Ferrum Audio BROEN

Ferrum Audio BROEN, audiophile network transport

In Danish, “broen” means bridge. The name sums up the function of this new component from Ferrum Audio: connecting your network and your streaming services to a digital-to-analog converter, without ever touching the analog signal. It is the Polish manufacturer’s first streaming device, extending its digital specialist expertise here into high-resolution network playback.

A network transport, not an all-in-one

The BROEN does not convert anything to analog and offers no headphone or line output. Its job remains in the digital domain: retrieve music from the network or local storage, cleanly reprocess it, then send it to the converter of your choice.

This design choice has a practical consequence: you already need to have a DAC, or plan for one, before you can listen to anything. In return, the BROEN focuses all its electronics on a single mission: preparing a digital stream that is as stable and clean as possible for the next component. A dedicated transport of this type aims to present the DAC with a signal stripped of the noise and timing irregularities accumulated upstream.

The SERCE module and signal isolation

“Serce” means heart in Polish, and the module bearing that name sits at the center of the BROEN. Ferrum first developed it for its WANDLA DAC; here, it has been redesigned to work purely in the digital domain, as a digital-to-digital converter (DDC).

Two principles guide its design. The streaming and control domain is kept strictly separate from the digital audio domain, limiting contamination from noise generated by the network section and processor. The audio outputs are then placed behind a galvanic isolation barrier, with no direct electrical connection to the previous stage.

Reclocking, the process of restoring signal timing, relies on an FPGA and ultra-low-jitter audio clocks. Jitter refers to the tiny timing variations that degrade downstream conversion accuracy. By reducing it on the synchronous outputs and powering the USB output with a dedicated, clean VBUS line, the BROEN seeks to give the converter the best possible reading conditions, for more detailed and more natural sound reproduction.

Multi-service streaming with Volumio

On the software side, the BROEN runs on Volumio, a well-established Italian platform in network audio. The main services are included: Spotify and Spotify Connect, TIDAL and TIDAL Connect, Qobuz and Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, UPnP / DLNA playback, internet radio, and Bluetooth A2DP.

CD playback and ripping are supported, as is multiroom for up to six synchronized zones. Volumio adds several useful everyday features: AI-assisted search called SuperSearch, Infinity Playback continuous playback, enriched metadata on artists and albums, and an interface available in 29 languages. As for files, the BROEN supports MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WAV, and DSD.

Network, storage, and modular connectivity

To connect to the network, the BROEN features dual-band 2.4 / 5 GHz WiFi, with antenna included, plus a hotspot mode that simplifies initial setup.

The wired connection uses a modular SFP port, an uncommon choice for this type of device. An Ethernet RJ45 module is included in the box; an optical fiber module is available as an option. Fiber offers a specific advantage: it electrically isolates the BROEN from the home network and cuts off one entry path for noise.

For locally stored music, an internal M.2 NVMe slot accommodates an SSD in 80 or 110 mm format, not included. The BROEN can then read files from this SSD, from a USB flash drive or USB disk, or from a NAS on the network.

Six outputs to feed your DAC

The choice of connection to the converter is broad. The BROEN offers AES / EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, I2S over HDMI, plus two USB DAC outputs in Type-A and Type-C.

I2S deserves a note: its pinout is configurable, which helps maintain compatibility with DACs whose HDMI wiring differs from one manufacturer to another. The USB output, meanwhile, benefits from the clean VBUS line already mentioned. This variety leaves the field open for pairing the BROEN with just about any recent converter.

Pairing the BROEN with the rest of the range

It is with Ferrum’s other electronics that the BROEN fully comes into its own. Connected to the WANDLA DAC via Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT), it sends playback information, artist, and track title to the converter’s screen. Control is then handled from the WANDLA’s touchscreen or remote control, the two units forming a coherent streamer-and-DAC set. Their nearly identical dimensions make them stackable: the BROEN’s compact chassis measures 21.7 by 20.6 cm with a height of 5 cm and weighs 1.90 kg, matching the range’s format.

