WAVELIGHT PRE/DAC

Smooth As Silk

In our quest for developing a package for the audiophile seeking more than just high-quality audio reproduction, we realized several things. Firstly, we need digital precision but with „analog” charm, free of any „digital glare” yet with rich detail. Secondly, this package needs to provide outstanding value, future proofing, new features and a stunning, timeless design. This is how the „Wavelight DAC” was created, more than just a little brother for the accomplished „Wavedream”.

Software Defined Architecture & FPGA Technology

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

When upgrading the Wavelight with new firmware, you actually change its hardware. This system allows great flexibility, obsolescence protection and lets us improve the sound of your dac by changing its internal architecture, add new, cool features, or improve the existing ones. Each digital block is custom built under the Rockna Audio high-performance standard.

Reclocking & D/A Conversion

A combination between memory buffers, digital phase-locked-loop (DPLL) and a custom input clock-decoupling scheme provides effective jitter cleaning before the conversion itself. Using the advanced Femtovox2 technique, the final result will lead to an „analog” sound without compromises.

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

*currently in development

Analog Section & Power Supply

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

The analog path is fully discrete. Two toroidal power transformers allow the separation between analog and digital circuitry. A massive filtering bank capacity (over 100.000 uF) is conditioning the power supplies.

Quality

Each Wavelight is manually assembled in Rockna factory, individually tested and undergoes our strict quality control process. We believe that sound should be complemented by detail in fit and finish, sturdy construction, thorough circuit design and reliability.

This is why we are using selected components such as high precision resistors or audiophile-grade decoupling capacitors. The chassis is entirely built from massive aluminium with anodised finishing and a fine brushed texture.

Specifications

DIGITAL INPUTS
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

OUTPUTS
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

ANALOG INPUT
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

Digital processing:
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 bit
Stopband attenuation:	- 135 dB
Passband ripple:	0,00003 dB
Volume control:	Digitaly controlled ANALOG

Miscellaneous:
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 aluminium chassis
Available colors: Black, Silver
Weight (net/shipping): 7.25/10 Kg