Breaking the High-Dollar Statement DAC Price/Performance Barrier - Rockna Wavedream Reference Signature DAC

WBF Members know hyperbole is abundant in high-end audio. Occasionally, a product comes along that trascends hype and redefines what is possible at an approachable price.
In 2022, Hear This introduced to the WBF community a small, powerful class-A monoblock amplifier named the Rei from WestminsterLab that redefined the genre.

After a long wait to find a digital product that could take on the heavy hitters in the same way as the Rei amplifiers, we are pleased to introduce the all-new Rockna Wavedream Reference Signature DAC. We have compared the Wavedream RS to several respected and considerably more expensive multi-chassis DACs, and we know we have something unique to offer enthusiasts in a one-box solution under $25k. Several reviewers have said many great DACs are available. Still, in their view, none are better than the Rockna regardless of price. This is either a bold statement or merely a new chapter, but undoubtedly a notable achievement from Romania from the digital Meister, Nicholae Jiartu.

We thank Steve, Ron, and Julian for allowing us to introduce our offerings on these pages and giving beautifully crafted, innovative products of exceptional value and performance the exposure they deserve. More information will follow shortly. Also, Ron's interview with Nicholae Jiartu, Rockna's founder and chief engineer, will be part of the ongoing WBF Makers and Masters series for members interested in how the advanced digital technology found the Rockna RS is advancing the state of the art.

 

New Life Audio @ T.H.E. New York Audio Show 2025 – Ballroom A with Rockna Audio - Show Recap

What an incredible weekend at the New York Audio Show! Our large ballroom was alive with music, energy, and passionate listeners who came to experience the art of true high-end audio.

It all started with a vision for a system that would both look and sound exceptional - and the end result exceeded every expectation. We arranged the system along the long wall to create a wide and immersive soundstage, with the source components elegantly centered:

• Lumin U2X Streamer (brand new model)
• Rockna Audio WaveDream Reference DAC
• U.S. premiere of the Trafomatic Audio Tara 30A Preamplifier

The entire system was wired with MasterBuilt Audio cables, ensuring signal purity and coherence from source to speaker. From the source components, two sets of long MasterBuilt ULTRA interconnects ran to either side of the room.

On the right side, they fed the WestminsterLab REI monoblock amplifiers (running in bridged mode) driving the majestic Von Schweikert Audio ULTRA 7 loudspeakers.

On the left, they connected to the VAC 200 iQ monoblocks, powering the Von Schweikert VR-30 speakers (affectionately known as the “mini-7”).

Throughout the weekend, we welcomed hundreds of attendees from seasoned audiophiles to first-time showgoers all eager to hear what makes New Life Audio different. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who visited our room, shared their passion, and helped make the weekend such a success.

We’re also thrilled to announce that our new showroom in Queens is nearly ready! We’re targeting a soft opening on November 22, with a grand opening celebration to follow soon after. Stay tuned for your official invitation - we can’t wait to welcome you in person.

 

Thanks for a

New Life Audio @ T.H.E. New York Audio Show 2025 – Ballroom A with Rockna Audio - Show Recap

What an incredible weekend at the New York Audio Show! Our large ballroom was alive with music, energy, and passionate listeners who came to experience the art of true high-end audio.

It all started with a vision for a system that would both look and sound exceptional - and the end result exceeded every expectation. We arranged the system along the long wall to create a wide and immersive soundstage, with the source components elegantly centered:

• Lumin U2X Streamer (brand new model)
• Rockna Audio WaveDream Reference DAC
• U.S. premiere of the Trafomatic Audio Tara 30A Preamplifier

The entire system was wired with MasterBuilt Audio cables, ensuring signal purity and coherence from source to speaker. From the source components, two sets of long MasterBuilt ULTRA interconnects ran to either side of the room.

On the right side, they fed the WestminsterLab REI monoblock amplifiers (running in bridged mode) driving the majestic Von Schweikert Audio ULTRA 7 loudspeakers.

On the left, they connected to the VAC 200 iQ monoblocks, powering the Von Schweikert VR-30 speakers (affectionately known as the “mini-7”).

Throughout the weekend, we welcomed hundreds of attendees from seasoned audiophiles to first-time showgoers all eager to hear what makes New Life Audio different. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who visited our room, shared their passion, and helped make the weekend such a success.

