lithiumnk
500+ Head-Fier
Hello
Can you compare WD sig vs 501mk2?
Both are on my short list for next upgrade.
Thanks
Rockna Wavedream DAC
- Thread starter 333jeffery
- Start date
Can you compare WD sig vs 501mk2?
Both are on my short list for next upgrade.
Thanks
Are u still using the coaxial rca connection? making me curious.. looking at the TQ Silver Diamond, Pink Faun coaxial and Tubulus Concentus coaxial.
tdx
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I've been reading so many good things about the WD that I'm kinda considering getting one to try out in my system. That said, I have a couple of questions for you good people who own one/have tried one:
- has anyone directly compared the Edition vs the Signature one? Wondering what the real world differences are.
- My amp is a first gen Riviera AIC-10 which has only RCA inputs. No point getting the balanced version of the WD right?
- Finally, I am trying to understand how the Wavedream Net streamer fits in with the DAC and if it's worth getting. I read the glowing review of it by GoldenOne and it seems like a great piece of gear, but I'm puzzled by its use case. Does it only make sense as a Roon server with all local music stored on its SSD? I know it can stream, including from a PC with HQplayer, but it's limited in the sample rates it can take vs say a Holo May. And, if used as a streamer from a different source, would there still be sonic benefits by having it in the chain? Or is it better to skip and connect the source directly to the Wavedream DAC?
Thanks in advance for any answers!
- has anyone directly compared the Edition vs the Signature one? Wondering what the real world differences are.
- My amp is a first gen Riviera AIC-10 which has only RCA inputs. No point getting the balanced version of the WD right?
- Finally, I am trying to understand how the Wavedream Net streamer fits in with the DAC and if it's worth getting. I read the glowing review of it by GoldenOne and it seems like a great piece of gear, but I'm puzzled by its use case. Does it only make sense as a Roon server with all local music stored on its SSD? I know it can stream, including from a PC with HQplayer, but it's limited in the sample rates it can take vs say a Holo May. And, if used as a streamer from a different source, would there still be sonic benefits by having it in the chain? Or is it better to skip and connect the source directly to the Wavedream DAC?
Thanks in advance for any answers!
I've owned both the Edition and the Signature and the Signature is a much more "mature" DAC if that makes sense. Everything simply sounds better and more real. The extra dynamic range is noticeable and appreciated. I think it’s a step up in feeling more natural sounding and organic, taking a little bit of the Edition’s bite to a more mature presentation but keeping it still a bit forward and clean that I consider the Rockna house sound to be.
I drive a balanced AIC-10 with it and the pairing has good synergy to balance things out.
If you never plan on having a balanced amp then probably no real reason to get the balanced version other than having two outputs instead of one. When connected with to SE you basically use half the DAC.
Never used a WD Net so can't comment on that but most people who own one are quite happy with it I believe. There are many good sources available in different price points.
tdx
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Thanks for the useful info. I'll start looking for a WD Signature SE as from what you describe that fits my needs the best.
As for the Wavedream Net, I guess my concern was if it brings anything to the table vs a powerful PC with HQplayer (which I have) connected via USB. If I ever get one I'll report on my findings.
From my personal experience and take on this hobby, stepping away from the PC or at least having some form of DDC between it and your DAC can go a long way in improving the sound quality of your system as a whole. YMMV.
I guess USB of wavedream doesn't have galvanic isolation, correct me if I am wrong. So, connecting a powerhouse PC with HQplayer may not be good idea. Also, WD is known for its internal upsampling. I would rather use that then HQPlayer.
tdx
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Thanks. I'll try to get a WD Net and compare the sound to a straight USB connection. Will let you guys know.
Looking forward to your thoughts. I've tried USB from net to wd dac but only briefly. used a TWL Passion usb and it sounded good. but I had to relocate the TWL usb back to its original location (sotm streamer) and now use both i2s and aes from the net to dac.
I only use i2s when using hqplayer and upsampling, and otherwise it's aes most of the time. u should give aes a go; just get a decent aes cable and enjoy!
