The WBridge Standard ($6,600) from South Korea's Waversa Systems is an interesting digital hub and signal converter that offers a choice of seven types of inputs and outputs including Ethernet, coaxial, BNC, optical, AES/EBU, USB, and HDMI). Just choose an input and the WBridge Standard converts the signal to up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD 256 and reprocesses it via one of several proprietary technologies, including WAP (Waversa Audio Processing), WAP-X (Waversa Audio Processing Extension), and WNDRR (Waversa Network Direct Extension). WAP, for example, has a multi-stage design that uses proprietary FIR (fixed impulse response) and IIR (infinite impulse response) filters. It upsamples the incoming signal, performs error reduction, and uses other processing to improve the quality of the waveform.
The WBridge has an attractive, uncluttered design.
There are plenty of connectivity options, making the WBridge an unusually versatile digital and networking hub.
The simple front-panel control layout offers access to a variety of features.
The WBridge offers four battery-operated Ethernet ports, which allows it to function as an off-the-grid network switch. It also contains external master clock connectors, a built-in linear power supply, and a battery slot. It’s Roon-ready, Roon Advanced Audio Transport (RAAT) certified, and supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Waversa Network Direct Rendering (WNDR), Apple AirPlay, and 4K/60 Hz HDMI 2.0 video transmission. WNDR is said to require less buffering and to offer increased performance over DLNA.
The WBridge is Exhibit A to my observation that Korean audio manufacturers tend to develop in-house, proprietary technologies rather than buy off-the-shelf prepackaged solutions from third-party vendors. In my audio system, this very neat product smoothed sharp sonic edges, improved soundstaging, body, and harmonic density, and reduced noise.
A view from the top.
This has to be one of the coolest logos ever.
All images courtesy of Howard Kneller.
Howard Kneller’s audiophile adventures are documented on his YouTube channel (The Listening Chair with Howard Kneller) and on Instagram (@howardkneller). His art and photography can also be found on Instagram (@howardkneller.photog). Finally, he posts a bit of everything on Facebook (@howardkneller).
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