Waversa EXT reference digital filter

Thought I'd write a review regarding an interesting device loaned to me. 

Waversa EXT-USB

Part of what impressed me so much regarding the Allnic D10000 was the engineering behind this amazing DAC. My understanding is that Waversa performed much of the engineering on the DAC section. During my time with the Allnic DAC, I found myself not fiddling with the DAC settings, rather, I was simply more engaged with the music playing than worrying about whether I had the correct bit rate setting, DSD vs PCM settings and the like.

Having the opportunity to see what this USB filter can do to an already highly executed USB implemented system, I gave it a listen. The Waversa is a passive device. That’s a good thing for value conscious folks like me who spend far too much money on audio cables, especially power cables.

I have a fairly extensive USB implementation as mentioned. The best way I thought was to start from ground zero, that is, a generic USB cable with little outboard help from my network devices. USB boutique cable deniers would not welcome any voodoo my Network Acoustics Muon cable might possess. My network consisted of the etherregen network switch, the Ultrarendu, Uptone audio power supplies and the Supra network cables. My path is now simple; fanless computer USB output jack to Allnic D10000 input using a generic USB cable. With the generic USB cable I found the sound to be, well, fantastic. Seriously. I mean that the Allnic can deliver the goods no matter what is plugged into it, it seems. So I played some familiar songs and developed a sonic picture. Soon into my listening session I noted quickly the treble region was rougher than I’m used to. My wife joined me and told me to turn the music down as it sounded a bit harsh to her. Yes I agreed, it was a bit harsh. It seemed too that it lost a little bit of dimensionality, but not being able to AB (I had to reboot the DAC in order to let Roon find the DAC) it was more of a “do I think the stage flattened?”. 

Add the Waversa and woah, there it is. The wife noticed immediately as did I. The sound was much smoother and the dimensionality I guessed had diminished, had returned. Also, the music felt more saturated, more realistic. My wife too commented on the realism. Details are tricky to describe sometimes. I don’t wish to say, wow, listen to all that detail. I can say that with nearly every change I perform with this DAC it can do sonic detail but it’s different in how it presents this detail. It doesn’t dominate the music but it’s there when you choose to focus on it. So I had my doubts about what the Waversa can do and found it can perform very well. But let’s see what happens when I lose the generic USB cable and plug in the NA Muon USB cable.

Interesting. I had to admit, I didn’t detect much change. My wife too, struggled to comment on any change the expensive Muon cable made. Next step, remove the Waversa. In doing so the Muon cable stood on its own, still presenting the color and dimensionality we loved about this cable. I know I lost half of you but I stand by what I’m hearing. In our world, USB cables have a sound.

This device has been tough on me. I try to gather some sort of signature. Really I do. I look for all the fancy language reviewers use and I’m trying to wear that hat but it keeps on falling off. Back and forth, back and forth, giving those USB cables a workout, my brain too. Just like downstairs, yes, there’s something going on inside that heavy silver compartment but it is subtle. It’s like, without it my stereo sounds great. I mean overall, given my relatively modest gear, it is very pleasant. Add in the Waversa, it just feels more involved. Maybe the overall sense is that every aspect of this is slightly improved. It’s not a oh more of this or, oh more of that, but a perceived presentation that I can't put into words. 

So I moved the Waversa upstairs connecting it to the Holo May KTE DAC. Here, using the Acoustic Invader preamp and the BMC-S1 amplifier and power through a BPT AC regenerator. Speakers are the Buchardt S400 MKII’s and the Adam Audio SW260 MKII subs. Roon and microrendu are paired as a CATx digital streamer turned USB input to both the Waversa path as well as straight into the May DAC. USB cable is the Supra Excalibur and Waversa’s own USB creation. Back and forth again and again, between the Waversa in play vs the network path I enjoyed the Waversa better than without. But it was still hard to put a description of change in the sonic signature. I wish I knew what tech was inside that enclosure.

Update:

Some weeks ago I purchased a few meters of Furutech DPS 4.1 power cord. Added to that a set of the Furutech FI-50 NCF connectors and thankfully, already had a set of the FI-11’s from years ago. So I built 2 cables and placed the FI-50 connectorized cable to the Serbian preamp. It replaced a cable that wasn’t up to the quality of components it fed. 

I shouldn’t have been surprised at the change the Furutech cable made even before it settled in, but there it was. That was a long listening session and I won’t bore anyone with a review other than with the Waversa. After a little more cable breakin I returned to the Waversa and what it may or may not bring to the table. What we know now for certain is this. The Waversa is a smooth operator. Going back and forth many times both the wife and I were in total agreement, the Waversa brings smoothness top to bottom. It does not truncate any part of the musical signature, it just loses the edge that you wouldn’t know was there until you performed the “back and forth” Waversa in, Waversa out.

I started with Death Cab For Cutie “Soul Meets Body” as it’s an easy track to determine PRAT and air and just fun to listen to. Next track a few may remember is Miles Davis “Kind of Blue”, well, most of the album. Michael Kawanika snuck in there as we went back and forth. 

Bottom line, I like it and so does my wife. And after considerable listening tests it is a smooth, less 'digital' sounding device. It also appears to add a greater degree of involvement, whether that’s due to the less perceived digital signature of perhaps a greater musical palette, hard for me to say. It does not take away anything from the music and you can’t say that about very many devices. I also believe audiophiles might have a different opinion and that opinion will either mirror my own or be more sophisticated to clarify whatever it is that I can’t put into words. It certainly doesn’t detract. But it’s too expensive for our budget. Those who have the money to spend sure, why not. 

If you love music and love your generic USB cable, the Waversa USB-EXT should be at the very least, worth a listen.  Actually, forgetting to mention, a USB output cable ships with the Waversa as it’s an input and output. It’s a short cable, thankfully, not another USB cable I'd be inclined to test.

Cheers