Ferrum Audio Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 D/A-Converter

Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Gen 2 Edition

DAC / Preamplifier

With the WANDLA GoldenSound Gen 2 Edition, Ferrum Audio presents the further developed version of its multi-award-winning digital-to-analog converter. Building on the original concept, the second generation has been revised in key areas and expanded with new features. At its heart remains the reference-quality ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chip, combined with a fully balanced preamplifier stage and a particularly short, proprietary optimized signal architecture.

Ferrum Sweet Spot Tuning

The GoldenSound Gen 2 Edition is aimed at discerning listeners who desire maximum sonic flexibility. Three key sound features – Impact+, Tube Mode, and Spatial Enhancement – have been completely redesigned and each features its own Ferrum Sweet Spot Tuning. This allows the sound signature to be precisely tailored to personal preferences, speakers, or headphones.

Impact+ allows for precise control of the low-frequency foundation. Seven different bass and dynamic profiles – including Reference, Smooth, Kick+, and Sub-Bass – enable targeted adjustment of the sound signature. The intensity of the effect can be continuously adjusted between 10% and 130%.

Spatial representation through spatial enhancement

The Tube Mode simulates the characteristic sound of classic tube amplifiers. In addition to generating harmonic overtones, the system reproduces the sonic signature of five well-known tube types – EL34, KT88, 300B, 2A3, and 7062 – including overtone structure up to the seventh harmonic. The intensity can be adjusted from 10% to 200%, allowing for a finely tuned tube character without the typical drawbacks of classic tube circuits.

Spatial Enhancement ensures a realistic spatial representation. This function can be activated independently and also allows you to select the output mode for headphones or speakers. The new Transient Compensation (T-Comp) optimizes the spatial imaging and reduces the impact of high frequencies, resulting in a significantly more natural three-dimensional soundstage.

The second generation has also been further refined technically. Increased digital headroom improves immunity to intersample overs and enables distortion-free playback even at maximum output level. Additionally, the GoldenSound Edition features hardware-based output voltage adjustment, allowing the user to select between approximately 10 Vrms and 4 Vrms – for optimal compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers without affecting the signal path through additional volume controls.

Digital control center for HiFi and headphone setups

The digital signal processing includes three ESS filters as well as filters specially developed for Ferrum by Signalyst, known for its HQPlayer software. A proprietary ARM-based audio controller reduces the internal signal path and replaces several separate components.

The WANDLA can be operated directly, but unfolds its full potential in combination with the Ferrum HYPSOS hybrid power supply. The proprietary Ferrum Power Link connection allows both devices to communicate with each other, enabling a particularly stable and precise power supply.

With its fully symmetrical design, extensive digital interfaces and flexibly adjustable sound characteristics, the WANDLA GoldenSound Gen 2 positions itself as a versatile digital control center for demanding hi-fi and headphone setups.

Technical data

DAC chip
ESS Sabre ES9038PRO

DAC resolution
768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD512

Digital inputs

• USB-C (up to PCM 768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD512, DoP256)
• I2S (up to PCM 768 kHz / 32 Bit, DSD512, DoP256, PS Audio® compatible)
• ARC (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit, TV input with CEC)
• AES (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit, DoP64)
• Coaxial S/PDIF (up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit, DoP64)
• Optical S/PDIF (up to PCM 96 kHz / 24 bit*)

* Depending on cable and source, up to PCM 192 kHz and DoP64 are sometimes possible.

Analog inputs

RCA

Maximum input voltage
9.5 VRMS (recommended 2 – 3.5 VRMS)

Input impedance
47 kO

Line outputs

• XLR balanced
• RCA unbalanced

Volume control

• analog with bypass option
• digital in DAC mode

Output level (0 dBFS / 1 kHz)
PER:

• 8 VRMS (XLR)
• 4 VRMS (RCA)
• Red Book:
• 3.5 VRMS (XLR)
• 1.75 VRMS (RCA)

Frequency response
10 Hz – 200 kHz ±0.1 dB (analog inputs)

Distortions

• DAC THD: -121 dB (0.00009%)
• THD+N: -118 dB

THD analog input
-123 dB @ 2 VRMS

Dynamic range (A-weighted)

• 127 dB analog
• 119 dB digital

Crosstalk

• -120 dB at 1 kHz
• better than -100 dB at 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Output impedance

• 22 O (RCA)
• 44 O (XLR)

Power consumption

• 10 W (idle)
• 15 W (max.)
• power supply
  22–30 VDC
• Connections:
• 5.5 / 2.5 mm DC
• Ferrum Power Link (FPL) 4-Pin

power supply
100–240 VAC ? 24 VDC

remote control
including

Dimensions
21.7 × 20.6 × 5 cm

Weight
1.8 kg