One source for everything digital

Digital variety without digital confusion – the Waversa WNAS 3 makes it possible. It integrates a CD player, data storage, streaming bridge, and D/A converter without any compromises in capacity or performance. And all without the tangle of cables.

These days, NAS drives with more than 10 terabytes are no longer a rarity, and even 5-bay NAS units like the one in the WNAS 3 are reasonably affordable. The big problem: standard NAS units lack sufficient measures for clean power supply and vibration control, as they are "only" intended for storing computer data. In doing so, they produce a great deal of interference and jitter, making it extremely difficult or impossible to achieve the desired sound quality with a computer-based NAS. While some NAS units are designed specifically for audio, the number of internal drive bays is limited – and their price is very high.

This is exactly where the Waversa WNAS 3 comes into play. Unlike almost all other multi-digital sources, the Waversa WNAS 3 is not burdened by compromises; instead, it plays its manifold trump cards in all areas within an extremely well-conceived and expertly crafted hardware environment. This allows the individual components to deliver what they want with full performance, undisturbed: the best possible sound.

The high-fidelity FM tuner may be somewhat unconventional in terms of concept, but it makes audiophile radio reception possible even in areas not yet covered by DAB.

WNDR (Waversa Network Direct Rendering)

Naturally, the Waversa WNAS 3 works with the dedicated, audio-optimized transmission protocol "Waversa Network Direct Rendering." A major problem with streaming networks that use 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 that 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 significantly. WNDR is a proprietary and dedicated audio transmission protocol developed by Waversa to solve this problem. It minimizes latency (delays) in the communication of networked devices and ensures excellent noise immunity. Furthermore, with WNDR, no protocol conversion process is required, which effectively eliminates another source of error and thus improves sound quality. Last but not least, devices connected via WNDR can utilize their WAP processors (see above) even better, as they are tuned to each other.

The integrated headphone amplifier, which of course features volume control, puts many an external solution to shame: discrete components are, after all, the gold standard in headphone amplifier design.

Deluxe Operation

The remote control for the Waversa WNAS 3 is a work of art in itself: you have probably never operated a device in such a stylish way. And thanks to the 7" LCD display, you always have all the information in view.

WAP and WAP/X

Waversa understands that digital music largely ignores harmonics due to its limited resolution compared to real music. WAP and WAP/X provide a remedy: WAP is an FPGA-based audio processor that interprets the digital signal to bring it closer to an analog signal – the real music – again. WAP/X, as an extension for WAP, then reconstructs the even-order harmonics of real music (up to the 32nd harmonic) that were lost during digital recording or digitization. This makes even digital music sound touchingly authentic, spatially expansive, and natural.

Technology for great sound

• WAP (Waversa Audio Processor) Type 3
• Digital inputs: Ethernet: RJ-45 (DLNA, RAAT support), 2x USB Type-B: 24bit/384kHz, DSD256, AES/EBU, COAX, OPT
• CD player: Async CDT, Perfect Ripping Support
• NAS: 5-bay HDD/SSD tray for 2.5 inch (hard drives not included), hot-swap compatible
• FM radio
• 32bit D/A converter: Sabre ESS ES9038PRO
• USB chipset: Ultra-low-power 2.0 (audio-grade)
• High-precision MEMS main clock
• Digital outputs:
  Coaxial, AES/EBU up to 24bit/192kHz
  Double AES / EBU (compatible with DSD128)
  USB up to DSD128, 32bit/384kHz

• Network output (RJ-45) supports up to DSD128, 32bit/384kHz
• Analog output: Class A push-pull output stage with fully discrete components, 1x XLR, 1x RCA, 1x headphone amplifier
• OS: Linux 3.2 with ARM Cortex A9 / Memory 2GB

Output impedance
Discrete: 50 Ohms

Output signal level:
100% RMS 5.8V @ 0dBFS / 75% RMS 4.35V @ 0dBFS / 50% RMS 2.9V @ 0dBFS

Input sample rate:
AES / EBU, COAX, OPT up to 192kHz / USB-PCM 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384kHz / USB-DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, up to 384kHz PCM

Dimensions (W x D x H):
440 x 330 x 150mm

Weight:
12kg

Herstellerangaben:

Waversa Systems Co., Ltd.
404, 10-9, Hwangsaeul-ro 258beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si
13595 , Gyeonggi-do
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