Ferrum WANDLA 2.0 DAC/Pre at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, New York

The Ferrum WANDLA 2.0 is the award-winning WANDLA DAC and preamplifier from Ferrum Audio (Warsaw, Poland) running the WANDLA 2.0.0 firmware featuring Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. The WANDLA is built around the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chip with resolution up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD 256, delivers a dynamic range of 127 dB (A-weighted), and operates in a fully balanced signal topology from input to output. WANDLA 2.0.0 firmware adds streamer playback control and real-time now-playing metadata directly on the DAC's touchscreen display, volume synchronisation between the DAC and a connected computer, expanded I2S compatibility, and a favourites input feature. All WANDLA units including existing owners may install the 2.0.0 update for free via the Ferrum Control App. The WANDLA is winner of the EISA Best DAC 2023-2024 Award and is compatible with the HYPSOS Hybrid Power System via the proprietary Ferrum Power Link connector.

WANDLA 2.0.0: Ferrum Streaming Control Technology

Firmware version 2.0.0 transforms the WANDLA into what Ferrum describes as the first DAC capable of controlling a music streamer and displaying now-playing information from its own remote control and touchscreen. Ferrum Streaming Control Technology works with sources running macOS, Windows, and Volumio OS, covering the most common computer audio and network streaming platforms. Once connected, the WANDLA's touchscreen displays the current artist, track title, and a playback progress bar, and its included remote control handles transport functions including play, pause, skip, and volume. Volume synchronisation allows the WANDLA's internal analogue preamp volume to be controlled from the connected computer and vice versa, eliminating the need to reach across the desk for level adjustment. Expanded I2S compatibility in the 2.0.0 update broadens the range of compatible sources, and the new favourites input feature allows users to assign a quick-access shortcut to their most-used input. The 2.0.0 firmware is a free download and is compatible with all WANDLA models including the GoldenSound Edition and WANDLA HP.

EISA Award-Winning DAC Architecture

The WANDLA's DAC section uses the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chip with Ferrum's proprietary current-to-voltage (I/V) conversion stage, fine-tuned in-house for maximum performance from the chip. An optimised ARM processor (SERCE) handles digital signal routing with a signal path short enough to eliminate five otherwise redundant chips. Seven ESS digital filters are available as standard, and four additional filters were created exclusively for Ferrum by Signalyst HQ Player through the Dynamic Digital Filtering (DDF) programme, bringing the total selectable filter count to eleven. Output level at 0 dBFS is 9.3 V RMS balanced and 4.65 V RMS unbalanced via XLR and RCA line outputs respectively. THD measures 0.00009% (-121 dB) and analogue dynamic range is 127 dB (A-weighted). The WANDLA accepts both its standard 24 VDC adapter and the proprietary four-pin FPL connector from the HYPSOS for sensing-corrected power delivery.

Key Features

• WANDLA 2.0.0 Firmware with FSCT: Ferrum Streaming Control Technology enables real-time streamer control, now-playing metadata display, and volume synchronisation from the WANDLA's touchscreen and remote, compatible with macOS, Windows, and Volumio OS.
• EISA Best DAC 2023-2024: The WANDLA won the Expert Imaging and Sound Association's highest DAC award in its first year of release, recognising its combination of ESS ES9038PRO performance, proprietary filtering, and preamplifier capability.
• Dynamic Digital Filtering (DDF): Eleven selectable digital filters including four exclusive Signalyst HQ Player filters created specifically for Ferrum give users unprecedented control over the DAC's reconstruction algorithm and sonic character.
• Fully Balanced Operation: The WANDLA's signal path operates in fully balanced mode from the XLR inputs and converts RCA analogue inputs to balanced internally, maintaining differential integrity throughout the preamplifier and output stages.
• HYPSOS FPL Compatible: The proprietary four-pin Ferrum Power Link connector allows the HYPSOS to sense and regulate voltage at the WANDLA's internal rails rather than at the supply terminal, reducing noise and improving dynamic performance.
• Analogue Preamplifier with Bypass: Variable analogue volume control with bypass option makes the WANDLA a fully functional preamplifier for power amplifiers and active loudspeakers, outputting up to 9.3 V RMS balanced at 0 dBFS.
• Seven Digital Inputs: USB-C, I2S, AES/EBU, Coaxial S/PDIF, Optical S/PDIF, and HDMI ARC with CEC cover all source topologies from computer audio to home theatre; analogue RCA input completes the connection set.
• MQA Full Decoder and Renderer: MQA decoding and rendering is available on all digital inputs, preserving MQA library investments while remaining fully functional for all PCM and DSD formats.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• EISA Best DAC 2023-2024: Ferrum WANDLA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association)
• Headfonics Best Desktop DAC 2024: Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition (Headfonics)
• StereoNET Applause Award: Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition (StereoNET)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ferrum WANDLA 2.0?

