After eagerly awaiting its arrival, the Rockna Wavedream Signature balanced DAC finally landed, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. Following a period of burn-in and extensive listening over the past week and a half, it’s clear this DAC operates on a different plane compared to anything I’ve integrated into my system before. It’s important to note that this evaluation is happening after parting ways with my Aurender N10, anticipating the arrival of the Rockna Wavelight streamer (prioritizing cost-effectiveness without the CD drive of the NET). This meant initial listening was conducted using a borrowed Singxer SU-1 and a laptop, later supplemented by an Auralic Aries G1 loan.
Describing the sonic impact of the Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC is almost challenging due to its sheer excellence. While not a seasoned audio critic, I can confidently articulate my impressions: this DAC represents a significant leap forward from previous benchmarks in my setup, which included the Chord Dave (briefly tested) and the Denafrips Terminator (my primary DAC for an extended period). My temporary Questyle CMA600i DAC simply doesn’t belong in this comparison.
Sonic Purity and Refinement
The most immediate and striking characteristic is the extreme purity of the sound. The Chord Dave exhibited purity surpassing the Terminator, yet it leaned towards a clinical, somewhat thin presentation in my system, particularly with my cabling. This led me to appreciate the Denafrips Terminator’s “full fat” sound, even accepting a slight grain in its delivery. However, the Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC achieves the impossible: pristine sonic purity without sacrificing body or richness. It’s a delicate balance, perfectly executed, offering a sound that is both clean and substantial.
Dynamics and Dynamic Range: Rediscovering Music
The dynamics and dynamic range are revelatory. Did previous DACs compress the music, masking the full spectrum of sonic intensity? The Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC unveils a breathtaking contrast between the quietest nuances and the loudest crescendos within a track. If the dynamic information is present in the recording, this DAC will retrieve and reproduce it with astonishing fidelity. It vividly exposes the disparity between compressed internet radio streams (MP3) and the expansive soundscapes of CD or high-resolution audio.
Musicality, Speed, and Pace
Musicality and sheer speed are also hallmarks of the Wavedream Signature. It’s incredibly fast, embodying PRAT (Pace, Rhythm, and Timing) at its finest. The music flows with an effortless agility and rhythmic precision that is captivating and engaging.
Imaging and Three-Dimensional Soundstage
The imaging and 3D soundstage have undergone a dramatic expansion. The presentation is not just wider and deeper; it’s tangibly realistic and lifelike. The layers within the music are more distinct, and the sense of depth extends further than I’ve ever experienced in my system. The soundstage becomes a holographic space where instruments and vocals occupy precise locations with remarkable clarity and separation.
Truthfulness to the Recording: Revealing Nuances
The Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC demonstrates remarkable truthfulness to the source material. It lacks a discernible sonic signature or coloration. As I read in another forum, attempting to define a “flavor” for this DAC proves futile. Some recordings reveal previously unheard layers of information and detail, showcasing the DAC’s ability to unlock the full potential of well-recorded music. Conversely, less impressive recordings are presented without embellishment, highlighting the DAC’s honesty and transparency. My initial concern about potential sibilance or harsh highs proved unfounded. The high-frequency reproduction is the best I’ve encountered – extended, detailed, and rich in information, yet never fatiguing or strident. The same holds true for the bass frequencies, which are rendered with depth, control, and articulation.
This DAC is truly exceptional and deserves greater recognition. The limited chatter surrounding Rockna and their products is puzzling. Perhaps the price point is a factor, or perhaps they prioritize engineering over marketing. Regardless, their products speak for themselves.
Regarding source components, even with a high-end AES cable, the Singxer SU-1 demonstrated that HDMI I2S connection is superior, offering enhanced detail, sparkle, and a wider soundstage. The anticipation for a dedicated I2S source is now even greater.
While quarantine restrictions prevented a direct comparison with the Aries Cerat Kassandra Ref 2, my memory suggests the Kassandra leans towards a more euphonic sound, possibly due to tube output or older chip technology. The Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC, in contrast, prioritizes neutrality and accuracy. However, this is a comparison based on memory and requires a direct A/B test to be definitive.
In conclusion, the Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC receives my unequivocal recommendation. While my experience with numerous DACs is not extensive, this unit stands out as a truly exceptional performer, delivering a level of audio quality that redefines expectations.