I like the net a lot. runs cool, does the job. switching from Roon to hqplayer is hassle free and instantaneous. the cd player is convenient to have and is very "analog"/pleasant sounding. plus it matches looks with the wavedream dac, so that's a big plus for me.
If you do get those boxes to try, the remote control is a pleasure to use. very responsive. I almost never touch the buttons on the boxes anymore.
Do you have the plastic remote or metal one?
Failed Engineer
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I have a Edition Balanced I'm likely to sell if anyone is interested. I got it for a good deal and am passing it forward.
Yes, I still listen to TQ Silver Diamond.
This (!) coaxial cable makes a big difference in the sound of the system.
I didn't think that a digital cable could sound so beautiful
, become such an important element of the system.
My WD NET connects TQ SD to Wavelight...
sounds great, nothing is missing.
zombiecloud
New Head-Fier
ConvinceMeAudio Review of the ROCKNA WaveDream for viewing pleasure:
ufospls2
Headphoneus Supremus
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Hi guys, here is my review of the Wavedream. Its also up over on my blog if you want to read it there https://headphonesnstuff.blog/2023/08/07/rockna-audio-wavedream-edition-xlr-full-review/
Today we are talking about an interesting DAC from Romania, the Rockna Wavedream Edition XLR. This is the second Rockna DAC I have owned and reviewed, the first being the brand’s “entry-level” Wavelight DAC. I really enjoyed my time with the Wavelight and was always curious what moving up the line to the Wavedream would bring to the table in terms of sonic differences, or improvements. I remember becoming aware of Rockna back in 2014 when I first learned of the Wavedream DAC, and it has been in the back of my mind since then, especially after owning the Wavelight, to get my ears on one and see how it stacks up.
Now, before we dive into the review I just need to make a quick clarification. There are a few different versions of the Wavedream. There are the “Wavedream Edition” models, in both SE and XLR versions, and then there are the current top-of-the-line models, the “Wavedream Signature” in both SE and XLR. The Wavedream Edition models have the RD-1 R2R ladder modules (2 for SE, 4 for XLR) and the Wavedream Signature has the RD-0 R2R ladder modules (again 2 for SE and 4 for XLR.) The DAC I have here for review is the Wavedream Edition XLR. The current MSRP for the Wavedream Edition XLR is USD 9600. For the rest of the review, I will refer to the Wavedream Edition XLR simply as the Wavedream but do keep in mind that I am talking about this specific model and that other models do exist.
The Wavedream comes double-boxed, and encased entirely in a foam sarcophagus, with a velvet bag to protect it from scratches. Rockna nails this aspect of product design, and I think that to this day I haven’t come across better packaging and safety for a piece of gear for its journey. 10/10 for packaging and safety.
When I owned the Wavelight, I felt it was a very solid performer for its price, with good tonal density, very slight harmonic richness and warmth, though not as resolving of details as something like the Chord Electronics DAVE. You can certainly tell that the Wavedream is cut from a similar cloth as the Wavelight DAC, but there are meaningful differences between the two, which became more apparent the longer I listened.
The midrange of the wave dream is interesting. I wouldn’t say it’s warm, especially not in the lower mids. It is not a warm and “romantic” type of sound. There was a slight amount of that with the Wavelight, not very much, but it was there. There is even less of that type of warmth with the Wavedream. The upper mids are slightly forward, and I think this may be part of what helps contribute to the Wavedream’s more forward and upfront type of sound signature.
The treble of the Wavedream is also slightly more forward than the Wavedream. It does not go as far as being bright but does have good extension in the top end, and I never got the feeling I was lacking any “air” or upper treble in terms of shimmer or sparkle. If you prefer a slightly darker sound from your DAC or want a more laidback type of sound signature, I don’t think the Wavedream is the right choice. It seems mostly neutral through its frequency range but does have slightly forward upper mids, and well extended treble.
The build quality of the Wavedream is awesome. It is a large unit and feels very, very well-built. The internals are gorgeously lain out, and the whole thing just feels “high-end.” Combined with the extremely well-done packaging, and handsome but understated looks, I really feel that Rockna has nailed the “high-end” type of experience. It really does just feel like a quality piece of equipment in every way shape and form.
