Ferrum WANDLA HP DAC/Amp/Pre at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, New York

The Ferrum WANDLA HP is a fully balanced DAC, preamplifier, and integrated headphone amplifier from Ferrum Audio (Warsaw, Poland), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Occupying the same compact 217.5 x 206.5 x 50 mm chassis as the rest of the Ferrum ecosystem, the WANDLA HP builds on the award-winning WANDLA DAC/Pre architecture by adding a proprietary composite IC headphone amplifier stage tuned specifically for the WANDLA platform. Key headline figures include 3.5 W into 50 Ω on the balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn output, a dynamic range of 122 dB from the headphone section, and full ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC resolution up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD 512. The WANDLA HP sits between the ERCO Gen 2 and the flagship WANDLA plus OOR stack in the Ferrum lineup, offering a single-chassis solution for listeners who want both headphone and loudspeaker system performance from one unit. It is compatible with the HYPSOS Hybrid Power System via the proprietary Ferrum Power Link connector for elevated performance, and supports the WANDLA 2.0.0 firmware update including Ferrum Streaming Control Technology.

Integrated Headphone Amplifier: Fully Balanced in One Box

The headphone amplifier section of the WANDLA HP uses a fully balanced composite IC topology developed in-house by Ferrum and fine-tuned specifically for integration with WANDLA's DAC and preamplifier stages. A single 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced output is located on the front panel, with a high-quality 4.4 mm to 6.35 mm adapter included in the box for single-ended headphone use. Output power reaches 3.5 W into 50 Ω on the balanced output and 1 W into 50 Ω single-ended. THD on the balanced output measures 0.00016% (-116 dB) at 10 mW into 50 Ω, and headphone output impedance is 0.5 Ω unbalanced and 1 Ω balanced. Dynamic range from the headphone amplifier section is 122 dB. All three gain stages are carried over from the DAC's signal topology, ensuring that the headphone amplifier receives the same fully balanced, zero-compromise signal that the WANDLA platform is known for. The WANDLA HP is also GoldenSound firmware compatible, enabling additional filter and tuning options available from the Ferrum website.

WANDLA DAC and Preamplifier Architecture

The DAC section is built around the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chip and accepts digital sources via USB-C (up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD 512), I2S (PS Audio compatible), AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF, optical S/PDIF, and HDMI ARC with CEC. Analogue input via RCA completes the input roster. Line output level reaches 10 V RMS balanced and 5 V RMS unbalanced at 0 dBFS (standard mode) and 4 V RMS balanced and 2 V RMS unbalanced in RED (reduced) output mode. DAC THD measures 0.00009% (-121 dB) and analogue dynamic range is 127 dB (A-weighted). Volume control operates in fully analogue mode with bypass option or digitally for DAC operation. MQA decoding and rendering is supported on all digital inputs. Power consumption is 13 W idle with the headphone amplifier off, 18 W idle with it on, and 35 W maximum. The WANDLA HP accepts both its included 24 VDC adapter and the proprietary four-pin FPL connector from the HYPSOS.

Key Features

• Integrated Balanced Headphone Amplifier: Proprietary composite IC headphone amp tuned specifically for WANDLA delivers 3.5 W into 50 Ω balanced, bringing all-in-one performance approaching that of the separate OOR amplifier.
• 4.4 mm Pentaconn Output: A single 4.4 mm balanced headphone jack on the front panel supports all major balanced headphone terminations, with a 4.4 mm to 6.35 mm single-ended adapter included in the box.
• ESS Sabre ES9038PRO with DSD 512: The WANDLA HP upgrades maximum DSD resolution to DSD 512 compared to the standard WANDLA's DSD 256, supporting native DSD playback at the highest available rates.
• HYPSOS FPL Compatible: The proprietary four-pin Ferrum Power Link connector on the rear panel connects to the HYPSOS for sensing-corrected power delivery, improving noise floor and dynamic performance beyond the included adapter.
• GoldenSound and WANDLA 2.0 Firmware Ready: Compatible with the GoldenSound Edition firmware for additional Signalyst filter options, and with WANDLA 2.0.0 firmware for Ferrum Streaming Control Technology including streamer playback control and now-playing display.
• Dual-Mode Line Output: Standard output at 10 V RMS balanced and a switchable RED mode at 4 V RMS balanced accommodate both high-sensitivity power amplifiers and standard line-level inputs without signal clipping.
• Complete Source Integration: Seven digital inputs including HDMI ARC with CEC, I2S, USB-C, AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical, plus analogue RCA, cover every source topology from computer audio to home theatre.
• Single-Chassis Minimalism: Identical 217.5 x 206.5 x 50 mm footprint to all other Ferrum components allows seamless stacking with OOR, HYPSOS, or ERCO Gen 2 on any desktop.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Digital inputs: USB-C, I2S (PS Audio compatible), AES/EBU, Coaxial S/PDIF, Optical S/PDIF, HDMI ARC with CEC
• Analogue input: RCA
• Line outputs: Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA
• Headphone output: 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced (front panel)
• Adapter included: 4.4 mm to 6.35 mm single-ended
• Power: 5.5/2.5 mm DC barrel or 4-pin FPL connector (for HYPSOS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ferrum WANDLA HP?

