Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
MAN301R
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Digital Inputs: 1x Ethernet connector,1x XLR connector,1x RCA connector,1x TOSLINK connector (optical)
- Digital Outputs: 1x XLR connector w/ AES/EBU format,1x RCA connector w/ AES/EBU format,1x USB type A connector,1x Ethernet connector
- Analog Outputs: 2x XLR connectors (hot on pin 2), DC coupled, output impedance 44 Ω,2x RCA connectors, DC coupled, output impedance 22 Ω
- Supported Sampling Frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz (TOSLINK max 96 kHz)
- Maximum Input Word Length: 24 Bits
- Supported File Formats: WAV: 44.1-192 kHz, 8-32 Bit, float, double,AIFF: 44.1-192 kHz, 8-32 Bit, float, double,M4a/ALAC: 44.1-192 kHz, 16-32 Bit,M4a/AAC: 44.1-96 kHz,FLAC: 44.1-192 kHz, 16-24 Bit
- Dimensions: 30 cm x 45 cm x 7.4 cm (11.8" x 17.7" x 2.9") (DxWxH with feet)
- Standby Power: 0.5 W maximum
Description
The MAN301R provides a single access point to your entire music library. Play back and archive music on NAS drives, stream music from the internet, play Internet Radio Stations, rip CDs, get cover art and metadata — and control it all via the ROON interface and the Weiss web interface. The MAN301R is a powerhouse in terms of features and versatility, and a must-have for enthusiasts with music collections that are played back from multiple locations and / or for music streaming lovers.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Weiss leverages its extensive experience in professional mastering to offer a DAC that presents music with exceptional clarity, transparency, and a "you are there" realism, capturing the recording's true essence.
- The brand's products provide a Swiss-engineered solution with high-precision internal clocking, contributing to the reduction of jitter and delivering optimal signal quality.
- Weiss offers a broad range of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) options like de-essing, vinyl emulation, and room correction, enabling users to tailor the sound to their preferences and listening environment.
- They prioritize a robust, upgradeable platform, which is evident in their software and firmware updates.
Select products
Select product comparisons
DAC204
- Position: Entry-level line designed for affordability and simplicity.
- Description: Delivers clear, reliable conversion through a modern DAC engine that offers a straightforward interface and ease of use in smaller settings. Its technical setup features fewer connectivity options and processing enhancements compared to the DAC205 and higher-tier DAC501/502 and Helios.
DAC205
- Position: Entry-level multi-format solution focused on flexibility.
- Description: Provides solid performance with support for various digital audio formats, appealing to users in moderate spaces seeking versatile connectivity. Its design offers enhanced format compatibility compared to the DAC204, yet maintains a simpler user interface relative to the more advanced processing and expanded features of the DAC501/502 and Helios.
DAC501
- Position: High mid-tier offering presented in a larger chassis with refined connectivity.
- Description: Uses a sophisticated digital processing architecture that ensures precise audio reproduction, making it well suited for larger rooms and critical listening environments. Its design stands out from the more basic DAC204 and DAC205 by offering added connectivity and a robust build, while remaining closely matched in performance to the DAC502.
DAC502
- Position: High mid-tier solution distinguished by added monitoring functionality.
- Description: Shares the same advanced conversion technology as its sibling DAC501 but includes an extra four-pin balanced headphone socket for enhanced monitoring options. Compared to the entry-level DAC204 and DAC205, it offers more front-facing control and convenience features.
Helios
- Position: Flagship unit engineered for premium performance and extensive capabilities.
- Description: Combines state-of-the-art digital processing with high-quality analog circuitry to deliver superior clarity and detail. Unlike the other models in the lineup, it offers a broader range of functions and a higher degree of technical sophistication, targeting users with advanced functionality needs.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
5
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
216
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
8
Founding Year
1985
Our take on the brand
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We always try to make no « me too » products. For instance most of our DAC models have a DSP built in for various signal enhancement treatments, like room equalization, creative equalization, de-essing, vinyl emulation and more.
What's your approach to customer support?
