The competencies of HEM and the rich local history of quality craftsmanship in the Warsaw region of Poland, explains why this new brand of quality hifi products was created. Ferrum set out to combine sustainability, durability, and quality into compact yet attractive packages, focused on delivering the best possible audio experience at affordable price levels (for high end audio). With the new flagship DAC/Preamp WANDLA, HEM created another exciting product, designed from scratch.
"WANDLA embodies the best design we can create at a very accessible price point. We drew inspiration from Formula 1 racing, where every detail matters and perfection is the only option. With WANDLA, we believe we've achieved that same level of excellence and attention to detail. We meticulously implemented hundreds of innovations - large and small - to optimize every component of the DAC, resulting in a rich, detailed, and transparent sound with an incredibly low noise floor that lets every nuance shine through. And like a fine-tuned racing car, WANDLA delivers an exhilarating experience," the company explains.
WANDLA is based on the company's proprietary ARM-based platform, SERCE. Running Ferrum's software, SERCE processes all incoming digital data streams. The ARM processor singlehandedly performs the tasks of five chips and creates the shortest possible signal path for the audio-optimized USB, ARC, I2S, coaxial S/PDIF, and optical S/PDIF ports. Specifications for the Ferrum WANDLA DAC/PREAMP detail support for up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD 256.
Behind the conversion stage, the engineering team implemented an advanced new current-to-voltage converter and an output stage that benefited from the experience developing OOR and ERCO. Based on HYPSOS' hybrid design, multiple internal supplies power both analog and digital sections to minimize interference and noise and maximize channel separation.
The powerful dual-core ARM chip can do much more than manage WANDLA’s functions. First, it offers a choice of five digital filters, three of which reside in the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC, while others are the company's own digital filters that can bypass the ones in the DAC. "We asked famous digital filter maker HQ Player to initially develop a set of two filters exclusively for Ferrum. To offer WANDLA users greater choice and more inclusion in the process of customizing their WANDLA, more special digital filters can be unlocked after launch once they engage with us via our socials. We dubbed this new and innovative way of our customers’ interaction with our digital filter settings Dynamic Digital Filtering or DDF," the company details.
"This process will create a new community of digital filter specialists: people interacting with us and their WANDLAs in search of the best possible, tailor made sound. This collaboration between our users and us will be unique to Ferrum, the DA converter category, and the Hifi community. Ferrum will release an auto-updater application for Mac and PC to facilitate firmware updates," they add.
In addition to being a top-notch DA converter and MQA decoder/renderer, the Ferrum WANDLA doubles as a premium preamplifier with a full-function IR remote. The company implemented two new digitally controlled attenuators for volume control: selectable analog or digital. WANDLA uses a truly balanced topology, and HEM took a modified IC amplifier and multiple power section designs to deliver six digital inputs (USB-C, coax, optical, AES, ARC, and I2S), plus one unbalanced analog input. This input bypasses all digital processing to remain faithful to the highest-quality analog sources. Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs and a configurable trigger are provided. As can be expect from a Ferrum design, there are also two DC power inputs (FPL and 5,5 x 2,5mm DC pin) to connect WANDLA to the supplied power supply or its own HYPSOS.
While maintaining the same familiar design from previous Ferrum products, the WANDLA DAC adds a high-quality touch display. "As always, we wanted to create a high-performing piece of equipment and something that would be a joy to use and a pleasure to behold. So we supercharged the visuals by implementing a hi-res touchscreen display with a super easy user interface (UI). You'll find any setting with a mix of touch, turn, and press within seconds. And when operated via remote, the display changes to 'distance mode' so it can be read from across the room," they explain.
Ferrum is now shipping its flagship WANDLA in limited quantities, retailing for $2.795 USD/EUR.
www.ferrum.audio
