Rockna - Wavedream Reference (Signature)
Ten years ago, we introduced the Wavedream DAC – a creation that not only shaped our identity but also left a lasting impression on the most discerning audiophiles. With the Wavedream Reference, we take things even further. This is not just an evolution, but a new chapter in the Rockna story: a statement that pushes the boundaries of digital-to-analog conversion through meticulous engineering, uncompromising performance, refined design, and exceptional sound quality.
The Reference is the culmination of years of experience and countless technological breakthroughs. So extraordinary, in fact, that it marks a complete renewal of the Rockna brand
Each relevant component or subsystem of the Reference is defined by Rockna proprietary hardware and custom software. We accepted no limitations from off-the-shelf solutions like DAC chips, OEM streaming modules or signal op-amps. As always, we stayed true to our philosophy of presenting products with a high degree of originality and elegant technical solutions.
This product is available for demonstration in our showroom, lead time on request.
| Brand: Rockna |
| Product Type: Digital Analogue Converters (DAC) |
Rockna - Wavedream Reference
Transcend Reality
To achieve an elegant internal layout, we designed a 10-layer central core board for the digital front-end processing and the network renderer. A completely new dedicated low noise supply board was developed, as well as new conversion boards placed in a symmetrical configuration, two for each channel. Compared to the classic Wavedream, the design was optimized by shortening the clock and data signal paths and by using higher quality board-to-board connectors. Therefore, signal integrity was significantly improved. Furthermore, the toroid transformers and the display are shielded internally using a copper cage. The analog stages following the D/A conversion modules are hidden on the back of the left and right boards.
The Rockna philosophy for an exceptional DAC is mastering the art of connecting mixed-signal technologies in such a way that the output preserves all the fine nuances of the original recording. Many think the secret is proper digital processing, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. When moving the audio information from digital to analog domain, the clock system plays a critical role in giving a sense of realism, analog sound and creating audio 3D imagery. Most D/A converters take the easy route by relying on the ASRC (acronym for asynchronous sample rate converter) built in the chips they use. While the ASRC may have a sound signature in itself, the quality of the ASRC implemented in DAC chips is affected by cost and silicon real-estate, thus being prone to sound quality degradation.
"Simply the most #technical #NOS #R2R #DAC under £30,000?." Watch ful story on Youtube
In the Wavedream Reference we developed one of the most advanced, ASRC-free digital PLL clock solutions which gives the DAC the ability to perform like an analogic source, with a natural sense pf pace and rhythm. Another key element is that digital signals physically travel as high-speed analog signals and they must be treated accordingly. Bits are bits on an abstract level but on pcb traces, connectors, cables they are a succession of high-speed rectangular analog signals which are not perfect: they have rise-time, fall time and they could be plagued by ringing, spikes, reflections, crosstalk, phase noise(jitter) etc. This is why Rockna has perfected radio-frequency techniques to mitigate these issues which have the potential to ruin the pursued analog sound.
HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE
At the heart of the Wavedream Reference is our custom architecture, crafted for the highest level of precision and ultimate refinement in audio reproduction. Our DAC is built upon a highly optimized and efficient AMD/ZYNQ chip for master control/network renderer and 4 FPGAs, one for each phase of the discrete conversion system. The machine runs a Rockna custom tailored Linux system which takes care of everything except audio processing - which is executed by the dedicated hardware blocks..
ROCKNA Wavedream Reference Signature DAC – A Digital Audio REVELATION
I don’t really know how Rockna managed to create such a marvelous piece of engineering without covering itself in glory, but be there, next to us, music lovers & nerdy audio enthusiasts alike.
"And once you’ve heard it, there’s no way back. Only one question remains: What comes next?"
March 17, 2025
Remote control
In addition to the touch control display, the machine can be controlled using a classic remote control and mobile apps for Android and iOS.
The remote is metal-made with illuminated keys and movement sensors.
Wavedream Reference
SPECIFICATIONS
- AMD ZynQ SoC with custom Rockna firmware
- R2R discrete DAC modules RD-1 MK2 x 4
- 27-bit FPGA driven combined switches
- Optimized clock manager Femtovox 2
- Mirrored clock distribution
- Low-noise and fine-tuned power supply
- Local regulation on critical nodes
- Discrete regulation for analog stages
- Very large capacitor buffer
- Copper shielded audio grade transformers
- Critical paths with tight impedance control
- Hardware FPGA upsampling
- Proprietary Digital-PLL topology, ASRC-free
- Fully discrete output stage, standard version
- 32-bit ultrafine volume control
- LAN, USB, I2S, SPDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink inputs
- RCA and XLR outputs
- THD -100 dB (-3 dB); DNR 132 dB
- MAX. OUTPUT 2.3V RMS (RCA) 4.6V RMS (XLR)
- Full aluminum chassis, matt black or matt silver
- Dimensions: 450 x 390 x 105 mm, 10 kg
SIGNATURE VERSION
All above and:
- R2R discrete DAC modules RD-0 MK2 x 4
- 28-bit FPGA driven individual switch/bit
- Clock manager Femtovox 2-LPN version
- Ultralow-noise and fine-tuned power supply
- Fully discrete output stage, signature version
- Rockna custom Linux kernel
- Roon bridge, Upnp, OpenHome
- Airplay, HQPNAA, Spotify Connect
- Fully configurable I2S input port
- Selectable DSD bandwidth
- Android & iOS mobile control app
- Firmware updates over internet
SIGNATURE VERSION
All above and:
- Output Dither
- Digital PLL tracking mode
-
Optical In: The Optical In port (also known as
Toslink), offers a fibre-optic digital audio connection.