I suggest to contact our dealers and/or distributors first. If they cannot handle the issue they are welcome to direct the customer to us. Customer satisfaction is very important, so we try to solve all inquiries as well as possible. We still support our first products dating back to 1985.I suggest to contact our dealers and/or distributors at first. If they cannot handle the issue they are welcome to direct the customer to us. Customer satisfaction is very important, so we try to solve all inquiries as well as possible. We still support our first products dating back to 1985.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
- Nils Lofgren: Bass & Drum Intro
- Daft Punk: Get Lucky (mastered using our pro audio equipment)
- Rufus D: Jugendraum (mastered using our pro audio equipment)
- Plus Classical and Jazz music of course.
What other products pair best with yours?
- Headphones: Audeze
- Speakers: airplain (one of our OEM customers)
From our interview with
Daniel Weiss
.
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Used
Weiss
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Innuos
Statement Next-Gen
25000
25000
/
9
Reviews
Innuos is a Portuguese hifi brand that handcrafts digital audio components with advanced power supply designs and custom-built components, including their signature PhoenixUSB Reclocker for improved USB signal quality. Their proprietary InnuOS operating system and Sense 2.0 music app are praised for delivering more natural sound than Roon, while offering unique features like Assisted CD Ripping and rule-based music import engines.
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Product Strengths
- Significant improvement over the standard Statement, with more dynamic range, quieter backgrounds, higher resolution, and more fine detail
- Enhanced bass performance, with more power, visceral impact, and improved control
- Larger spatial sizing and more vivid presentation of virtual sound sources
- Excellent musicality with a hash-free and low-noise sound
- The Innuos Sense app is stable, easy to navigate, and considered one of the best streamer software options available
- The Next-Gen only outputs via USB, not offering other digital outputs like SPDIF
Product Considerations
- A two-box system, which may require significant shelf space
- The upgrade to the Next-Gen version involves reworking both Statement enclosures and must be done by Innuos
- All changes from one model to another are internal, so diving inside their bonnets is mandatory to tell them apart
- The standard Statement is already excellent, so potential buyers need to evaluate if the upgrade to Next-Gen is worth it for them
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Next-Gen provides greater dynamics, a more 3D-like presentation, and improved realism in voices and instruments, compared to the standard Innuos Statement
- It pushes aside the Melco N10 with a combination of rhythmic intensity and staging elegance
- It surpasses the Fidata HFAS1-S10U on agility, openness, expansiveness, propulsion—and doesn't sound mechanical because of that
- The Statement has better adaptive skills than the ZENith Mk3, allowing it to portray artists' intentions more accurately
Takeaway: The Innuos Statement Next-Gen takes an already outstanding music server to the next level with significant improvements in sound quality and detail. It offers an exceptional listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Innuos is a Portuguese hifi brand that handcrafts digital audio components with advanced power supply designs and custom-built components, including their signature PhoenixUSB Reclocker for improved USB signal quality. Their proprietary InnuOS operating system and Sense 2.0 music app are praised for delivering more natural sound than Roon, while offering unique features like Assisted CD Ripping and rule-based music import engines.
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Taiko Audio
Extreme Server
29385
29385
/
7
Reviews
Taiko Audio, considered the ultimate endgame music streamer in audiophile circles, produces ultra-expensive components. Their custom hardware and software stack, designed for maximal noise reduction, has become a staple in many of the world's most expensive hifi setups.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers music with a lack of digital artifacts, sounding closer to the original recording and venue than other digital sources
- Highly detailed construction with CNC machined chassis using a hybrid of copper, aluminum, and Panzerholz wood to mitigate RFI and vibration
- Dual Intel Xeon CPU design isolates Roon processes from audio processing tasks, improving performance
- Offers high-quality support, with Taiko providing remote assistance for setup and troubleshooting
- Optimizes both locally stored files and streamed music with equal performance
Product Considerations
- Custom USB board requires specific drivers to align with the DAC being used
- Native server software, TAS, offers better sound quality than Roon, but has a less user-friendly interface
- Windows servers might need constant support compared to LINUX servers
- High price point may be prohibitive for some buyers
- Massive size and weight (99 pounds) may pose logistical challenges
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Melco Zs or Innuos Statement, the Extreme represents a significant step up in performance
- Compared to Tidal Arkas, when playing files, the Taiko probably has the sonic edge, and ergonomically, is the more natural choice
Takeaway: The Taiko Audio SGM Extreme is a high-end music server that delivers exceptional sound quality and a more 'analog' listening experience. For those seeking the best sound from digital files and streaming services, this could be the right choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Taiko Audio, considered the ultimate endgame music streamer in audiophile circles, produces ultra-expensive components. Their custom hardware and software stack, designed for maximal noise reduction, has become a staple in many of the world's most expensive hifi setups.