Just to reiterate my thoughts on the Wavedream vs. Wavelight. The Wavedream and Wavelight are similar, and you can tell they are cut from the same cloth. The Wavedream is more technically competent, more detailed, and Seems to be more dynamic and hard-hitting. The Wavelight came across as being slightly less extended in the treble, slightly warmer in the lower midrange, and also less detailed. The Wavelight is still an incredibly competent and high-performing DAC, but I do feel there is a noticeable improvement moving to the Wavedream. The Wavedream is the overall more involving and exciting DAC to listen to.
Overall, I’m really happy that I have tried the Wavedream. I have been curious about it since 2014, which is almost a decade now. Its sound is detailed, hard-hitting, dynamic and exciting. It’s not the DAC to buy if you want a laid-back listen, or a warm and romantic sound signature. If you want something that is forward, and really commands your attention, the Wavedream is an excellent choice. Its technical performance is up there with the best I have personally heard and backs its sound signature up with a truly excellent level of build quality and attention to detail. If you are in the market for a new DAC and the Wavedream is in the price range you are looking at, I can highly recommend it. A truly superb piece of gear from Rockna Audio!
https://headphonesnstuff.blog/2023/08/07/rockna-audio-wavedream-edition-xlr-full-review/
Introduction
Hi Guys,Today we are talking about an interesting DAC from Romania, the Rockna Wavedream Edition XLR. This is the second Rockna DAC I have owned and reviewed, the first being the brand’s “entry-level” Wavelight DAC. I really enjoyed my time with the Wavelight and was always curious what moving up the line to the Wavedream would bring to the table in terms of sonic differences, or improvements. I remember becoming aware of Rockna back in 2014 when I first learned of the Wavedream DAC, and it has been in the back of my mind since then, especially after owning the Wavelight, to get my ears on one and see how it stacks up.
Now, before we dive into the review I just need to make a quick clarification. There are a few different versions of the Wavedream. There are the “Wavedream Edition” models, in both SE and XLR versions, and then there are the current top-of-the-line models, the “Wavedream Signature” in both SE and XLR. The Wavedream Edition models have the RD-1 R2R ladder modules (2 for SE, 4 for XLR) and the Wavedream Signature has the RD-0 R2R ladder modules (again 2 for SE and 4 for XLR.) The DAC I have here for review is the Wavedream Edition XLR. The current MSRP for the Wavedream Edition XLR is USD 9600. For the rest of the review, I will refer to the Wavedream Edition XLR simply as the Wavedream but do keep in mind that I am talking about this specific model and that other models do exist.
The Wavedream comes double-boxed, and encased entirely in a foam sarcophagus, with a velvet bag to protect it from scratches. Rockna nails this aspect of product design, and I think that to this day I haven’t come across better packaging and safety for a piece of gear for its journey. 10/10 for packaging and safety.
When I owned the Wavelight, I felt it was a very solid performer for its price, with good tonal density, very slight harmonic richness and warmth, though not as resolving of details as something like the Chord Electronics DAVE. You can certainly tell that the Wavedream is cut from a similar cloth as the Wavelight DAC, but there are meaningful differences between the two, which became more apparent the longer I listened.
Tonal Balance
In terms of tonal balance, I felt the bass of the Wavedream was pretty much dead on neutral. Unlike the Schiitt Audio Yggdrasil, which had the most bass I’ve personally heard from a DAC, the Wavedream plays it right down the middle of the field. With that being said, the bass is noticeably hard-hitting, tight and fast, surprisingly so in fact. The bass is more impactful than it was with the Wavelight and also comes across as being more deft and light on its feet. This isn’t a DAC to choose if you want more bass, but if you want high quality, fast and impactful bass with great dynamic capabilities, this Wavedream excelled in those areas.The midrange of the wave dream is interesting. I wouldn’t say it’s warm, especially not in the lower mids. It is not a warm and “romantic” type of sound. There was a slight amount of that with the Wavelight, not very much, but it was there. There is even less of that type of warmth with the Wavedream. The upper mids are slightly forward, and I think this may be part of what helps contribute to the Wavedream’s more forward and upfront type of sound signature.