The Ferrum WANDLA HP is a fully balanced DAC, preamplifier, and integrated headphone amplifier manufactured by Ferrum Audio in Warsaw, Poland. It uses the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chip with DSD 512 support, delivers 3.5 W into 50 Ω on its balanced 4.4 mm headphone output, and achieves a 122 dB dynamic range from the headphone amplifier section. It occupies the same compact 217.5 x 206.5 x 50 mm chassis as the rest of the Ferrum family and is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York.

How does the WANDLA HP compare to the Astell and Kern AK HC4 and the Chord Mojo 2?

The WANDLA HP, Astell and Kern AK HC4, and Chord Mojo 2 are all combined DAC and headphone amplifier products, but they serve fundamentally different use cases. The AK HC4 and Mojo 2 are portable USB-powered dongles or pocket devices optimised for on-the-go use with smartphones and laptops. The WANDLA HP is a full-size desktop component with mains power, seven digital inputs including HDMI ARC, analogue RCA input, full preamplifier output at 10 V RMS balanced, and an integrated headphone amp producing 3.5 W into 50 Ω. It functions as a complete desktop hub for both headphone and loudspeaker systems, which neither portable device is designed to do. The WANDLA HP is the appropriate comparison point for desktop all-in-one units such as the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition or the Holo Audio Bliss.

How does the WANDLA HP compare to the Holo Audio Bliss?

The Ferrum WANDLA HP and Holo Audio Bliss are both premium desktop DAC and headphone amplifier combinations aimed at the same audiophile all-in-one market. The Holo Bliss uses Holo's proprietary R-2R discrete ladder DAC architecture, which differs fundamentally from the WANDLA HP's ESS Sabre ES9038PRO delta-sigma approach. The WANDLA HP provides substantially more digital inputs, including HDMI ARC with CEC for home theatre integration and I2S, plus an analogue RCA input not found on the Bliss. The WANDLA HP also offers compatibility with the HYPSOS power supply via FPL cable for power quality improvement, a modular upgrade path unavailable with the Bliss. The Holo Bliss offers a discrete R-2R topology favoured by listeners seeking a non-oversampling or NOS sound character, while the WANDLA HP offers Signalyst-designed HQ Player digital filters for equivalent sonic customisation within a delta-sigma architecture.

What is Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT) and does the WANDLA HP support it?

Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT) is a feature introduced in the WANDLA 2.0.0 firmware update, available free of charge via the Ferrum Control App for PC and Mac. It allows the WANDLA's touchscreen and included remote control to manage playback on a connected streamer, displaying real-time track information including artist name, title, and a playback progress bar on the DAC's own display. The WANDLA HP is fully compatible with the 2.0.0 firmware update and receives FSCT functionality along with volume synchronisation between the DAC's internal preamp and a connected computer, expanded I2S compatibility, and a favourites input feature for quick source selection.

Can the WANDLA HP be upgraded with the HYPSOS power supply?

Yes. The WANDLA HP includes a proprietary four-pin Ferrum Power Link connector on its rear panel for direct connection to the HYPSOS Hybrid Power System. When connected via FPL cable, the HYPSOS uses its 4T Sensing Design to measure and regulate voltage at the WANDLA HP's internal power rail rather than at the supply output, compensating for cable resistance and continuously correcting voltage under dynamic load. This reduces the noise floor and improves transient response compared to the included standard DC adapter. The HYPSOS Dual Output variant can power both the WANDLA HP and a second Ferrum component such as the OOR simultaneously from a single unit.

What headphones work best with the WANDLA HP?

The WANDLA HP's balanced output of 3.5 W into 50 Ω is well suited to planar magnetic headphones such as the Audeze LCD-X, Hifiman Arya, and Meze Empyrean, which benefit from the current delivery and low output impedance of 1 Ω balanced. Sensitive dynamic driver headphones including the Sennheiser HD 660 S2 and the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro also pair well, given that the WANDLA HP's analogue volume control and three gain stages accommodate a wide sensitivity range. High-impedance headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 800 S at 300 Ω are within the WANDLA HP's capability, though the separate OOR amplifier with 1,600 mW into 300 Ω balanced will provide additional headroom for the most demanding loads at reference listening levels.

Where can I buy the Ferrum WANDLA HP in Buffalo or Western New York?

The Ferrum WANDLA HP is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Ferrum Audio dealer in Buffalo, New York, serving customers across Western New York and the USA. Vinyl Sound stocks the full Ferrum Audio lineup and can arrange demonstrations of the WANDLA HP alongside the HYPSOS and the complete OOR stack for comparative listening.