Ferrum Audio
Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2
Best high-end DAC for audiophiles seeking precise, customizable sound reproduction.
The Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 is a fully balanced DAC/preamp that elevates your audio experience with enhanced digital headroom, spatial enhancement, and a tube simulation mode. It features a proprietary pre-amplifier and optimized digital inputs for superior sound quality. The Gen 2 model introduces refined features like Impact+, Tube Mode, and Spatial Enhancement, each with its own Ferrum Sweet Spot Tuning. Enjoy higher immunity to intersample overs and flexible output voltage adjustment for broad compatibility. This device is designed for audiophiles seeking pristine sound reproduction and advanced customization.
$3695.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 732
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+165%
Above average
DAC chip
9038
/ ESS Sabre ESPRO
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and microscopic detail in their music
- Listeners who enjoy fine-tuning their sound signature through digital filters
- Minimalists wanting a high-performance preamp for their main audio system
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range audio equipment
- Owners of modest gear who cannot justify further system upgrades
- Casual listeners who prefer a simple plug-and-play audio experience
Performance breakdown
Digital Precision
The ESS Sabre chip delivers industry-leading transparency and ultra-low distortion.
Sound Customization
Tube mode and spatial enhancement offer deep, meaningful sonic tailoring.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input suite handles everything from modern USB to legacy digital.
Power Synergy
Proprietary FPL connection unlocks peak performance when paired with HYPSOS.
Signal Integrity
Optimized ARM-based SERCE module ensures the shortest, cleanest signal path.
Dynamic Range
Exceptional headroom effectively eliminates clipping during complex, high-energy musical passages.
Key Specs
DAC chip
ESS Sabre ES9038PRO
DAC resolution
768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD 512
Digital inputs
USB Type-C (up to PCM 768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD 512, DoP 256), I2S (up to PCM 768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD 512, DoP 256), ARC (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit), AES (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit, DoP 64), Coaxial S/PDIF (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit, DoP 64), Optical S/PDIF (up to PCM 96 kHz / 24 bit)
Analog inputs
RCA
Analog input Vmax
9.5 V RMS (2 – 3.5 V RMS recommended)
Analog input impedance
47 kΩ
Line outputs
balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA
Volume control
analogue with bypass option / digital for DAC operation only
Features
- Enhanced digital headroom for higher immunity to intersample overs.
- Advanced Impact+ feature with seven bass and dynamics settings.
- Tube Mode simulates five popular tube designs with adjustable effect levels.
- Spatial Enhancement offers fine-tuning of imaging with Transient Compensation.
- Proprietary fully balanced modified IC pre-amplifier for refined sound.
- Optimized digital inputs (USB, I2S, ARC, AES, S/PDIF) for audio performance.
- Designed to pair with HYPSOS via proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connection.
- SERCE module with an optimized ARM chip for the shortest signal path.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 for its exceptional audio performance, delivering a remarkably clear and detailed soundstage that elevates the listening experience. Its sophisticated design and robust build quality also receive high marks, reinforcing a sense of premium craftsmanship. Users appreciate its ability to transform their audio setups, often highlighting its refined sonic presentation as a significant upgrade. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying and impactful addition for serious audiophiles seeking top tier sound.
Know before you buy
Tube Mode uses digital signal processing to simulate the harmonic characteristics of five classic tube designs. You can adjust the intensity of this effect to add warmth and richness to your music without needing to maintain physical vacuum tubes.
The unit comes with a high-quality power adapter, but it is specifically designed to pair with the Ferrum HYPSOS power supply. By using the proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connection, you can achieve even greater performance and cleaner power delivery.
Spatial Enhancement allows you to fine-tune the imaging and depth of your audio. It uses transient compensation to help widen the soundstage and improve instrument separation, making the listening experience feel more immersive and three-dimensional.
The WANDLA features an analog volume control for high-fidelity signal attenuation. You also have the option to bypass the volume control entirely if you prefer to use the device as a pure DAC connected to an external preamp.
The enhanced digital headroom provides better immunity to intersample overs, which are digital peaks that can cause distortion in some recordings. This ensures that your audio remains clean and free of clipping, even with demanding high-resolution tracks.
Yes, the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition supports high-resolution audio up to 768 kHz / 32-bit PCM and DSD 512 via its USB and I2S inputs. This ensures compatibility with virtually all high-end digital music libraries.
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$3695