MAGAZINE
Ferrum introduces the "Wandla" as the company's flagship D/A converter, promising various special technologies. For example, the ARM processor with in-house "Serce" platform, which processes the digital signals and is supposed to offer extremely short signal paths, as well as other features. The DAC also carries a built-in preamplifier, whose volume control is selectable digital or analog.
A special feature of Ferrum's new DAC is said to be, among other things, the selectable digital filters. Three of these come from the DAC chip – an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO, stated to be able to process files up to 32bit / 768kHz, DSD 256 and MQA – while two more run on the "Serce" platform. Additionally, according to Ferrum, more filters may be added in the future, which the manufacturer plans to offer via update after customer feedback. The DAC is controlled either via the included remote control or on the unit itself, for which it carries a touchscreen on its front.
In terms of digital inputs, the DAC offers USB-C, coaxial, optical, I2S, HDMI ARC, and AES/EBU; the converted signal can be output via either XLR or RCA. Additionally, the Wandla carries an analog RCA input whose signals bypass the digital part of the unit and are processed only by the preamp. Also, the unit has an additional optional power input to which the optional Hypsos PSU can be connected via Ferrum's own "FPL" cable.
The new Ferrum Wandla D/A converter is stated to come at a price of about €/$ 2,800.