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Antipodes
Oladra
29000
29000
/
5
Reviews
The Oladra is designed to be the world's best music server-streamer, in the way that music can move you. Precision-machined from a solid block of premium alloy, its physical beauty matches the beauty of its music.
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Deep tonal saturation, lushness, liquidity, and organic flow.
- More articulate, crisper, expressive, airier, and highly resolving than previous Antipodes models.
- Operates in an unforced manner that makes for immediate surrender on the listener's behalf.
- Incredibly refined and liquid, as well as lifelike in its expression and dynamics.
- Milled from a solid block of aluminum, with sleek and simple—yet subtly curved—lines
Product Considerations
- It is difficult for a reviewer to really tear into a music server the same way they would tear into a pair of speakers or a power amplifier
- Setting up the Antipodes Oladra music server isn't easy, and time will need to be spent getting used to it
- CD ripping is perhaps better described as painstaking rather than swift, the company opting for accuracy rather than speed
- Built like a very expensive amplifier
- Must be 'driven' via browser software running on a PC or, more ideally, a tablet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Antipodes K50, the Oladra offers a more exciting, incisive, and expressive rendition
- Vs Antipodes K50, the Oladra had more detail and more distinct detail due to the overall very quiet background
- Vs Pink Faun, Pink Faun is tighter, more precise and analytical, Antipodes more relaxed and organic
Takeaway: The Oladra offers exceptional sound quality, is a versatile music server, and will sound much better than just a laptop, creating a better music listening experience. The Oladra lets the music be its unadulterated self, is relaxed, and will never sound lean, gray, or analytical.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
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Ideon Audio
Absolute Stream meta
20900
20900
/
2
Reviews
Ideon Audio designs DACs and streamers with proprietary technologies, including custom software and hardware that enhance standard components, and their signature femto clock architecture and zero-noise rectification technologies are built into every product. Their Absolute Stream features a unique real-time core playback system that processes audio directly from the kernel, while their massively over-engineered power supplies and modular design approach ensure both superior sound quality and future upgradeability.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The CPU core is optimized for audio signal processing and uses Roon (bridge) software for files management
- The device can decode virtually any type of signal, PCM up to 32 bits and 384 kHz, and DSD from 2.8 MHz (DSD64) to 22.4 MHz (DSD512), and supports all streaming services
- It uses a classic linear power supply with a custom-made, high-power toroidal transformer and many low ESR capacitors
- The CNC-milled chassis takes 15 hours to fabricate
Product Considerations
- The manual indicates that its operation is very simple, but only if everything works as it should, as the control program did not always 'see' the transport
- The transport itself did not always turn on and sometimes had to be turned on several times before it actually started
- The reviewer did not manage to 'force' it to play DSD512 files from a USB flash drive, and with DSD256 files being played the DAC's display showed 'PCM 384' format
- The Ideon often choked on WAV files
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Ideon Audio system offered an equivalent sound when compared with CDs, Master CD-Rs and SACDs and their corresponding files
- Compared to the Ayon Audio player, the Ayon Audio player represents timbre, space, and the structure of recordings similarly to analog tape, while the Ideon Audio player is considered an equivalent to a top turntable
Takeaway: The Ideon Absolute Suite is one of the best-built audio sources, with a modular design and proprietary solutions. It draws you into its world through dense colors and saturation with information, and the amazing sound is worth experiencing
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ideon Audio designs DACs and streamers with proprietary technologies, including custom software and hardware that enhance standard components, and their signature femto clock architecture and zero-noise rectification technologies are built into every product. Their Absolute Stream features a unique real-time core playback system that processes audio directly from the kernel, while their massively over-engineered power supplies and modular design approach ensure both superior sound quality and future upgradeability.
