and the final device helps prevent reintroduction of RF/EM pollution.

If able, slow the network speed to 100 Mb/s. Noise has been measured at the clocking frequencies which alters the sound.

For all EXT users - EXT is designed for streaming music. They may limit throughput at multigigibite speeds. To adapt to continuing network technology Waversa released v2 for the EXT series. The original devices work fine but may be required to be strategically placed.

 

[ctsooner]

Thanks so much for the response. I'm using mine in-between the router and my streamer/server. I use the 2m that Ketch sells with it. I have the EXT-Ref and it's amazing.in how much it does. I also have an EXT-1 that I recently put into the system right before the Ref unit and that has also made a nice positive difference. I assume that v1 and 2 would also work well together, but maybe keeping the v1 in, will take away from v2.

 

[Gryffles]

Where’s the sweet spot in the EXT line up? I’m using an EXT-2 and the jump from EXT-1 was very significant.
Is the jump to Referemce just as meaningful?

 

[ctsooner]

In MY system, I felt the ref was the money maker. It all depends on what your other gear is, doesn't it? If you have a DAC that costs less than the Ref unit, then maybe a new DAC (Ketch sells some great DAC's too) is in order. What I do know is that with the Ref in my system, I felt it took my Brinkmann Nyquist 2 into a much higher league of DAC's. This isn't one of devices that makes a 'subtle' difference. I've have had immediate upgrades going to the 1 and then installing the Ref and THEN using them both. I was surprised as my DAC is really darn good.

I know what folks who have the Ref Plus think, but I personally can't afford that yet. What's your budget? If you are looking for a full component upgrade, this is one of the FEW add on's that I can say does give you that.

 

[Gryffles]

In MY system, I felt the ref was the money maker. It all depends on what your other gear is, doesn't it? If you have a DAC that costs less than the Ref unit, then maybe a new DAC (Ketch sells some great DAC's too) is in order. What I do know is that with the Ref in my system, I felt it took my Brinkmann Nyquist 2 into a much higher league of DAC's. This isn't one of devices that makes a 'subtle' difference. I've have had immediate upgrades going to the 1 and then installing the Ref and THEN using them both. I was surprised as my DAC is really darn good.

I know what folks who have the Ref Plus think, but I personally can't afford that yet. What's your budget? If you are looking for a full component upgrade, this is one of the FEW add on's that I can say does give you that.

Thanks for your response. It does depend on gear and my dac is more than worthy being a Lampi Golden Gate, albeit an older one.

That’s good to know you were using the 1 so you have a point of reference although going from the 1 to the 2 was a big leap too.

My budget is limited although when there’s a used Reference that could be accomplished. As always it’s choosing the best place to spend. I could upgrade psu to Firebird for my Edis Creation switch for same money

 

[ketcham]

These units are incredibly durable. Like buying cables, a used broken-in unit is an excellent value and in some way a better performer initially (skipping the breaking-in process). There is no directionality associated with them.

 

[ctsooner]

Thanks for your response. It does depend on gear and my dac is more than worthy being a Lampi Golden Gate, albeit an older one.

That’s good to know you were using the 1 so you have a point of reference although going from the 1 to the 2 was a big leap too.

My budget is limited although when there’s a used Reference that could be accomplished. As always it’s choosing the best place to spend. I could upgrade psu to Firebird for my Edis Creation switch for same money

I've always said that you need to focus on your main components first and THEN go with cables, cords, products like grounding devices and Waversa type of components. Set your budget and go for it when you are ready. Is the Ref worth it? No doubt if you have the right system (most on this thread probably do). There are a few ways to skin the digital cat and I chose WaversaEXT devices over other 'isolation' ones. I was an early adopter as I was doing ethernet isolation and power isolation for all digital from the get go of folks knowing about them.

They all have made a positive difference, but for me the EXT1, 2, Ref and probably Ref + have made a dollar vs dollar bigger difference in my system. Everyone I've sent John's way has said the same thing and a few are systems that cost much less than mine. That tells me fundamentally, these devices works and do what John and reviewers are saying.

This won't be the devices that are stored down in the basement collecting dust in a year or two. Thanks John for turning me onto them.