Rockna Wavelight Pre / DAC

SILKY SMOOTH

In our quest to develop a package for the audiophile looking for more than just high quality audio reproduction, we realised several things. Firstly, we needed digital precision but with "analogue" charm, free of any "digital glare" but with great detail. Secondly, this package must provide exceptional value, future-proofing, new features and an impressive, timeless design. This is how the "Wavelight DAC" was created, more than just a little brother to the successful "Wavedream".

SOFTWARE-DEFINED ARCHITECTURE AND FPGA TECHNOLOGY

Wavelight DAC employs the latest Xilinx 7-series FPGA that allows us to assemble the functions of a high-performance custom R2R processor. Wavelight's digital processing capabilities are built with complex VHDL coding and state-of-the-art FPGA hardware. The architecture is in fact described by a piece of software.

By upgrading Wavelight with new firmware, you actually change its hardware. This system allows great flexibility, protection against obsolescence and allows us to improve the sound of your dac by changing its internal architecture, adding cool new features or improving existing ones. Each digital block is custom built to Rockna Audio's high performance standard.

SAMPLING FILTERS

For Wavelight we really did our calculations and extended the testing methodology. Careful optimisations allowed us to achieve subtle nuances in listening sessions to cater to any listener.

Powerful custom DSP units perform high precision calculations in real time for superior studio quality sampling. The user can choose from 4 filter modes: linear, minimum phase, hybrid mode and NOS.

RECLOCKING AND D/A CONVERSION

A combination of memory buffers, digital phase locking loop (DPLL) and a custom input clock decoupling scheme provides effective jitter clean-up prior to the actual conversion. Using the advanced Femtovox2 technique, the end result will lead to an uncompromising "analogue" sound.

A high-precision R2R discrete ladder is performing the conversion from digital to analogue domain, driven by FPGA algorithms. Wavelight dac is capable of operating in pure R2R mode or in hybrid ladder mode*. Future firmware will allow switching at the touch of a button.

*currently under development

ANALOGUE SECTION AND POWER SUPPLY

With 5 digital inputs and one analogue input, the unit can also function as a preamplifier. To avoid data truncation, the volume control within Wavelight is fully analogue, even if controlled digitally.

The analogue path is completely discrete. Two toroidal power transformers allow the separation between analogue and digital circuits. A high-capacity filter bank (more than 100,000 uF) is conditioning the power supplies.

QUALITY

Each Wavelight is hand-assembled in Rockna's factory, individually tested and subjected to our strict quality control process. We believe that sound should be complemented by details in fit and finish, robust construction, meticulous circuit design and reliability.

That's why we are using selected components, such as high-precision resistors or audiophile-grade decoupling capacitors. The chassis is constructed entirely of solid aluminium with an anodised finish and a fine brushed texture.

Technical features:

DIGITAL INPUTS

S/PDIF 24bit 44.1-192k PCM, DSD64AES/UER 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

OUTPUTS

THD+N: R2R/HYBRID -0.005 %/to be determined

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (0dB): 117dB

Dynamic Range: 117dB

Output Impedance: 50 Ohms

max. output (SE/XLR): 2.4/5.8 Vrms

ANALOG INPUT

THD+N (RCA): -113dB

THD+N (XLR): -119dB

Selectable gain (RCA): 0/6 / 9.5dB

Selectable gain (XLR): 8/14 / 17.5dB

HT bypass YES

Digital processing:

Silicon technology: Xilinx espartano7

Dac Type: R2R 25 bit + Hybrid Mode (under development)

Memory-based PLL, digital domain only: 300 fS jitter

Custom digital filters: NOS, linear, minimum and hybrid phase, 8x

Filter Type: Parks-McClellan (advanced convolution), 2.5K taps

Mathematical accuracy: 60 bits

Stopband attenuation: - 135dB

Passband ripple: 0.00003dB

Volume control: ANALOGIC digitally controlled

Miscellaneous:

Display: white dot matrix matrix, dimmable

3 control switches

Android/IOS remote control application

Firmware update via USB/BT

Dimensions: 430 x 300 x 55 mm

Full aluminium chassis

Available colours: Black, Silver

Weight (net/shipping): 7,25/10 Kg