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What competes at this price?
Aurender
A20
15000
/
Released
A20 is derived from A30 and delivers the very same reference-level audio performance, but without the CD ripping and library management functionality. A20 also replaces A30's factory-fitted 10TB HDD with two user accessible bays to install one or two 2.5" HDDs or SSDs for the music storage capacity needed or desired. Employing the same renowned dual-mono AKM 4497 chipset as that found in model A30, you can expect nothing but the best in sound quality.
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The A20 is a full-fledged, high-performance server, streamer, preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier
- Excellent DAC with a natural, detailed, clean, and neutral sound
- Impressive storage capabilities with slots for user-installable SSD or HDD drives and limitless storage options by integrating content from a NAS or external USB drive
- The Aurender Conductor App is highly user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and is easy to navigate
Product Considerations
- The A20 is not compatible with Roon
- The A20 does not have built-in CD ripping functionality
- The A20's sound signature might not immediately impress
- There is a learning curve for maximum functionality
Takeaway: The Aurender A20 is a great option for audiophiles seeking a digital hub that covers both headphone and loudspeaker listening and whose music collection is already digitized. It has excellent sound quality, hardware, software, and customer service.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Aurender
N20
12500
/
Released
2021
The Aurender N20 hits the bullseye with simplicity, stability, speed, and sound quality. The product is as simple as possible, but no simpler. N20 sits in the enviable "sweet spot" of cost vs. performance in the middle of Aurender's range of digital source components. Equally at home in a cost-no-object system or as the cornerstone of a more modest system, N20 is designed to be connected to the world's best high-quality DACs.
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Integrates the functions of a music server, a content streamer, and a LAN port, consolidating multiple devices into one for simpler setup
- Has two internal, hard-drive storage bays, which allow users to customize on-board music storage according to their needs (up to 16TB with SSDs)
- Employs an all-digital, phase-locked-loop subsystem (ADPLL) with an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) to reduce jitter, improving the musical presentation
- Supports various digital file codecs, including native DSD512, handled by a dedicated Intel Quad-Core CPU
- Exceptional build quality, with a minimalistic, stylish design and a large, high-resolution (1920 x 480 pixels) AMOLED display for album art and information
- Outstanding customer service is available
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in DAC, requiring an external DAC for audio output
- Roon is not fully supported as a RAAT device, only as an Airplay device
- The Android version of the control app may not be as user-friendly as the iOS version
- HDDs/SSDs not included, so the cost of storage is not part of the overall price
- The Aurender N20 does not offer a hardware remote, which might be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aurender A20: The N20 is a superior streamer for upscale rigs due to its dedicated functionality and higher parts quality, whereas the A20 is an excellent choice as a streamlined hifi
- Vs Aurender W20SE: The reviewer believes the sweet spot in the Aurender lineup is the N20 unless dual AES output is needed, in which case—the W20SE would be better
- Vs Small Green Computer CAPS 20.1: The Aurender N20 is a state-of-the-art server with great sound quality for plug and play, while CAPS 20.1 needs maintenance
- Vs Linn Klimax DSM/3: Unlike the Linn Klimax DSM/3, the N20 comes with two internal hard-drive storage bays
Takeaway: The Aurender N20 is a well-designed music server/streamer with high-quality sound that offers a streamlined user experience and integration of various digital audio functions. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking simplicity, stability, and excellent sound quality in a digital source component.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Antipodes
KALA 50
19000
/
Released
The KALA 50 is the flagship of the KALA range, with an electronic design that is derived from the OLADRA, delivering compelling musical performance at a more affordable level. Every panel in the KALA 50 is precision machined from a thick solid plate of premium alloy for a perfect fit and finish, and outstanding vibration control.
