Ferrum Audio
Ferrum WANDLA HP Fully Balanced DAC/Preamp With Headphone Amplifier
Best high-end DAC for audiophiles seeking transparent, fatigue-free sound.
Experience the future of high-end audio with the Ferrum WANDLA DAC/Preamp. This Polish-engineered marvel redefines digital-to-analog conversion, featuring the powerful ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chip and proprietary Ferrum technologies. Enjoy a remarkably transparent sound signature designed to eliminate listening fatigue, enhanced by world-first Dynamic Digital Filtering and a fully balanced signal path. Its intuitive hi-res touch screen and remote control offer effortless operation, making it a sophisticated centerpiece for any audiophile setup.
$2795.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 732
#16 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+100%
Above average
DAC Chip
9038
/ ESS Sabre ESPRO
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking uncompromising sonic accuracy and detail
- Desktop users wanting a streamlined, all-in-one audio command center
- Listeners looking for a clear path to future performance upgrades
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for high-value entry points
- Shoppers wanting peak performance without additional hardware investments
- Users requiring built-in network streaming or modern smart features
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
The ESS Sabre chip delivers an exceptionally clean and uncolored sound.
Filter Versatility
Custom Signalyst filters offer unparalleled control over your digital audio signature.
Connectivity Depth
Comprehensive input options ensure seamless integration with any high-end source.
Interface Intuition
The high-resolution touch screen makes complex adjustments feel remarkably simple.
System Scalability
Dedicated FPL connection allows for significant performance gains via external power.
Balanced Architecture
A fully balanced signal path minimizes noise for a pristine listening experience.
Key Specs
DAC Chip
ESS Sabre ES9038PRO
Max PCM Resolution
768 kHz/32-bit
Supported Formats
PCM, DSD 256
Frequency Response
10 Hz – 200 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
Dimensions
21.7 x 20.6 x 5 cm
Weight
1.8 kg
Digital THD+N
-115 dB (unweighted)
Digital Inputs
AES/EBU, Optical S/PDIF, Coaxial S/PDIF, USB, ARC, I2S
Features
- Flagship audio quality at an unprecedented price
- Custom-tuned Signalyst digital filters
- Truly balanced signal path
- Optimized ARM chip for shorter signal path
- New hi-res touch screen with intuitive operation
- Fully balanced pre-amplifier stage
- MQA decoder and renderer included
- Designed for HYPSOS upgrade via FPL connection
What customers say
The Ferrum WANDLA earns high praise for its exceptional sonic performance, delivering clarity, precise imaging, and an expansive soundstage. Users appreciate its resolving yet natural sound signature, avoiding harshness. The integrated headphone amplifier demonstrates significant power, easily controlling demanding headphones. Build quality and design reflect its premium standing. While excellent alone, many users note a substantial improvement in dynamics and background silence when paired with the optional HYPSOS power supply. Despite the high total cost including the upgrade, the WANDLA is widely recommended as a centerpiece for serious audio setups due to its reference level music reproduction.
Know before you buy
The WANDLA features world-first Dynamic Digital Filtering developed in collaboration with Signalyst. This allows you to switch between custom-tuned filters in real-time, letting you tailor the sonic character to your specific headphones or personal preference.
Yes, the WANDLA features a fully balanced preamplifier stage, making it an excellent centerpiece for a high-end speaker setup. You can connect it directly to your power amplifier using the balanced XLR outputs.
Yes, the unit includes a built-in MQA decoder and renderer, ensuring full hardware-based support for MQA-encoded music files.
The Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connection allows the WANDLA to communicate with the HYPSOS power supply. This optimizes power delivery and allows the two units to act as a single, highly refined system, further reducing noise and improving audio transparency.
Yes, the WANDLA supports PCM resolutions up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD files up to DSD 256, ensuring compatibility with virtually all high-resolution digital music libraries.
Absolutely. With its compact 21.7 x 20.6 cm footprint and intuitive high-resolution touch screen, it is specifically designed to fit comfortably on a desk while providing professional-grade control over your audio chain.
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