Sometimes, "more" is simply "better"

Of course, we know that numbers aren't everything. But when it comes to digital audio, the technical specifications simply don't lie. That is why the Waversa WDAC 3C features the ESS Sabre ES9038Pro, an absolute world-class D/A chip. Then there is the Waversa Audio Processor (WAP), which offers, among other things, an outstanding upsampler: up to 1.5 MHz clock frequency and a word depth of 32 bits are quite a statement. We have listened extensively to the Waversa WDAC 3C and can confirm that thoughtful and consistently implemented upsampling offers a real, audible sonic benefit. Musical flow, airiness, resolution, and micro-dynamics gain to an astonishing degree. This is because the environment for this miracle upsampler is also just right: the entire hardware is state-of-the-art, and the signal processing is also carried out at the highest possible level.

WAP (Waversa Audio Processor)

Waversa understands that digital music largely ignores harmonics due to the limitations of its resolution compared to real music. WAP and WAP/X provide a remedy: WAP is an FPGA-based audio processor (which, as mentioned, is responsible for upsampling among other tricks) that interprets the digital signal to bring it closer to an analog signal—real music. As an extension to WAP, WAP/X reconstructs the even-order harmonics of real music (up to the 32nd harmonic) that were lost during digital recording or digitization. This makes digital music sound movingly authentic, spacious, and natural.

WNDR (Waversa Network Direct Rendering)* 

In addition to its five digital inputs, the Waversa WDAC 3C also features a LAN port, making it a fully-fledged streaming player. Naturally, it also supports the proprietary network transmission protocol WNDR. The biggest problem with streaming networks using DLNA is that the standard does not actually account for continuous audio streaming at all. DLNA is merely a standard for packet-based data transmission, which allows multitasking Ethernet switches to function seamlessly and with consistent accuracy. With this transmission method, (white) noise is generated during the packet buffering process, which negatively impacts the sound of audio signals. WNDR is a proprietary and dedicated audio transmission protocol developed by Waversa to solve this problem. It minimizes latency in communication between connected network devices and ensures excellent noise immunity. Furthermore, WNDR eliminates the need for protocol conversion, effectively removing another source of error and improving sound quality. And last but not least, devices connected via WNDR can utilize their WAP processors (see above) even more effectively, as they are synchronized with one another.

The option to connect an external master clock is another extraordinary feature, pushing the precision of data processing to the limit. This makes the Waversa WDAC 3C a universal and qualitatively indisputable digital source.

Both unbalanced and balanced outputs are available for connecting to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. The four-stage adjustable output gain allows the Waversa WDAC 3C to be perfectly matched to its partners.

*WNDR devices automatically detect and connect to each other on the network.

Technology for great sound

• ESS Sabre ES9038 Pro DAC chip
  
• Integrated high-end upsampler up to 1.5MHz/32bit
• DDC (Digital-to-Digital Converter) for coaxial, AES/EBU, and optical inputs
• File playback with PC/MAC via USB ports (UAC2 compliant)
• Network playback via LAN (DLNA, Roon Ready, WNDR, AirPlay, MQA)
• Native DSD256 support via USB/LAN
• Balanced and unbalanced output
• USB-A port can be used as input and output
• Real-time DSD to PCM conversion (DCONV)
• 4-stage output gain (0dB to -21dB in 3dB steps)
• Battery operation possible via external battery pack.
• System updates via network and SD card

Sample rates:
AES/EBU, coaxial, optical: PCM up to 192kHz

USB:
PCM 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kHz

USB:
DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256

Dimensions (WxDxH):
340 x 200 x 45mm

Weight:
4.1kg

Herstellerangaben:

Waversa Systems Co., Ltd.
404, 10-9, Hwangsaeul-ro 258beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si
13595 , Gyeonggi Province
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
info@waversa.com

Verantwortliche Person:

ATR – Audio Trade HiFi – Sales Company LLC
Wallufer Strasse 2
65343 , Eltville am Rhein
Germany
info@waversa.com