If you’re getting your audio setup put together, you’ve probably considered picking up a DAC and an amp. That’s a bit of a hassle and heavy on the wallet. Well, why not look into getting a DAC with an integrated amp? These devices are pretty popular, and Ferrum just unveiled one that should be on your list. The Ferrum WANDLA HP takes one of the company’s flagship-grade DACs and fuses it with a high-quality headphone amp.
Polish audio company Ferrum manufactures high-quality equipment like DACs, amps, power supplies, cords, and more. Its catalog of devices is rather small, but the company focuses on quality over quantity. Ferrum has a dedicated DAC named the WANDLA. It’s one of the best that you can buy, but it’s not the best for people looking to build their audio setup on a budget.
It costs a reasonable $2,795, but you’ll also need to buy an amp if you want to drive a pair of high-impedance headphones. That’s another purchase, and most people wouldn’t really like that. So, Ferrum decided to kill two birds with one stone.
The Ferrum WANDLA HP is a flagship DAC with an integrated amp
Oftentimes, when you get two devices in one, you’ll see a degradation in quality on either side. However, Ferrum didn’t sacrifice quality at all. You’re still getting the same flagship performance that you get with the WANDLA. With this comes great build quality, an intuitive interface, plenty of options for inputs/outputs, and a great overall experience.
Starting off with the build quality, it should come as no surprise that Ferrum used top-shelf materials to build this device. You’re getting a sturdily-built metal device that’s designed to withstand years of wear and tear. It has a thick textured metal chassis that protects all of the components. It has thick rubber feet at the bottom that keep it raised. Everything is well-put-together, and you shouldn’t expect anything less from Ferrum.
Input/output
Any good DAC comes with a good selection of input ports. More ports let it integrate with more audio setups. The WANDLA HP has six different inputs. These are USB-C, optical, ARC, AES, coax, and I2S. As for outputs, you have balanced XLR and RCA ports. So, you won’t be starved for I/O options.
High-quality audio
You’re not getting anything less than some of the best audio on the market with the WANDLA HP. The company uses high-quality tech in tandem with its own in-house tech to push the audio through. It incorporates the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO to convert the signal. Efficiency is key here, as Ferrum used a custom ARM chip to perform the jobs that would typically be done by five. It handles tasks such as MQA decoding/rendering and selecting digital filters.
The end result is an amazing and highly detailed sound. You can expect a clean signal to come from this device. It doesn’t only supply the audio, but it boosts it so that it can drive larger headphones. Ferrum even added a proprietary pre-amp right in the device. It handles pretty much everything you need it to.
Ease of use
Using the Ferrum WANDLA HP is easy and intuitive. One of the standout features is the ability to control the audio both digitally and manually. This gives you the ultimate control. You can use the large knob on the front panel or adjust it using the touch screen.
Right by the knob, you have a large touchscreen display. This is the main interface that you’ll interact with. It will show you relevant information like the music’s sample rate, the music’s bit depth, the current music format, the volume, and what type of input you’re using. A touch screen is a great thing to see on a device like this because it allows you to control it even in the dark.
Specs
THD balanced:
- 0.00016 % / -116 dB, 10 mW into 50 Ω;
- 0.00020 % / -114 dB, 100 mW into 50 Ω
THD unbalanced:
- 0.00022 % / -113 dB, 10 mW into 50 Ω;
- 0.00022 % / -113 dB, 100 mW into 50 Ω
Output Power Single Ended: 1 W into 50 Ω
Output Power Balanced: 3.5 W into 50 Ω
Dynamic Range: 122 dB
HP Output impedance: 0.5 Ω unbalanced
HP Output impedance: 1 Ω balanced
Other
Operation: Fully balanced, proprietary IC power amp
DAC chip: ESS Sabre ES9038PRO
DAC resolution: 768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD 512
Digital inputs:
- AES/EBU (up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, DoP 64)
- Optical S/PDIF (up to 96 kHz / 24 bit)
- Coaxial S/PDIF (up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, DoP 64)
- USB-C (up to 768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD 512, DoP 256)
- ARC (up to 192 kHz / 24 bit), TV input with CEC
- I2S (up to 768 kHz / 32bit, DSD 512, DoP 256), PS Audio® compatible
MQA: decoder and renderer (on all digital inputs)
Analog inputs: RCA
Analog input Vmax: 9.5 V RMS (2 – 3.5 V RMS recommended)
Analogue input imp: 47 kΩ
Line outputs: balanced XLR; unbalanced RCA
Volume control: analogue with bypass option / digital for DAC operation only
Line Output level: @0 dBFS, 1 kHz sine 10 V RMS balanced, 5 V RMS unbalanced
Line Output level (RED): @0 dBFS, 1 kHz sine 4 V RMS balanced, 2 V RMS unbalanced
Frequency response on analog inputs: 10 Hz – 200 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
DAC THD: -121 dB (0,00009 %); THD+N: -115 dB (unweighted)
Analog input THD: -123 dB @ 2 V RMS output level
Dyn. range analog: 127 dB (A-weighted)
Dyn. range digital: 122 dB (A-weighted)
DAC Output Crosstalk: -120 dB for 1 kHz, better than -100 dB for 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Line Output impedance: 22 Ω unbalanced
Line Output impedance: 44 Ω balanced
Energy Consumption
- 13 W idle (with amp powered off)
- 18 W idle (with amp powered on)
- 35 W max
Power inputs: 5.5/2.5 mm DC connector center positive proprietary FPL 4-pin DC connector (FPL) 22-30 VDC
Power adapter: 100-240 VAC to 24 VDC
Dimensions: 21.7 x 20.6 x 5 cm / 8.6″ x 8.1″ x 2.0″
(WxDxH)
Remote control: included
Weight: 1.90 kg / 4.19 lb
All in all, the Ferrum WANDLA HP is one of the best DACs that you can get on the market. It offers a top-tier experience from Ferrum along with extra functionality. If you’re an audiophile, and you’re looking for an excellent addition to your collection, then you should look into getting this device.
It will run you back $3295, which is well worth the price when you consider that you’re getting a DAC, amp, and pre-amp all in one. You can order the WANDLA HP today from the company’s site.