The treble of the Wavedream is also slightly more forward than the Wavedream. It does not go as far as being bright but does have good extension in the top end, and I never got the feeling I was lacking any “air” or upper treble in terms of shimmer or sparkle. If you prefer a slightly darker sound from your DAC or want a more laidback type of sound signature, I don’t think the Wavedream is the right choice. It seems mostly neutral through its frequency range but does have slightly forward upper mids, and well extended treble.
Technical Performance
In terms of technical performance, the Wavedream is up there with the best I have personally heard. Now, I haven’t heard every DAC on the market, but I have heard quite a few. Still, the Wavedream Signature does exist, and the upcoming, teased at Munich High End, Wavedream Ultra also exists, so there must be more that is possible. The detail levels overall remind me of the Chord DAVE but presented in a very different manner. I felt that the Wavedream does the best “Macro” elements I have heard. Macro detail, and Macrodynamics, it is a really exciting DAC to listen to. It is not that it does microdetails and micro dynamics poorly, it is also very competent at that aspect but excels with the macro elements. The Wavedream is a very hard-hitting and powerful-sounding DAC, it conveys the big dynamic swings of music in a very compelling manner. One thing that is hard to quantify, but I felt was noticeable from the get-go with the Wavedream was its overall sonic “purity” for lack of a better term. There is this overall lack of grain or fuzziness and clarity present that isn’t there with most other DACs I have heard. This aspect is probably the most compelling part of the Wavedreams overall sound signature. I think that the overall generalization that R2R Ladder-based DACs are more warm and musical across the board is a bit of a mischaracterization, and it depends on the individual implementation and overall design of a DAC that causes its result in terms of sound signature. Overall, the Wavedream is incredibly competent in terms of technical performance.
Settings/Options
There are a few various options which you can choose from with the Wavedream. There is a linear filter, a minimum phase filter, and a hybrid phase filter. Similar to my time with the Wavelight DAC, I preferred the linear filter at the end of the day. It felt the most tonally balanced and detailed of them all. I’d recommend experimenting with all of them to see which you prefer. There is also the dither setting, which can be turned on or off. I ended up leaving it on, but with most music didn’t hear a ton of difference, to be honest. The Wavedream does also provide the preamp volume control feature. This is done in the digital domain, so will incur some loss of dynamic range the more attenuation is used, but is very handy for connection directly to a power amp should you not have a dedicated preamp. You can also choose the absolute phase of the output signal from the menu using the phase select feature. There are two clock settings for the Wavedream, stream and local. Nicolae, the head of Rockna recommends “stream” for a poorer source like direct from a laptop, and for a more dedicated high-performance source, “local” is the right choice.The build quality of the Wavedream is awesome. It is a large unit and feels very, very well-built. The internals are gorgeously lain out, and the whole thing just feels “high-end.” Combined with the extremely well-done packaging, and handsome but understated looks, I really feel that Rockna has nailed the “high-end” type of experience. It really does just feel like a quality piece of equipment in every way shape and form.
Comparisons
In terms of comparison, the Chord DAVE is the most obvious comparison from DACs I have owned, apart from the Wavelight which I have compared to throughout this article. The DAVE has very similar overall detail levels, but presents the music in a different way. It is a more cold and clinical type of sound, with slightly less emphasis on dynamics and overall impact. The DAVE seems to have slightly more micro details and is slightly more delicate in its overall musical presentation. Out of the two, I prefer the Wavedreams presentation, but can totally understand why someone might prefer how the DAVE does things. It’s more of a case of different, rather than better between the two.Just to reiterate my thoughts on the Wavedream vs. Wavelight. The Wavedream and Wavelight are similar, and you can tell they are cut from the same cloth. The Wavedream is more technically competent, more detailed, and Seems to be more dynamic and hard-hitting. The Wavelight came across as being slightly less extended in the treble, slightly warmer in the lower midrange, and also less detailed. The Wavelight is still an incredibly competent and high-performing DAC, but I do feel there is a noticeable improvement moving to the Wavedream. The Wavedream is the overall more involving and exciting DAC to listen to.