We’re also thrilled to announce that our new showroom in Queens is nearly ready! We’re targeting a soft opening on November 22, with a grand opening celebration to follow soon after. Stay tuned for your official invitation - we can’t wait to welcome you in person.

 

Thanks for an excellent effort showcasing the mighty Wavedream Rockna and other brands we represent at the show. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there with you. Next year for sure!

I'm excited to attend your formal opening event. It will be cool to have a new brick and mortar showroom in the Big Apple, especially Queens - the real destination for great high-end sound

 

Dwa pytania.

1. Czy ktoś mógłby mi powiedzieć, jaki bezpiecznik jest fabrycznie montowany w Wavedream Reference? Czy jest to prosty i tani bezpiecznik, czy produkt znanej marki, takiej jak SR Master lub Hifi-Tuning Diamond?

2. Czy Wavedream Reference poradzi sobie z Tidalem przez sieć Ethernet LAN? (bez Roon) Na przykład przy użyciu BubbleUPnP.

Tak, obsługuje to, ponieważ ma UPnP, używam MConnect

 

Q1. Could someone tell me what kind of fuse is installed at the factory in the Wavedream Reference? Is it a simple, inexpensive fuse, or is it from a well-known brand like SR Master or Hifi-Tuning Diamond?

Q2. Will the Wavedream Reference handle Tidal over an Ethernet LAN? (Without Roon) For example, using BubbleUPnP.

Answer 1: No special fuses are used in the WDRS. If you decide to try some, please let us know your results.

Answer 2: Tidal Connect is not enabled; however, using other software that integrates with Tidal, such as Audirvana, Volumio Jplay, etc., can run over the network. Please be aware that Rockna has recently integrated Qobuz Direct, which is now supported.

 

I have replaced the fuse in the RWDRS dac with an out of production fuse from a Japan brand call cross point.

Blog post on that fuse: Xp-FS flare (use Google Translate)

Suffice to say, impact was quite significant on the my sound system. The soundstage became wider, dynamics improved significantly, it’s as if the speakers were changed to a larger pair.

Please take above with a grain of salt as the impact of a fuse change also depends a lot on the rest of the cables and equipment chain within the system.

I think the conclusion that I want to share is that the Rockna dac is definitely sensitive to fuse changes however I think it’s a good choice to just use a normal and neutral fuse and instead let users decide for themselves if they will like to change to a exotic fuse since that will add further cost to the equipment and each have their own preference for fuses.

 

With my Wavedream Signature SE, I use a Hifi tuning fuse (supreme IIRC) . It was installed a few years ago so I don't remember the exact improvements but suffice to say, Rockna DACs do benefit from after market fuses. My friend uses SR fuses in his Rockna streamer and DAC.

Arun

 

Hi All,

Attached is a recent review in HiFi+ on the Wavedream Reference Signature. Please click on the link (no photo) to download and view it. Chris Connaker authored our first North American review, which will be published in Audiophile Style. Audio Hedonist thankfully posted it, and it is attached directly below.

It's exciting to see Nicholae receiving the credit he deserves for his first new design in approximately seven years. The longevity of those legacy products is a testament to his designs' quality and advanced capability. While we cannot say this DAC will have as long a run, we can see it sets a new benchmark in its price/performance class.

As a reminder, Hear This and our select retail partners are offering in-home demos to WBF members in search of a new DAC/renderer in this price class.

I really commend you for offering home demos. Its a slippery slope because some dealers run into customers who take advantage of this (no intention to buy at all) but at same time some customers do not feel comfortable dropping so much coin on something in the dark.

This creates a situation for some dealers to say F it altogether and not offer these home demos, it's unfortunate but it is what it is.

Hope you do well with the DAC sales, appreciate your existence.

-Frank

 

I really commend you for offering home demos. Its a slippery slope because some dealers run into customers who take advantage of this (no intention to buy at all) but at same time some customers do not feel comfortable dropping so much coin on something in the dark.

This creates a situation for some dealers to say F it altogether and not offer these home demos, it's unfortunate but it is what it is.

Hope you do well with the DAC sales, appreciate your existence.