The BROEN also accepts the HYPSOS hybrid power supply via the proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connection. The 4TSD voltage detection system then precisely adjusts the delivered voltage to improve realism and dynamics. A power adapter is included as standard, so the HYPSOS is by no means mandatory: it is an upgrade path, with the FPL cable ordered separately.

Controlling playback and updates

On a daily basis, the BROEN can be controlled from the iOS and Android app, from any web browser for full control, or via the front-panel buttons for basic functions. A remote control is included.

The platform evolves through OTA firmware updates and plugins, leaving the door open to new features after purchase. An HDMI output allows an external display to be added, and trigger jacks handle coordinated power-on with the rest of the system. Wake and standby functions complete the package.

Technical Specifications

Highlights

• High-resolution audiophile network streaming transport
• Proprietary SERCE DDC digital module
• FPGA reclocking with ultra-low jitter clocks
• Complete galvanic isolation of digital audio outputs
• Native compatibility with Volumio
• Support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, UPnP / DLNA
• Flexible network connectivity: WiFi, RJ45 Ethernet, or optical fiber via SFP
• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot for local music storage
• Compatible with Ferrum WANDLA to create a high-end streaming DAC system
• HYPSOS compatible for optimized power supply and maximum performance
• OTA firmware updates for an evolving platform

Digital architecture

• BROEN integrates the new SERCE DDC digital engine, developed specifically for digital transport applications.
• Strict separation between the streaming / control domain and the digital audio domain
• Galvanic isolation of audio outputs
• Reduction of digital noise
• Ultra-precise synchronization thanks to low-jitter audio clocks
• More natural, detailed, and musical reproduction
• Digital-to-digital conversion with FPGA
• Dedicated USB power supply with clean VBUS

Volumio streaming ecosystem

• Streaming services
  • Spotify and Spotify Connect
  • TIDAL and TIDAL Connect
  • Qobuz and Qobuz Connect
  • Apple AirPlay
  • UPnP / DLNA Renderer
• Integrated internet radio
• CD playback and extraction (ripping)
• Playback from NAS, USB drive, or internal SSD
• Bluetooth A2DP
• Multiroom up to 6 synchronized zones
• Intelligent AI SuperSearch
• Infinity Playback
• Enriched artist / album metadata
• Multilingual support

Control

• iOS / Android app
• Web browser
• Front-panel controls
• Remote control included

Pairing with Ferrum WANDLA

• Paired with the Ferrum WANDLA DAC, BROEN becomes a complete high-end streaming solution thanks to Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT).
• Display of artist / track information directly on the WANDLA screen
• Control from the DAC touchscreen or its remote control
• Creation of a reference streaming DAC system

Pairing with Ferrum HYPSOS

• BROEN can be paired with the Ferrum HYPSOS hybrid power supply via the proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connection.
• Optimized power supply
• Perfectly matched voltage thanks to the 4TSD voltage sensing system
• Improved sonic realism and dynamics

Network connectivity

• Dual-band WiFi 2.4 / 5 GHz
• WiFi antenna included
• Hotspot mode for simplified setup
• Modular SFP port
  • Optional RJ45 Ethernet module
  • Optional optical fiber module
• Wired Ethernet via SFP
• Compatible with NAS and network storage

Storage

• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot
• Compatible with 80 mm or 110 mm SSDs (SSD not included)
• Playback sources: internal SSD, USB, NAS

Digital audio outputs

• AES / EBU
• Coaxial S / PDIF
• Optical S / PDIF
• I²S via HDMI (configurable pinout)
• USB DAC Type-A
• USB DAC Type-C

Supported audio formats

• MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WAV, DSD

Advanced features

• OTA firmware update
• Plugin-based evolving platform
• HDMI output for external display
• Trigger input / output
• Extended compatibility with third-party DACs
• CD playback and audio extraction
• Alarm and standby functions

Dimensions and weight

• Width: 21.7 cm
• Depth: 20.6 cm
• Height: 5 cm
• Weight: 1.90 kg

Power supply

• DC power adapter included
• Power cord included
• Compatible with Ferrum HYPSOS power supply via optional FPL cable

Box contents

• 1 AC / DC power adapter
• 1 power cord
• 1 remote control
• 1 RJ45 SFP module
• 1 WiFi antenna