That’s right—Ferrum has partnered with filter guru HQ Player to develop a set of user selectable custom digital filters for their new flagship WANDLA DAC/Preamplifier. But that’s just the beginning of this story.
From the press release:
Ferrum has included their customers in the process of evolving WANDLA. Initial units will include three unique filter options and we will challenge our user community to vote for their favorites. Subsequent firmware updates will replace the least favorite filter options with new alternatives. After five rounds, we will proclaim a winning digital filter and create a new community of digital filter specialists.
Interesting approach, no? These custom filters run on a dual-core ARM platform, dubbed Serce, and bypass the stock filters that come with the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC used for conversion in the WANDLA. Serce also handles the DAC’s subsystems, conversion modes, digital filtering and internal logic, as well as our custom current-to-voltage stage.
Ferrum’s WANDLA DAC is fairly fully outfitted with AES, I2S, HDMI ARC, USB-C, COAX, Optical inputs plus an analog input that bypasses the digital processing while RCA and XLR outputs complete the ins and outs. The Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connector can be used with the company’s HYPSOS external power supply.
WANDLA’s volume control can be bypassed for use with your own pre- or integrated amp.
The front panel touchscreen allows for easy access to filters choices and more, and the included remote provides the same access to functions, input selection, and volume control.
Ferrum’s WANDLA DAC/Preamp is available now with an MSRP of $2,795.
Company Website: Ferrum Audio
US Distributor Website: VANA Ltd.
Specifications
Operation: Fully balanced, proprietary IC power amp
DAC chip: ESS Sabre ES9038PRO
DAC resolution: 768k/32bit, DSD 256
Digital inputs:
AES/EBU (up to 196kHz/24bit, DoP 64)
Optical S/PDIF (up t/24bit)
Coaxial S/PDIF (up to 192kHz/24bit, DoP 64)
USB-C (up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD 256)
ARC (up to 192kHz/24bit), TV input with CEC
I2S (up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD 256), PS Audio® compatible
MQA®: decoder and renderer (on all digital inputs)
Analog inputs: RCA
Analog input Vmax: 9,5V RMS (2 – 3,5V RMS recommended)
Analogue input imp: 47kΩ
Line outputs: balanced XLR; unbalanced RCA
Volume control: analogue with bypass option / digital for DAC operation only
Output level: @0dBFS, 1kHz sine 9,3V RMS balanced, 4,65V RMS unbalanced
Frequency response: 10Hz – 200kHz +/- 0,1dB analog inputs
DAC THD: -121dB (0,00009%); THD+N: -115dB (unweighted)
Analog input THD: -123dB @ 2V RMS output level
Dyn. range analog: 127dB (A-weighted)
Dyn. range digital: 127dB (A-weighted)
Crosstalk: -120dB for 1kHz, better than -100dB for 20Hz -20kHz
Output impedance: 22Ω unbalanced
Output impedance: 44Ω balanced
Power consumption: 10W idle / 15W max
Power inputs: 5,5/2,5 mm DC connector centre positive proprietary FPL 4-pin DC connector (FPL) 22-30VDC
Power adapter: 100-240 VAC to 24VDC
Dimensions (WxDxH): 21,7 x 20,6 x 5 cm; 8.6 x 8.1 x 2.0 inch
Weight: 1,8 kg; 3.97 lbs
