@TheMiddleSky you sure have a lot of fun
Are you comparing TT2 with or without M-Scaler?
My findings when doing similar comparison were following:
- TT2 is not as smooth as Rockna WL.
- TT2 with M-Scaler is not as smooth as Rockna WL.
- TT2 can be hard to pair with external amp, but in my case external amp did more than adding M-Scaler to the chain.
- I've tried different upsampling methods with Rockna WL but it sounded best without any (hence I'm very interested in Rockna Server). IMHO Rockna WL is a lot less susceptible to upsampling than other dacs.
- Rockna WL is more engaging and lets you immerse yourself into the music.
- TT2 can be sometimes more detailed than WL but only by a fraction.
- TT2 can be better for critical listening sessions.
- WL does not make instant WOW when listening to it for the very first time contrary to TT2 when you have some others dacs (but not Rockna) on the shelf. TT2 seems to be very musical with great instrument placement and separation. Due to WL smoothness the separation may seem a bit blurred for a second therefore I think TT2 can be better for critical listening but alone, without an amp it can be fatiguing for me for longer listening sessions. Never have been bored or tired when listening to Rockna WL.
- If you lack details and/or a bit of sharpness/edge select NOS mode in Rockna WL.
Without M-Scaller. Both DAC connected to my Ultrasonic Oblivion. Use ZMF Caldera as transducer.
My findings (I think) a bit similar to you:
- Rockna is more "alive" and "expressive" (read: more engaging)
- Rockna has a little more Midrange Presence, and also a bit more forward in presentation
- TT2 is like move back few rows, and midrange presence is more in line with treble and bass
- Rockna actually deliver stronger attack (bite and impact), while TT2 become softer sounding here
- TT2 excels more in micro detail and micro texture, not by much, but I constantly here it in most my songs
- Rockna deliver wider soundstage image, but TT2 actually perform better depth soundstage here
- TT2 is a bit airier on treble, while Rockna a bit darker
- While both perform good pin point imaging, I noticed TT2 has sharper imaging structure. Just like in micro detail part, the differences are not significant, but I constantly notice it.
My conclusion is still the same for now, need to match the DAC with the rest of the system to decide which one is better. Oblivion is kind of lively sounding tube amp, deliver dense tonality with strong kick and bite in sound, combine with ZMF Caldera that does good quality slam, with Rockna I feel like "too much of good thing" happen at the same time. TT2 "helps" to smoothen the overall presentation (less energetic), while giving a little more boost in detail and imaging.
I can imagine if I use Hifiman Susvara and DCA Expanse I will prefer Wavelight easily.
p.s: My dealer just can not stop to tease me with Wavedream