Rockna Wavedream DAC: Awesomesauce

Thanks for the tips. @Xecuter I will try to negotiate further, I think what makes this interesting is the price is much lower than normal Signature Balanced.

 

I have heard all three models in my system, and i have purchased the older MSB module edition.

Personaly i prefer the MSB module 1st model.

After that there are two models, the one with the older screen and the newer screen model.

I believe there is a difference in the output stages.

The second model is the worst of the three.

All are very good dacs

The MSB is so liquid, full, and dynamic without any hint of sharpness never. The newer versions are a little leaner and sharper. All have this incredible three dimentionality.

I waited over three years to find a decently priced MSB module edition.

If you want the newer ones go for the oner with the new screen.

Somethiing to consider also is the very high output of the second and third model. The perceived dynamics also have to do with that.

 

Thank you, that is really helpful. I currently use the Wavelight and I definitely will not like to go warmer than this.

 

I have not compared the Wavelight directly with the Wavedream in my system.

The Wavelight is a very capable dac and it sounds to me the same almost as the Wavedreams but a little smaller in all aspects, very simlar though, a little sharper than my MSB one but thios is by memory and in another system.

In any event MSB generally has warmer sounding dacs and these modules are no exception, but only just. I believe it is a neutral DAC, not warm.

If you use only headphones and no speakers and your headphones are not flagships, there is no need for upgrade.

Cables aslo play an important role in upgrading the sound, some may beg to differ, but this is what i hear. Power cable is Signal Projectsa Hydra, and interconnect (whicjh i want to upgrade soon) is Vovox Sonorus Direct.

 

There is no difference between the models with the screens. He will sell you a new screen for a few $$. So the second model you describe is the same as the third. I have this confirmed from Nikolae that there is 0 difference.

 

I have heard them in my system on separate occasions not all at once, so these findings are from memory with my audio friends from my home forum.

Personally I would not trust 100% anything said by anyone including the manufacturer (and myself) if I have not confirmed this by audition. I would recommend you do the same.

In any event the cheaper you find any of the units the better, all are great.

 

I've heard both the yellow and white screen in a direct AB. I'd be 100% lying if I said i could tell a difference.
We said 'yep that's the same DAC'. and went back to testing it against the MSB select which unfortunately was a level better.

 

Rockna is a hard dac to audition to be honest. I've heard it sounds terrible in some systems, Even with my own gear in someone else's house with their cables and their power it sounded totally off.

I'm sure the MSB module does sound a bit different, perhaps even better, But I mean Nikolae designed the MSB modules for MSB then started Rockna and designed his own. Was it cost related? IP related? Did he think he could beat it easily? Is it the same thing with a rockna sticker.

I think only one man will ever know.

 

Which models exactly did you audition? Wavedream Editions or Signatures? Single ended or balanced?

I haven't heard version with MSB modules, but my prior experience with MSB dacs with the same exact Platinum modules is that they are a step behind what Rockna offers in terms of resolution, soundstage and tonal balance. Of course, Rockna might have a secret recipe that they use to squeeze out every last bit of performance out of these modules.

 

Signature balanced for both. I own signature balanced and FWIW I have a yellow screen rockna.
I heard a non-signature and a single ended now and prefer what I have.

I think Animus did the best comparison of all the versions

 

All single ended edition models.

The secret recipe is excellent board design and excellent receivers and clocks.

 

Can you verify that you were using the same firmware on the SE non-signature rocknas? You also said 'your system'. I'm also curious about that. Can you elaborate on the gear used when you compared the rocknas, just so we have some more data to calibrate for your preferences.

 

Amp ASR Emiter 1 Exclusive, Speakers Revel Ultima Studio, DAC Rockna Wavedream (MSB), Streamer Ian Canada Modular build with Ultracapacitors Seperate Server and Switch with Clock and Gentooplayer, Signal Project Hydra Power and speaker cables, Vovox Sonorus Direct Interconnect.

Headphones mainly Sennheiser HD800 combination SDR with Anax II mods, various amps usually Schiit Mjolnir.

Sorry i cant help you with the firmaware of each model it was of no significance to me at the time.

We have made similar tests with an also similar system ASR Emiiter I Exclusive but with ATC SCM100 SL and more expensive cabling and came to the same results.

All reference systems have neutral sound signature with monitor style character.

Hope this helps.

 

Fantastic gear, huge fan of Revels. That's the way to do it, compare side by side and keep the stuff that made you smile.

 

Thank you my friend!!

 

Nice mirror! I mean, TV!

 

@Chris1967
When you boot up your Wavedream Signature MSB does it say this firmware in your screen?

 

Yes it does, i have very old firmware 2,2. I dont have Signature, i have Edition Single ended with MSB modules, early model.