Align the connector correctly to ensure a secure
connection.
- AES / EBU In: The AES/EBU In port provides a professional-grade digital audio input using an XLR connector.
- Coaxial In (S/PDIF): This port can be used for connecting digital sources with appropriate output. It provides a high-quality connection and is compatible with most digital audio devices.
- HDMI I2S IN: This is a HDMI port used for connecting source devices that support the I2S (LVDS) protocol. Please use a high-quality HDMI cable to ensure data integrity and optimal audio performance. Please Note: the device is not compatible with standard HDMI devices such as TVs or A/V receivers that do not support the I2S standard.
- Network: Wired Gigabit Network interface. This is the suggested network connection for playing HiResolution content. Connect this interface to your router via an ethernet cable.
Channel Outputs: The device is equipped with both balanced (XLR) and single ended (RCA) outputs for each LEFT & RIGHT channel
HYBRID POWER SUPPLY
- The complexity of the Reference power supply is shown in the adjacent diagram. We had to perfectly balance the efficiency, internal real estate and the need for ultra low noise required for the DAC performance. Over 20 power-related circuits drive over 90.000 uF of capacitance. The audio grade toroid transformers are hidden under a thick copper sheet which acts as a shield.
NETWORK RENDERER
- The network renderer built inside Reference is unique not only because is our proprietary approach, but because it is seamlessly integrated into the DAC digital front-end. There is no separate “streamer section” or extra board, which removes the need for a dedicated external connection and unnecessary obstacles into the digital signal path. Natively integrated inside the Rockna ZYNQ SoC, the renderer can truly shine, allowing perfect sonic performance when selected.
DIGITAL FILTERS
The internal FPGA up-samples any material to a fixed rate of 16x. The DAC modules will decode the digital stream with a rate of 768Khz, or 705.6Khz, respectively, according to input sample rate. We found this rate to be optimal for analog performance of the DAC modules. Behind this simple multiplication factor lies significant processing power. The digital filters are made with the combined effort of multiple DSP blocks working in parallel.
After lots of mathematical simulations and careful listening tests, we have created a custom Parks-McClellan up-sampling filter. There are three variations available : linear, minimum and hybrid phase. They are highly optimized filters, offering stunning performance with a large number of taps, offering excellent filtering capabilities, and they are different in regard of impulse response. For the linear phase, the ringing energy (Gibb’s overshoot) is equally split before and after impulse. Minimum phase type shows all this energy after impulse, while our special hybrid phase filter has a combined response between linear and minimum, exhibiting very low overshoot before the impulse.
DAC modules
For the D/A conversion stage we developed a evolved version of the mighty DAC modules used in the classic Wavedream DAC. The modules themselves are complex pieces of technology, sharing a discrete sign-magnitude hybrid ladder topology, driven by a complex algorithm which is embedded into their own FPGA. They can sustain sample rates up to a few MHz and the output of the DAC modules is un-buffered, allowing maximum transparency and natural sound reproduction.
ANALOG STAGE
The last stage of the signal path is the analog output stage. It’s contribution to the final sound is of extreme importance. Designed from the scratch to work with the new conversion modules, the output stage is totally discrete and acts as a high-speed buffer, while keeping the circuit simple enough to achieve full transparency. We combined JFET & bipolar devices into a class A design, with a low closed-loop output impedance and very low noise, as a perfect match for the overall performance of the machine.
WAVEDREAM REFERENCE (SIGNATURE) SPECIFICATIONS
Technical
- THD+N, 0 dB: 0.006%
- 125 dB Dynamic Range
- S/N ration (A-Weighted) – 140 dB
Advanced AMD ZynQ FPGA with custom Rockna firmware Programmable logic:
- input processing
- re-clocking circuitry
- up-sampling with dedicated DSP blocks
- 32-bit ultrafine volume control in 0.5 dB steps
Programmable System:
- custom Linux kernel
- high performance network renderer
- control app integration
Generic
- Proprietary R2R discrete dac modules x 4
- Selectable Dither and DSD bandwidth
- Ultralow Noise and fine-tuned power supply, extended on multiple stages
- All critical nodes have local regulation Proprietary discrete regulation for analog stages
- Very large capacitor buffer
- Copper shielded transformers and power section
- Optimized clock manager Femtovox 2 Mirrored clock distribution
- Critical paths with tight impedance control
- Main board stack 10 layers pcb
- Dac boards stack 6 layers pcb
- Proprietary Digital-PLL topology, ASRC-free
- Fully discrete output stage in class A
- Ultralow noise floor XLR and RCA outputs, very low impedance
- 3.5 IPS touch display 800x480
- Metal remote control (infrared)
- Android & iOS control apps Firmware updates over internet
- Full aluminum chassis, matt black or matt silver anodized
- Power consumption about 40W
POWERFUL CONTROL
Clean user interface and simplicity in use is a part of the Reference experience. Our team put a lot of effort in designing a proper user interface. There are three options to control the device: the front-panel touchscreen display, the classic infra-red remote and the Reference mobile apps, available for iOS and Android.
About ROCKNA AUDIO
ROCKNA AUDIO was founded in 1999 as a quest for insightful, enjoyable, inspiring music reproduction. Since then, a remarkable evolution happened in our company which is not going to stop. Our whole team is driven by the common passion for technology. A passion which will never let us make any “me-too” products. We want to offer an option – a different one – to show that things can be done different.
