Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition
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Available - Usually ships within 2-3 days
Features
| Headphone Socket | No |
|---|---|
| Brand Color | None |
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 3 Years |
| Product Type | Other |
Tech 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), PS Audio® compatible
- ARC (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit), TV input with CEC
- 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*)
- *may work up to PCM 192 kHz and DoP 64 – depending of customer optical cable and transmitter
- Analog inputs: RCA
- Analog input Vmax: 9.5 VRMS (2 – 3.5 VRMS recommended)
- Analog input impedance: 47 kΩ
- Line outputs: balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA
- Volume control: analogue with bypass option / digital for DAC operation only
- Output level (@ 0 dBFS / 1 kHz sine):
- PRO: 8 VRMS balanced, 4 VRMS unbalanced
- Red Book: 3.5 VRMS balanced, 1.75 VRMS unbalanced
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 200 kHz +/- 0.1 dB analog inputs
- DAC THD: -121 dB (0.00009 %), THD+N: -115 dB unweighted
- Analog input THD: -123 dB @ 2 VRMS
- Dynamic range (A-weighted): 127 dB analog, 119 dB digital
- Crosstalk: -120 dB for 1 kHz, better than -100 dB for 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Output impedance: 22 Ω unbalanced, 44 Ω balanced
- Power consumption: 10 W idle, 15 W max
- Power inputs (22-30 VDC):
- 5.5/2.5 mm DC connector, center positive
- proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) 4-pin DC connector
- Power adapter: 100-240 VAC to 24 VDC
- Remote control: included
- Dimensions: 21.7 cm x 20.6 cm x 5 cm / 8.6″ x 8.1″ x 2.0″
- Weight: 1.8 kg / 3.97 lbs
Description
The Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition is a very high-end unit with many enhancements over the standard edition. The key enhancement with Ferrum products is Dynamic Digital Filtering DDF.
The filters are developed by Signalyst and new community added filters are released regularly. Additionally, other features include elevated digital headroom and tube mode. Next, the PSU can be upgraded to a HYPOS unit for the best possible performance. Lastly, Distortion and noise levels are very low in this balanced design.
Elevated digital headroom
The Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition reduces intersample runovers for a low-distortion sound. Next, spatial enhancement expands the soundstage. This has two modes, Headphone or speaker.
Additionally, the Golden-Sound edition has an adjustable high output voltage of 4Vrms to 10Vrms. This will match any amplifier. Lastly, a fully balanced IC preamp was installed.
Sound enhancement features
Several audio enhancements are available with the Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition. These include tube mode. This adds even-order harmonic distortion that mimics a valve amplifier. As a result, the sound is warm and rich.
This is done without changing the frequency response. There is also impact+ that boosts the bass for more punch. Lastly, there are three ESS digital filters to choose from. As a result, you can optimize the sound to your taste.
Balanced design
The Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition features a balanced design. Balanced leads are often used in studios to reduce noise pickup. Two 3-pin XLR analogue outputs are provided.
These connect to high-end preamps and amplifiers. Each channel has three wires a “hot” wire, a “Cold” wire, and a common 0V line. The signal in each wire is of the opposite phase. When the signal is recombined at the amplifier any noise is cancelled out.
Upgrade with a HYPSOS PSU
For the ultimate upgrade, the Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition can be used with the Ferrum HYPSOS external PSU. This removes any possible noise source and can be plugged in at the back of the unit. The upgraded PSU uses a Ferrum Power Link connector.
Advanced connectivity and digital filters
The Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition features specially programmed digital inputs that are optimized for audio. These include tuned coaxial and optical S/PDIF, AES, ARC (TV), and I2S ports.
There are also balanced XLR analogue outputs and standard RCA outputs. These are gold-plated to prevent tarnishing. Next, there is one set of analogue RCA inputs and an eARC-enabled HDMI input for TV sound.
Why a separate DAC?
The built-in DAC of some devices can be poor, particularly with tablets. Moreover, PC sound cards are not optimized for HD audio. As a result, the USB connection on the Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC and Pre Amplifier - Golden Sound Edition can be used to connect a PC.
Notably, the PCM sampling rate is up to 768kHz. To get the absolute best audio quality no RF sources of interference are included. These include Bluetooth and WIFI. Hence the distortion is an astonishing 0.00009% and the frequency response extends from 10Hz to 200kHz. The channel separation is also very wide.