-Frank

TY Frank. As long as it's not a 300-pound speaker, we are good

 

Q1. Could someone tell me what kind of fuse is installed at the factory in the Wavedream Reference? Is it a simple, inexpensive fuse, or is it from a well-known brand like SR Master or Hifi-Tuning Diamond?

Q2. Will the Wavedream Reference handle Tidal over an Ethernet LAN? (Without Roon) For example, using BubbleUPnP.

Answer 1: No special fuses are used in the WDRS. If you decide to try some, please let us know your results.

Answer 2: Tidal Connect is not enabled; however, using other software that integrates with Tidal, such as Audirvana, Volumio Jplay, etc., can run over the network. Please be aware that Rockna has recently integrated Qobuz Direct, which is now supported.

I installed the HiFi-Tuning Diamond Supreme³ Copper Fuse in my Rockna Reference Standard.

Significant improvement in realism, vocals, and bass. The bass became truly excellent. The same fuse, inserted into the Tambaqui DAC, produced similar results. Testing the track "Nils Lofgren Keith Don't Go" on both DACs, the dynamics were significantly better, and everything was much more realistic. Overall, what's happening in the middle of the music is presented with a more varied amplitude. I also compared the silver fuse with the Monosaudio (on the Reference), but this resulted in a reduced dynamic range and a lighter bass. I should add that the amplifier uses the Furutech dps 4.1 power cable, which reproduces the treble very naturally, detailed but freely, without boosting it. Perhaps a silver fuse would work well on a dark system, but the diamond fuse works well for me.

 

I installed the HiFi-Tuning Diamond Supreme³ Copper Fuse in my Rockna Reference Standard.

Significant improvement in realism, vocals, and bass. The bass became truly excellent. The same fuse, inserted into the Tambaqui DAC, produced similar results. Testing the track "Nils Lofgren Keith Don't Go" on both DACs, the dynamics were significantly better, and everything was much more realistic. Overall, what's happening in the middle of the music is presented with a more varied amplitude. I also compared the silver fuse with the Monosaudio (on the Reference), but this resulted in a reduced dynamic range and a lighter bass. I should add that the amplifier uses the Furutech dps 4.1 power cable, which reproduces the treble very naturally, detailed but freely, without boosting it. Perhaps a silver fuse would work well on a dark system, but the diamond fuse works well for me.

Hinda, thank you for the feedback! I'm going to ask Nicholae to try this fuse, and I will do the same and report back.

That's a very cool system you have there. Enjoy your system and thanks once again.

 

I really commend you for offering home demos. Its a slippery slope because some dealers run into customers who take advantage of this (no intention to buy at all) but at same time some customers do not feel comfortable dropping so much coin on something in the dark.

This creates a situation for some dealers to say F it altogether and not offer these home demos, it's unfortunate but it is what it is.

Hope you do well with the DAC sales, appreciate your existence.

-Frank

Yes, it's great that Gary and his partners offers these demos. I would not have bought my DAC (Tambaqui) had I not had the chance to hear it first at home -- this was not through a dealer but a generous friend.

As for customers taking advantage, maybe a low nominal fee for the demo (let's say 100 or 200 bucks), which won't hurt the wallet of anyone shopping in this price range, might weed out those folks.

 

...recently, a furniture place in L.A. noted they would send me a sample (to NY) for 75 bucks, credited back upon purchase.

Frankly, that seems reasonable to me, as a potential customer (no past business) and works for audio too.

Even a "they ship to me, I ship back" model is fine with me, so long as we're not talking 500 lb. speakers.

 

Thanks for the inputs, fellas. It's pretty easy to weed out time wasters and thrill seekers. I have found that when working with WBF members, most are very decent people and rarely would make light of a sincere offer for an in-home demo. I usually speak with people by phone to learn more about their system and what they may be looking for in an upgrade. At times, I have suggested an entirely different path; other times, I have determined that the product being loaned is a perfect solution. It's not foolproof, but it has worked well. The pay-for-shipping one-way makes sense. For this product, $100 usually covers one-way shipping to most CONUS destinations from our warehouse and makes sense.