Overall, I’m really happy that I have tried the Wavedream. I have been curious about it since 2014, which is almost a decade now. Its sound is detailed, hard-hitting, dynamic and exciting. It’s not the DAC to buy if you want a laid-back listen, or a warm and romantic sound signature. If you want something that is forward, and really commands your attention, the Wavedream is an excellent choice. Its technical performance is up there with the best I have personally heard and backs its sound signature up with a truly excellent level of build quality and attention to detail. If you are in the market for a new DAC and the Wavedream is in the price range you are looking at, I can highly recommend it. A truly superb piece of gear from Rockna Audio!
Last edited:
Hi guys, here is my review of the Wavedream. Its also up over on my blog if you want to read it there
Introduction
Hi Guys,
Today we are talking about an interesting DAC from Romania, the Rockna Wavedream Edition XLR. This is the second Rockna DAC I have owned and reviewed, the first being the brand’s “entry-level” Wavelight DAC. I really enjoyed my time with the Wavelight and was always curious what moving up the line to the Wavedream would bring to the table in terms of sonic differences, or improvements. I remember becoming aware of Rockna back in 2014 when I first learned of the Wavedream DAC, and it has been in the back of my mind since then, especially after owning the Wavelight, to get my ears on one and see how it stacks up.
Now, before we dive into the review I just need to make a quick clarification. There are a few different versions of the Wavedream. There are the “Wavedream Edition” models, in both SE and XLR versions, and then there are the current top-of-the-line models, the “Wavedream Signature” in both SE and XLR. The Wavedream Edition models have the RD-1 R2R ladder modules (2 for SE, 4 for XLR) and the Wavedream Signature has the RD-0 R2R ladder modules (again 2 for SE and 4 for XLR.) The DAC I have here for review is the Wavedream Edition XLR. The current MSRP for the Wavedream Edition XLR is USD 9600. For the rest of the review, I will refer to the Wavedream Edition XLR simply as the Wavedream but do keep in mind that I am talking about this specific model and that other models do exist.
The Wavedream comes double-boxed, and encased entirely in a foam sarcophagus, with a velvet bag to protect it from scratches. Rockna nails this aspect of product design, and I think that to this day I haven’t come across better packaging and safety for a piece of gear for its journey. 10/10 for packaging and safety.
When I owned the Wavelight, I felt it was a very solid performer for its price, with good tonal density, very slight harmonic richness and warmth, though not as resolving of details as something like the Chord Electronics DAVE. You can certainly tell that the Wavedream is cut from a similar cloth as the Wavelight DAC, but there are meaningful differences between the two, which became more apparent the longer I listened.
Tonal Balance
In terms of tonal balance, I felt the bass of the Wavedream was pretty much dead on neutral. Unlike the Schiitt Audio Yggdrasil, which had the most bass I’ve personally heard from a DAC, the Wavedream plays it right down the middle of the field. With that being said, the bass is noticeably hard-hitting, tight and fast, surprisingly so in fact. The bass is more impactful than it was with the Wavelight and also comes across as being more deft and light on its feet. This isn’t a DAC to choose if you want more bass, but if you want high quality, fast and impactful bass with great dynamic capabilities, this Wavedream excelled in those areas.
The midrange of the wave dream is interesting. I wouldn’t say it’s warm, especially not in the lower mids. It is not a warm and “romantic” type of sound. There was a slight amount of that with the Wavelight, not very much, but it was there. There is even less of that type of warmth with the Wavedream. The upper mids are slightly forward, and I think this may be part of what helps contribute to the Wavedream’s more forward and upfront type of sound signature.
The treble of the Wavedream is also slightly more forward than the Wavedream. It does not go as far as being bright but does have good extension in the top end, and I never got the feeling I was lacking any “air” or upper treble in terms of shimmer or sparkle. If you prefer a slightly darker sound from your DAC or want a more laidback type of sound signature, I don’t think the Wavedream is the right choice. It seems mostly neutral through its frequency range but does have slightly forward upper mids, and well extended treble.