The Ferrum WANDLA 2.0 is the EISA Award-winning WANDLA DAC and preamplifier from Ferrum Audio (Warsaw, Poland) updated to firmware version 2.0.0, which introduces Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT). It is built around the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chip with resolution up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD 256, delivers 127 dB dynamic range (A-weighted), and outputs 9.3 V RMS balanced at 0 dBFS. It is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York.

How does the Ferrum WANDLA compare to the Chord Hugo TT 2?

The Ferrum WANDLA and Chord Hugo TT 2 are both flagship-tier desktop DAC and preamplifier units. The Hugo TT 2 uses Chord's proprietary FPGA-based WTA filter technology with no off-the-shelf DAC chip and up to 98,304 taps of digital filtering. The WANDLA uses the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO with eleven selectable digital filters including four created exclusively by Signalyst HQ Player. The WANDLA provides substantially more digital inputs including HDMI ARC with CEC and I2S, and its preamplifier output at 9.3 V RMS balanced is higher than the Hugo TT 2's line output. The WANDLA also accepts an analogue RCA input, which the Hugo TT 2 does not offer. The WANDLA 2.0 firmware adds streamer control and now-playing metadata display, a capability not found on the Hugo TT 2. Both units are compatible with optional dedicated power supply upgrades.

How does the WANDLA compare to the dCS Bartók?

The Ferrum WANDLA and dCS Bartók occupy similar price positioning as reference desktop DAC and preamplifier solutions, but use contrasting architectures. The dCS Bartók uses dCS's proprietary Ring DAC topology, a fully discrete R-2R implementation with dCS's own FPGA-based digital processing. The WANDLA uses the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chip with Ferrum's proprietary I/V conversion and the DDF filter programme. The Bartók offers network streaming input natively, while the WANDLA 2.0.0 firmware adds streaming control over connected network devices via FSCT without requiring a built-in streamer module. The WANDLA is substantially more compact at 50 mm height and is priced significantly below the Bartók, while matching or exceeding it on measured THD and dynamic range figures.

What is Dynamic Digital Filtering (DDF) on the WANDLA?

Dynamic Digital Filtering is Ferrum's proprietary programme developed in cooperation with Signalyst, the company behind the HQ Player professional audio software. Under DDF, Signalyst created four digital reconstruction filters exclusively for the WANDLA that do not exist in any other DAC, in addition to the seven standard ESS filters the ES9038PRO chip provides. These filters differ in their frequency roll-off behaviour, transient response characteristics, and pre-ringing and post-ringing profiles, allowing listeners to choose the reconstruction algorithm that best matches their headphones, amplification, and personal preference. Selecting a filter is done directly from the WANDLA's touchscreen or remote control with no signal interruption.

Does the WANDLA 2.0 work as a preamplifier for loudspeakers?

Yes. The WANDLA operates as a full-function preamplifier with variable analogue volume control and bypass option on both its balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs. The balanced output reaches 9.3 V RMS at 0 dBFS, sufficient to drive virtually any power amplifier to full output. The analogue bypass mode routes the signal through the output stage without volume attenuation, which is useful for fixed-level integration with an external preamplifier. The analogue RCA input with 47 kΩ impedance allows the WANDLA to pass non-digital sources such as phono preamplifiers at line level through to power amplifiers.

Can the WANDLA 2.0 be improved with the HYPSOS power supply?

Yes. The WANDLA includes a proprietary four-pin Ferrum Power Link connector on its rear panel for connection to the HYPSOS Hybrid Power System. Using the FPL cable, the HYPSOS measures voltage directly at the WANDLA's internal rails using its 4T Sensing Design and corrects delivery continuously in real time, eliminating the voltage drop caused by DC cable resistance. This reduces the noise floor and improves dynamic contrast compared to the included standard 24 VDC adapter. Sweet Spot Tuning in the HYPSOS allows the operating voltage to be adjusted from 22 to 30 V on the fly for optimised performance. The HYPSOS Dual Output variant can simultaneously power the WANDLA and the OOR headphone amplifier from a single unit.

Where can I buy the Ferrum WANDLA 2.0 in Buffalo or Western New York?

The Ferrum WANDLA 2.0 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 carries the full Ferrum Audio lineup and can arrange demonstrations of the WANDLA alongside the HYPSOS and the OOR headphone amplifier stack.