Ferrum Audio Wandla black

Ferrum Audio Wandla: The Pinnacle of Audio Conversion

The Ferrum Audio Wandla is more than just a DAC; it’s an audio revelation. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the Wandla is a testament to Ferrum Audio’s commitment to audio excellence. This fully balanced DAC/Preamp is a marvel of modern audio technology, engineered to deliver an unparalleled listening experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Wandla’s design is a harmonious blend of form and function. Its chassis, echoing the aesthetics of Ferrum’s OOR, ERCO, and HYPSOS units, allows for a cohesive and elegant system configuration. The Wandla’s robust build ensures not only its appearance but also its durability, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of creating long-lasting products.

Sound Quality

At the heart of the Wandla’s sound reproduction lies a rich, full-bodied character that brings music to life. The custom I/V and buffer stages eliminate the need for a dedicated preamp, providing a direct and pure signal path. The Wandla’s sound is described as punchy and weighty, filling every corner of the room with a wide and tall soundstage. Its proprietary power amp IC design and unique digital filters contribute to a detailed, natural sound free from listening fatigue.

Connectivity

The Wandla is packed with features that set it apart. It boasts eight filters created by renowned filter maker HQ Player, allowing listeners to choose the best sound for them. The Wandla’s digital inputs are specially programmed and optimized for audio, including USB, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, ARC (TV), and I2S ports. Moreover, the Wandla can be upgraded with Ferrum’s HYPSOS hybrid power supply using the proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connection, enabling both units to perform at their highest level.

Performance

The Wandla is an incredibly impressive DAC in terms of sound quality. It has been favorably compared to much more expensive DACs and praised for its resolution, soundstage, and spatial presentation. The Wandla has also been lauded for its ability to deliver high-quality digital audio performance in a compact design.

The Benefits of the Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC/Preamp

• Fully balanced DAC/Preamp with remote control
• Proprietary power amp IC design for superior sound quality
• Custom digital filters offering a unique listening experience
• Audio-optimized digital inputs for pristine signal transmission
• True balanced signal path for enhanced audio transparency
• Compatible with HYPSOS power supply for optimal performance
• Impressive performance comparable to much more expensive DACs

Technical Specifications

Architecture

• Fully balanced DAC / preamplifier
• ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chip with three filter settings
  • Resolution: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD 256
• Fully balanced modified proprietary integrated circuit preamplifier
• Exclusive ARM chip optimized for the shortest possible signal path
• Built-in MQA decoder/processor with digital filter selection
• Proprietary Signalyst filters (two included at output)
• Volume control: analog with bypass option, digital for conversion stage only

Audio Performance

• Maximum level for analog inputs: 9.5 V RMS (2 - 3.5 V RMS recommended)
• Analog input impedance: 47 kΩ
• Output level: at 0 dBFS, 1 kHz sine wave signal 9.3 V RMS balanced, 4.65 V RMS unbalanced
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 200 kHz ± 0.1 dB
• DAC THD (THD): -121 dB (0.00009%), THD+N: -115 dB (unweighted)
• THD for analog input: -123 dB at 2 V RMS output
• Dynamic range
  • Analog: 127 dB (A-weighted)
  • Digital: 122 dB (A-weighted)
• Crosstalk: -120 dB at 1 kHz, better than -100 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Output impedance
  • 22 Ω unbalanced
  • 44 Ω balanced

Connectivity

• Digital inputs
  • AES/EBU (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24-bit, DoP 64)
  • S/PDIF optical (up to PCM 96 kHz / 24-bit)
  • S/PDIF coaxial (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24-bit, DoP 64)
  • USB (up to PCM 768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD 256, DoP 256)
  • HDMI ARC (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24-bit), TV input with CEC
  • I2S (up to PCM 768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD 256, DoP 256), PS Audio compatible
• Analog inputs: RCA
• Line outputs: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA
• Proprietary Ferrum 4-pin connector for HYPSOS

Physical Characteristics

• Power consumption: 10 W in standby, 15 W max
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 21.7 × 20.6 × 5 cm
• Weight: 1.8 kg

Included Accessories

• Ferrum WANDLA DAC / preamplifier
• Power cable
• Remote control
• USB cable
• AC/DC power adapter