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Robust and solid build quality
- Excellent sound quality, reproducing music with high fidelity
- Gives music life, verve, vigor, and emotional involvement
- Antipodes optimizes the power supplies to increase speed and lower noise
- Offers a platform for the best available applications
Product Considerations
- The burn-in process can take a long time
- Worldwide chip shortages forced a few changes to the design, and the beta software would not be bug-free
- The USB output is considered the worst in terms of sound quality and receives the least amount of isolation and reclocking
- Removing Roon local option can be a problem for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Aurender N20: The K50 replaced an Aurender N20
- Vs. Innuos Statement: The Innuos Statement has a warm and smooth signature
- Vs. HiFi ROSE RS150b: The K50 provides interconnectedness between sounds that the HiFi ROSE does not
- Vs. Antipodes K41 and K22: Combining an Antipodes K41 and K22 will make for a two-box K50 if one is so inclined
Takeaway: The Antipodes K50 is a well-built music server that brings soul back into a digital system. It creates a natural and inviting sound that can help you rediscover your favorite music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Antipodes is a hifi audio brand specializing in audiophile-grade music servers and streamers that reduce jitter and noise. The brand uses a proprietary Linux-based operating system for audio playback to maintain high signal purity.
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Playback Designs
Edelweiss MPS-X
11290
/
Released
2022
Digital Frontend, Music Server, Music Streamer
Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Achieves ideal isolation for best performance using PLINK, PDFAS clocking technology, and separate chassis with high-quality linear power supply
- Offers superb sound quality whether streaming from UPnP or using local or streaming Roon RAAT sources
- Delivers a neutral, fast, lively, and expressive sound that is also finely nuanced, fluid, spacious, and gently svelte
- Has a direct, rhythmic, fast, pure, and impactful sound, combined with deep tonal saturation and an enveloping soundstage
- The MPS-X is designed to allow multiple clock signals for the streamer, network bridge, etc, but it then re-clocks all digital signals through the proprietary high-precision clock generator before sending the signal out to the DAC via its fiber optical interface (PLINK)
Product Considerations
- PLINK is not 100% compatible with Nagra Link, there is skipping/glitching on certain sample rates
- Aftermarket feet could alter pacing and drive, so it is best to start with the MPS-X's own feet
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Aqua LinQ, the MPS-X excels in being liquid, free-flowing, and spacious, particularly possessing more distinct layering in the depth plane, while the Aqua LinQ is more immediate and direct
Takeaway: The MPS-X offers excellent streaming audio performance with great sound quality and isolation, improving the sound of music servers and offering further potential within a Playback Designs system. It is an expertly crafted device that should make listening to music even more enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
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Rockna
Wavedream NET
10300
/
Released
2022
The Wavedream NET is a unique product which adds together a high performance audio server and a latest generation, memory-based cd transport. You can enjoy your cd collection, internal storage playback or latest streaming experience from only one machine. The NET is naturally the best complementary source for the Wavedream DAC over the HDlink(I2S) connection.
Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality build and stellar construction with meticulous attention to detail
- Acts as a music server, CD transport/ripper, and digital source/streamer, consolidating multiple components
- Exceptional performance as a digital source, with very low jitter
- Offers a large selection of features suitable for many use cases
- Can be used with external drives and has both USB and network connections
Product Considerations
- The unit is large and may not fit on a desk or in many racks
- The Roon core may not be as snappy as some dedicated PCs, though newer units have a faster CPU
- Ripping uses a separate computer disc transport and connect to one of the rear USB ports, not the NETs own transport mechanism
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Singxer SU-6: The Wavedream NET has lower jitter, being the highest performing digital source tested
- Vs Wavedream DAC via USB: I2S output from the Wavedream NET to the Wavedream Signature DAC resulted in a slight increase in quality, particularly in precision of imaging
- Vs CAD CAT transport into the Wavedream DAC: The Wavedream NET produced amongst the most transparent sound
Takeaway: The Wavedream NET is a versatile and high-performing digital source that combines multiple functions into one well-built unit, capable of delivering exceptional sound quality and features, making it a great addition to a high-end audio setup. It offers a comprehensive solution for digital audio playback.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rockna Audio is distinguished by its proprietary DAC chips and hybrid ladder topology, which work together with advanced clock systems to reduce jitter and deliver natural sound reproduction. The brand's flagship Wavelight DAC features an analog volume control and chameleon-like sound signature that adapts its tonality to each recording.
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