Technical Performance
In terms of technical performance, the Wavedream is up there with the best I have personally heard. Now, I haven’t heard every DAC on the market, but I have heard quite a few. Still, the Wavedream Signature does exist, and the upcoming, teased at Munich High End, Wavedream Ultra also exists, so there must be more that is possible. The detail levels overall remind me of the Chord DAVE but presented in a very different manner. I felt that the Wavedream does the best “Macro” elements I have heard. Macro detail, and Macrodynamics, it is a really exciting DAC to listen to. It is not that it does microdetails and micro dynamics poorly, it is also very competent at that aspect but excels with the macro elements. The Wavedream is a very hard-hitting and powerful-sounding DAC, it conveys the big dynamic swings of music in a very compelling manner. One thing that is hard to quantify, but I felt was noticeable from the get-go with the Wavedream was its overall sonic “purity” for lack of a better term. There is this overall lack of grain or fuzziness and clarity present that isn’t there with most other DACs I have heard. This aspect is probably the most compelling part of the Wavedreams overall sound signature. I think that the overall generalization that R2R Ladder-based DACs are more warm and musical across the board is a bit of a mischaracterization, and it depends on the individual implementation and overall design of a DAC that causes its result in terms of sound signature. Overall, the Wavedream is incredibly competent in terms of technical performance.
Settings/Options
There are a few various options which you can choose from with the Wavedream. There is a linear filter, a minimum phase filter, and a hybrid phase filter. Similar to my time with the Wavelight DAC, I preferred the linear filter at the end of the day. It felt the most tonally balanced and detailed of them all. I’d recommend experimenting with all of them to see which you prefer. There is also the dither setting, which can be turned on or off. I ended up leaving it on, but with most music didn’t hear a ton of difference, to be honest. The Wavedream does also provide the preamp volume control feature. This is done in the digital domain, so will incur some loss of dynamic range the more attenuation is used, but is very handy for connection directly to a power amp should you not have a dedicated preamp. You can also choose the absolute phase of the output signal from the menu using the phase select feature. There are two clock settings for the Wavedream, stream and local. Nicolae, the head of Rockna recommends “stream” for a poorer source like direct from a laptop, and for a more dedicated high-performance source, “local” is the right choice.
The build quality of the Wavedream is awesome. It is a large unit and feels very, very well-built. The internals are gorgeously lain out, and the whole thing just feels “high-end.” Combined with the extremely well-done packaging, and handsome but understated looks, I really feel that Rockna has nailed the “high-end” type of experience. It really does just feel like a quality piece of equipment in every way shape and form.
Comparisons
In terms of comparison, the Chord DAVE is the most obvious comparison from DACs I have owned, apart from the Wavelight which I have compared to throughout this article. The DAVE has very similar overall detail levels, but presents the music in a different way. It is a more cold and clinical type of sound, with slightly less emphasis on dynamics and overall impact. The DAVE seems to have slightly more micro details and is slightly more delicate in its overall musical presentation. Out of the two, I prefer the Wavedreams presentation, but can totally understand why someone might prefer how the DAVE does things. It’s more of a case of different, rather than better between the two.
Just to reiterate my thoughts on the Wavedream vs. Wavelight. The Wavedream and Wavelight are similar, and you can tell they are cut from the same cloth. The Wavedream is more technically competent, more detailed, and Seems to be more dynamic and hard-hitting. The Wavelight came across as being slightly less extended in the treble, slightly warmer in the lower midrange, and also less detailed. The Wavelight is still an incredibly competent and high-performing DAC, but I do feel there is a noticeable improvement moving to the Wavedream. The Wavedream is the overall more involving and exciting DAC to listen to.
Overall, I’m really happy that I have tried the Wavedream. I have been curious about it since 2014, which is almost a decade now. Its sound is detailed, hard-hitting, dynamic and exciting. It’s not the DAC to buy if you want a laid-back listen, or a warm and romantic sound signature. If you want something that is forward, and really commands your attention, the Wavedream is an excellent choice. Its technical performance is up there with the best I have personally heard and backs its sound signature up with a truly excellent level of build quality and attention to detail. If you are in the market for a new DAC and the Wavedream is in the price range you are looking at, I can highly recommend it. A truly superb piece of gear from Rockna Audio!
Thanks for the great writeup!
I may have missed it, but which is your connection of choice? usb, i2s?
Also, what's your source? WDNET coming soon? heh!
