The Reference Server allows up to 2TB of onboard storage and slots for additional card memory (as opposed to NAS). Of course the Reference Server is Roon Ready. But it can also operate as a Roon Core. Apart from playing one song from a CD I'd brought, we streamed a few Qobuz tracks through Roon,

In an unusual touch for a server, the Wadax Reference Server has two sets of control knobs on front—one set each for optical or USB—for Speed, Input Gain, and Output Gain. These interact with the Akasa technology inside to allow you to shape the contours of the waveform's reconstruction without tampering with the data itself. It's an unusual kind of fine-tuning, and Guadalajara said they're the first company to take this approach.

Audio Research amplification powered the system: An Audio Research Reference 6SE preamplifier ahead of Audio Research Reference 160 M monoblocks, which drove a pair of flagship Wilson-Benesch Eminence loudspeakers in a bi-amped configuration—two monoblocks per side. (I learned Wilson-Benesch premiered its new Omnium loudspeakers elsewhere at the show.) Apart from the Wadax Asaka interconnects mentioned, Transparent Cable's XL cables connected the rest of the system. Artesania Audio racks supported the equipment.

With the Wadax Reference DAC (above), the tall Wilson-Benesch speakers disappeared. Parts of Roger Waters' "It All Makes Perfect Sense" from Amused to Death, are recorded out of phase with Q Sound: Piano parts floated into my ears with the illusion of coming from beside me, directly from my immediate right and left—nowhere near the speakers.

I also listened to a few familiar tracks. On Hugh Masekela's "Stimela," an audiophile classic, the singer's almost holographic in-the-room presence—a bit of a cliché, I know—was palpable. The cowbell clank opened the track with spooky realism. All elements seemed to scale. On A Delicate Motor's "Do for Self" from my Fellover My Own CD, rhythmic drive came through more clearly—and as it should, as a subtle undercurrent. Resolution was high. Almost as if I could hear every bead in that egg shaker. The deep organ swells in The White Stripes' "In the Cold, Cold Night" sounded sinister; bass dipped low.

The Spanish company apparently had a big presence elsewhere at the show. I was told their equipment appeared in as many as five other demo rooms.

Log in or register to post comments COMMENTS Pretty convinced that these Wadax are landmark products.. Submitted by Glotz on May 31, 2022 - 12:04pm Thanks for the coverage! Log in or register to post comments You bet! Submitted by Julie Mullins on June 3, 2022 - 9:31am It was my pleasure to cover this and many other rooms. Log in or register to post comments the $49K power supply Submitted by windansea on May 31, 2022 - 11:24pm where is it on the rack? maybe there's a miniature nuclear reactor inside, for some extra amperage. Log in or register to post comments Right below the components.. Submitted by Glotz on June 1, 2022 - 9:17am They're solar powered bro. Log in or register to post comments Metal work sourced from Stark Industries. Submitted by Anton on June 1, 2022 - 12:22pm Vibranium casework. Gets spendy. Log in or register to post comments Vibranium? Submitted by funambulistic on June 1, 2022 - 12:45pm Not nearly heroic enough for me. Unobtanium, on the other hand... Log in or register to post comments Cosmetics Submitted by JoeE SP9 on June 1, 2022 - 2:47pm Gee! That Wadax gear is IMO the most unattractive gear I've seen in years. It might deliver audio heaven. However, I'd need a blindfold to protect my eyes. Log in or register to post comments But, but, but... Submitted by Anton on June 1, 2022 - 3:24pm It's endorsed by Captain Nemo. Log in or register to post comments But.... Submitted by JoeE SP9 on June 1, 2022 - 5:20pm Capt. Nemo's stuff has the good taste to have Brass and Copper fittings. IMO Chrome and Black don't look right on Steampunk appearing gear. FWIW, I like the look of D'Agostino gear. Log in or register to post comments

It was my pleasure to cover this and many other rooms.

where is it on the rack?

maybe there's a miniature nuclear reactor inside, for some extra amperage.

Not nearly heroic enough for me. Unobtanium, on the other hand...

Gee! That Wadax gear is IMO the most unattractive gear I've seen in years. It might deliver audio heaven. However, I'd need a blindfold to protect my eyes.

It's endorsed by Captain Nemo.

Capt. Nemo's stuff has the good taste to have Brass and Copper fittings. IMO Chrome and Black don't look right on Steampunk appearing gear.

FWIW, I like the look of D'Agostino gear.