 

After a 37-year wait, our daughter will give birth to our first grandchild. We can't wait. I am based in California and always have several WDRS on hand for in-home evaluations. We believe this is the right way to express our confidence in what we offer and give potential customers the chance to be certain that an expensive product will provide long-term satisfaction and fit well with their sonic preferences and system. A DAC is a foundational piece of kit, so ensuring it can anchor a system is, IMO, as crucial as being sure about a new set of speakers. Reach out anytime

 

All, attached is a brief link review from Hans Beekhuzen's channel that contains some excellent technical information on the WDRS.

 

The Rockna WaveDream Reference Signature (DAC/Streamer) arrived here yesterday for my evaluation and analysis. The graphics below represent the DAC/Streamer in situ, and the four accompanying screen captures are from its complementary iOS (iPhone app). The installation and configuration of the unit took me no more than 5 minutes. The better part of that time was it running through its power-up sequence and starting the system. I connected a USB cable, an Ethernet cable and two RCA analogue cables to make things "happen".

I subsequently spent the next 30 minutes testing all of the configurations represented in the screen-captures below, and proceeded to put the Rockna WaveDream Reference Signature solely into DAC mode, bypassing its streamer functionality. I sorely wanted to connect to my iteration of the AudioLinux Diretta project, which I have been hacking on for the past few months: https://github.com/dsnyder0pc/rpi-for-roon/blob/main/Diretta.md

Everything worked as I expected. The unit is robust and built much like a tank. I availed myself of the opportunity to pop the lid and examine its internal construction and design. Both passed with flying colours. No rats' next of cables, no labyrinthian maze to be overcome.

I am forever assisting so many on this forum and in audiophile-minded Facebook groups with their digital audio ecosystems, so it's very nice to see companies that take the time and effort to make their configuration software so intuitive. I just know that I could talk to somebody over the phone, remotely assisting them through the setup and configuration.

With less than a day in the sound is remarkably fresh and dynamic. Sonically, there exist feelings of spaciousness and attack which would make any red-blooded audiophile go "weak in the knees."

Lastly, no small children or cute furry pets were harmed in any way during the above processes. And for the sake of TRANSPARENCY, I do not receive any compensation, financially or in-kind, for any of my analysis and findings. Nobody twisted my arm or any other appendage. If I did not find favour with this, I would not waste my time with the effort, or yours, with the reading of this missive. I'm not here to sell anything to anyone; the most I can and will do is strongly suggest that you add the Rockna WaveDream Reference Signature (DAC/Streamer) to your shortlist if you are in the market for such.

 

Thank you, David, for this great installation report and sonic review!

 

For the past two days, my friend has been playing his Linn Select DSM/3 Organik with a Utopik power supply, Hegel H590, Elac speakers, a dps4.1 amplifier cable, a Monosaudio LAN cable, and an Angel Bonn N8 HiFi switch on a Rockna Wavelight Server.
Yesterday, I brought my Rockna Reference STD to him. We tested all the combinations. First, the ROON server. We compared the Blackview MP100 with a 200-watt linear power supply to the Rockna server. These devices are incomparable. I thought using a server like the Wavelight Server was just a bonus, the cherry on the cake, that one percent improvement in quality. However, the Wavelight Server's quality is on a completely different level. The resolution is increased. This increase is due to the black background. I'll come back to this later with the Reference. Both DACs respond strongly to this device. Comparing the Linn and Reference on the Blackview MP100, even with the Angel Bonn N8 HiFi switch, I could feel the Reference's greater resolution and different bass presentation. Both gain, but the Reference gains enormously, and I don't mean that the Linn is so good that it still sounds great without it, but rather a linear increase in the Reference's quality. Using the Angel Bonn N8 HiFi provides a further, enormous increase.
How does the Wavelight Server work on the Reference? Sounds emerge from a black background, resulting in resolution and incredible peace of music. The background is presented naturally, as in reality, without haze for the quietest elements. Just like hearing background sounds in the countryside at night without the city noise.

Connecting the Blackview MP100 to a system without the Wavelight provided a small but noticeable increase in resolution, isolation, and smoothness of sound. But with Wavelight, there's a further, enormous, linear increase in quality. The Reference showed incredible realism in this combination. The resolution was absolutely shocking. I found it hard to believe it played like that. I can't imagine how it would sound with a Reference Signature setup like that.

 

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