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Delivery time approx. 2 weeks. (Please ask us)
GENTLE AS SILK
In developing a package for audiophiles looking for more than just high-quality audio reproduction, we realized several things. Firstly, we need digital precision, but with “analog” charm, free of any “digital illusion” and still with great detail.
Secondly, this package must offer excellent value, future-proofing, new features and a stunning, timeless design. This is how the “Wavelight DAC” was created, more than just a little brother to the successful “Wavedream”.
SOFTWARE DEFINED ARCHITECTURE & FPGA TECHNOLOGY
The Wavelight DAC uses the latest Xilinx 7-Series FPGA, which allows us to assemble the features of a custom high-performance R2R processor. The Wavelight's digital processing capabilities are built using complex VHDL coding and state-of-the-art FPGA hardware. The architecture is basically described by software.
When you upgrade the Wavelight with new firmware, you are actually just changing the hardware. This system offers great flexibility, protection against obsolescence and allows us to improve the sound of your Dac by changing its internal architecture, adding new cool features or improving the existing ones. Each digital block is developed according to the Rockna Audio high-performance standard.
UPSAMPLING FILTER
We really worked hard for the Wavelight and expanded our testing methodology. Through careful optimization, we were able to achieve subtle nuances in listening sessions so that every listener gets their money's worth.
Powerful, custom-built DSP units perform high-precision, real-time calculations for studio-quality upsampling. The user can choose between 4 filter modes: linear, minimum phase, hybrid mode and NOS.
RECLOCKING & D/A CONVERSION
A combination of memory buffers, digital phase-locked loop (DPLL), and a user-defined input clock decoupling scheme provides effective jitter cleaning before actual conversion. By using advanced Femtovox2 technology, the end result results in an “analog” sound without compromise.
A high-precision, discrete R2R ladder performs the conversion from the digital to the analog domain, controlled by the FPGA algorithms. The Wavelight DAC can operate in pure R2R mode or in a hybrid mode*. Future firmware will allow switching at the touch of a button.
*Currently in development
ANALOGUE SECTION & POWER SUPPLY
With 5 digital inputs and one analog input, the device is also able to work as a preamplifier. To avoid data truncation, the volume control in the Wavelight is completely analog, even if it is controlled digitally.
The analog path is completely discrete. Two toroidal transformers enable the separation between analog and digital circuits. A massive filter bank (over 100,000 uF) conditions the power supplies.
QUALITY
Each Wavelight is hand assembled in the Rockna factory, individually tested and goes through our strict quality control process. We believe that sound should be complemented by detailed workmanship, robust construction, careful circuit design and reliability.
For this reason, we use selected components such as high-precision audiophile-quality resistors or decoupling capacitors. The housing is made entirely of solid aluminum, anodized and finished with a fine, brushed texture.
Technical details
| S/PDIF | 24bit 44.1-192k PCM, DSD64 |
| AES/EBU | 24bit 44.1-192k PCM, DSD64 |
| USB | 32bit 44.1-384k PCM, DSD64-512 |
| OPTICAL | 24bit 44.1-176k PCM, DSD64 |
| I2S (LVDS) | 32bit 44.1-384k PCM, DSD64-512 |
| THD+N: R2R/HYBRID | -0.005%/TBD |
| S/N ratio (0 dB): | 117 dB |
| Dynamic range: | 117 dB |
| Output impedance: | 50 ohms |
| Max. out (SE/XLR): | 2.4/5.8 Vrms |
| THD+N (RCA): | -113 dB |
| THD+N (XLR): | -119 dB |
| Selectable Gain (RCA): | 0/6/9.5 dB |
| Selectable Gain (XLR): | 8/14/17.5 dB |
| HT bypass | YES |
| Silicon technology: | Xilinx Spartan7 |
| Dac type: | R2R 25 bit + Hybrid mode (in development) |
| Memory-based PLL, digital domain only: | 300 fS jitter |
| Custom digital filters: | NOS, linear, minimum and hybrid phase, 8x |
| Filter type: (advanced convolution) | Parks-McClellan, 2.5K taps |
| Mathematical precision: | 60 bits |
| Stopband attenuation: | - 135 dB |
| Passband ripple: | 0.00003 dB |
| Volume control: | Digitally controlled ANALOG |
| Display: white dot matrix array, dimmable |
| 3 control switches |
| Android/IOS remote control app |
| Firmware upgrade via USB/BT |
| Dimensions: 430 x 300 x 55 mm |
| Full aluminum chassis |
| Available colors: Black, Silver |
| Weight (net/shipping): 7.25/10 kg |
