Ferrum Audio is a brand based in Poland that is already starting to garner some serious attention in the desktop audio category. EIC Ian White spent some time with the ERCO Headphone Amp/DAC at the 2022 CanJam NYC and came away very impressed with build quality and sonics.
This year, Ferrum is bringing its newest product (their fourth product overall), the WANDLA DAC/Preamp to AXPONA 2023 in Chicago, IL April 14th – 16th.
The Ferrum Audio WANDLA joins a growing list of DAC/preamplifiers that can be used as part of a desktop headphone rig or with external amplification and loudspeakers. Those looking at building a system around active loudspeakers might find this to be a solid option as well. Let’s take a look at what it offers.
Core Features
Connectivity: The WANDLA incorporates a thorough selection of digital and analog inputs, including HDMI-ARC. WANDLA stands alone in its class in offering HDMI ARC, which makes it compatible with audio from various video sources, such as HDMI-ARC-equipped TVs.
Dynamic Digital Filtering: Partnering with digital filter maker HQ Player, Ferrum developed a set of filters for exclusive use on the WANDLA. These filters bypass the stock filters of the DAC chip.
Upgraded and Finely Tuned D/A Conversion: WANDLA is the result of Ferrum’s in-house digital know-how. ARM-based signal processing and advanced current-to-voltage (I/V) conversions form an effective upgrade to Wandla’s stock ESS DAC, delivering her performance on par with similar products from higher-end brands.
Intuitive User Interface: WANDLA features a hi-res touchscreen display and an easy-to-use UI. Settings can be accessed via a mix of touch, turn, and press controls. When operated via remote, the display changes to ‘distance mode’ so it can be read more easily at a distance.
Tip: An auto-update application for Mac and PC is planned to provide future firmware updates when needed.
Premium Preamplifier: In addition to its DAC functions, the WANDLA also functions as a Preamp with an analog signal path and a full-function IR remote. The Wandla includes six digital inputs (AES, Digital Coax, Digital Optical, HDMI-ARC, HDMI-I2S, and USB), and one unbalanced analogue input. The analogue input bypasses all digital processing for a purer analog source signal path.
The WANDLA also provides one analog balanced and one analog unbalanced output for connection to compatible audio amplifiers, stereo, or home theater receivers. There are no digital audio outputs.
Headphone Integration: To use headphones with the WANDLA it is suggested that you connect it with the Ferrum OOR Headphone Amplifier.
Integration with Ferrum HYPSOS: While WANDLA works great out of the box, its performance can be improved further by connecting it to Ferrum’s HYPSOS external hybrid power supply which includes both linear and switching.
Basic Specifications
- Audio Resolution: 32-bit/768k, DSD256
- DAC Chip: ESS Sabre ES9038PRO
- MQA: Decoder and Renderer on all digital inputs
- Analog Input VMAX: 9.5V RMS (2-3.5V RMS Suggested)
- Analog Input Impedance: 47K Ohms
- Line Outputs: XLR (Balanced), RCA (Unbalanced)
- Volume Control: Analog with Bypass Option, Digital for DAC operation only
- Output Level: 4.65V RMS unbalanced at 0 dBFS, 1kHz Sine Wave – 9.3V RMS Balanced.
- Frequency Response: 10Hz to 200kHz +/- 0.1dB analog inputs.
- Dynamic Range: Analogue 127dB (A-weighted)/Diogital 122dB(A-weighted)
- Crosstalk: -1290dB for 1kHzm better than -100dB for 20Hz to 20kHz
- Output Impedance: 22 ohms, 44 ohms balanced
- Power Consumption: 10 watts idle/15 watts max
Tip: If you want to dig deeper into WANDLA, watch the following official video. Tap on CC (Closed Captions) for English Subtitles.
Price and Availability
The WANDLA is priced at $2,795.00 (US) and is available directly through Ferrum Audio and Authorized dealers. Shipping is expected to begin in late April 2023.
Additional Ferrum Audio products include:
- HYPSOS Power Supply: $1,195.00 at Audio46.com
- OOR Headphone Amplifier: $1,995.00 at Audio46.com
- ERCO Headphone Amplifier/DAC: $2,395.00 at Audio46.com
Ferrum will also be offering an OOR, WANDLA, and HYPSOS bundle. Contact Ferrum directly for details
Tip: Ferrum products are manufactured in Poland by HEM.
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ORT
April 5, 2023 at 5:54 pm
WANDALA Forever!
Just ‘cuz I can not (yet?!) afford one of the beauties does not meant they are not worthy of being worth it! Big BUTT time!
Alas that some thing fetid, foul and fiendish should stop those folk with an IQ above room temperature from purchasing one…MQA. What is three letter acronym that best describes the inclusion of that stuff?
FTN.
And what is the three letter condensation of that humble herald of honesty against this windmill of wyse?
Because it’s twue! It’s twue! ’tis…
…ORT 😉