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Rockna Audio Wavelight Server
The Wavelight audiophile music Server – or the WLS – is your perfect source partner for Wavelight/Wavedream dacs, or just any dac, especially if equipped with a I2S input. In addition the I2S output, USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, and optical output (Toslink) are available.
Functions and outputs
WLS resolves a few important aspects of a modern audio setup. It virtually eliminates the need for a computer holding your core server; will eliminate the need for a strong CPU to perform PCM to DSD transcoding; and eliminate the need for a storage server. All these features are included into a sleek and stylish package, visually matching the Wavelight DAC.
Internal structure
The WLS combines a few key elements for server-based digital audio playback: a linear power supply, a low TDP computing system running custom Linux, a highly efficient FPGA / DSP system for audio management.
Software and user scenarios
The WLS will manage to transcode between formats on hardware level, without overloading the CPU. Therefore, it’s heat and RFI emissions will stay low, without bad influence on audio circuitry.
The WLS has the ability to let you choose from a variety of server software and audio services including Roon, MPD, LMS and so on. There are many use scenarios, the device can be used as core, or can be used as renderer or endpoint
STORAGE
Wavelight Server was designed to host your music. From a basic 2TB to a maximum of 16TB of internal storage, it can keep internally thousands of music albums in high-quality, uncompressed format. Additionally, WLS has 3 USB ports, where you can connect external storage, and/or a NAS (Network Attached Storage) can be defined as music source for WLS.
Control interface
The WLS has a powerful control interface that can be accessed via local browser or control app. It allows the owner to manage internal or attached storage, select active software or services, select upsampling or transcoding parameters, select I2S output setting for DAC compatibility, rip cd’s to local drives, enable room correction etc.
WLS is fully upgradable and future-proof. Both operating system with services and FPGA (audio hardware) can be easily updatable via internet.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
84/100
Features Usability
90/100
Value for Money
85/100
Rockna’s Wavelight Server delivers exceptional transparency, spatial precision and open, dynamic sound, turning well-recorded music into a palpably solid performance. hi-fi+ found its Roon platform polished and setup largely self-configuring, while AES/EBU excels and the Rockna I2S path promises the most controlled, exciting presentation. A serious digital source for revealing DAC systems.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally transparent, detailed and dynamically open sound with precise spatial focus and convincing solidity.
Roon implementation works extremely well, with largely self-configuring setup and a well-executed dedicated app.
AES/EBU performs strongly, while Rockna-compatible I2S is expected to provide an even tighter, more controlled and more exciting sound.
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Cons
USB output is comparatively anaemic, making it the least satisfying connection option.
Its highly revealing presentation exposes compressed or poorly recorded material.
Internet radio and CD-ripping functions were still pending at the time of review.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
The Wavelight Server is described as an exceptionally transparent, detailed and dynamically open digital source, with convincing spatial solidity and a strong sense of musical presence. Connection choice matters: I2S is the standout, AES/EBU remains strong, S/PDIF is somewhat leaner and more compact spatially, and USB is the least satisfying route.
Overall Sound
96/100
hi-fi+ calls it a great-sounding and effectively invisible musical partner, praising its transparency, detail, spatial precision, solidity and unexpectedly strong dynamic range. It is highly revealing of poor recordings, but the reviewer says it remains deft, detailed, dynamic and open across genres, reaching an "about as good as it gets" experience with excellent material.
Digital Signal Integrity
91/100
The server uses dual CCHD957 clocks and an FPGA-based audio engine, while offering I2S, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Toslink and USB outputs. In listening, the I2S connection was reported to deliver a tighter, more controlled and more exciting presentation, with AES/EBU also outperforming the comparatively less full-bodied S/PDIF result; USB was notably weaker and described as slightly anaemic.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
This is a flexible network music server with extensive software-mode support and a generous selection of digital outputs. Setup is reported to be largely self-configuring, and the reviewer found both its Roon implementation and dedicated control app well executed, though some promised functions were still pending.
Streaming Software
90/100
The reviewer reports that the Wavelight Server works extremely well as a Roon platform and describes the dedicated app as well executed. It is also said to be largely self-configuring and accessible through a browser-based local control interface, although Internet radio and CD-ripping functionality were still desired future additions.
Features Connectivity
91/100
Connectivity is extensive for a digital server, with Ethernet input, three USB ports, and I2S, AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink and USB audio outputs. The Rockna-specific HDMI-based I2S connection is particularly important to its best reported performance, though I2S interoperability can be limited because there is no universal standard.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
84/100
The published specification points to a purpose-built server architecture, including a linear supply with two toroidal transformers, FPGA processing and substantial internal-storage options. The review does not offer meaningful hands-on commentary on chassis execution, long-term durability, connector quality or vibration control.
Value for Money
85/100
At approximately $5,999-$6,699, the Wavelight Server sits in a premium music-server category. The available review is strongly enthusiastic about performance and usability, but does not directly compare its price with rivals or offer a clear verdict on value.
Reviews
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Rockna Audio Wavelight Server
- Alma-Audio — online and in-store — Majadahonda, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- ARK Audio — online and in-store — Borensberg, Östergötlands län, Sweden (website)
- Assai Audio — in-store — Centro, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio essence — online and in-store — Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (website)
- AudioPerformance — online and in-store — Stenkullen, Västra Götalands län, Sweden (website)
- AV Solutions - Italy — online and in-store — Aosta, Valle d'Aosta, Italy (website)
- Coherent Systems — in-store — Chalfont Saint Peter, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Contrado Audio — online and in-store — Nieuwleusen, Overijssel, Netherlands (website)
- Dream Audio — in-store — Innere Stadt, Wien, Slovakia (website)
- Elise Audio — online and in-store — Paddington, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 15 more verified dealers