Ferrum Audio Wandla HP

Ferrum WANDLA HP – DAC, Preamplifier & Reference Headphone Amplifier in One With the WANDLA HP, Ferrum expands its award-winning WANDLA platform by adding a fully fledged high-performance headphone amplifier section. The result is a modern, powerful all-in-one device that combines the digital excellence of the original WANDLA with a fully balanced, precisely tuned headphone output – without compromising sound quality, transparency, or ease of use. A New Addition to the WANDLA Family The original WANDLA was introduced in 2023 as Ferrum’s reference DAC and received the EISA Award for “Best DAC” in its very first year. With the WANDLA HP, Ferrum continues this trajectory by adding an essential component: a headphone amplifier developed to the same technical and sonic standards as the OOR, yet integrated into a single, compact chassis. For music enthusiasts seeking a device that unites DAC, preamplifier, and reference-level headphone performance, the WANDLA HP offers an exceptionally elegant solution. Integrated Headphone Performance – Fully Balanced, Fully Refined At the core of the evolution lies Ferrum’s newly developed headphone amplifier. The engineering team succeeded in integrating a fully balanced composite IC architecture into the existing WANDLA enclosure without limiting power reserves. The amplifier delivers: 3.5 W into 50 Ω (balanced) 1 W into 50 Ω (single-ended) 122 dB dynamic range extremely low distortion down to –116 dB The front panel features a single 4.4 mm Pentaconn output, maintaining the minimalist design. A 4.4 mm to 6.35 mm adapter is included for compatibility with traditional headphones. This makes the WANDLA HP equally suitable for demanding over-ear headphones and sensitive in-ear monitors – precise, quiet, and exceptionally controlled. The Complete WANDLA Experience Just like the original model, the WANDLA HP relies on Ferrum’s advanced digital ecosystem: Dynamic Digital Filtering (DDF) A selection of high-quality digital filters developed in collaboration with Jussi Laako (Signalyst / HQPlayer). These filters allow for subtle, precise tuning of the sonic character – transparent, accurate, and tailored to the recording. SERCE – Ferrum’s ARM-Based Digital Core SERCE is Ferrum’s proprietary digital platform that consolidates the tasks of multiple chips into a single, highly optimized ARM system. The benefits include: ultrashort signal paths precisely controlled clock structures exceptionally clean digital processing full MQA decoding and rendering optimized interfaces for USB-C, I²S, S/PDIF, AES, and ARC ESS Sabre ES9038PRO Implementation The ES9038PRO is paired with a newly engineered current-to-voltage converter, resulting in remarkable detail retrieval, spatial stability, and natural tonal balance. Two Amplifiers, One Chassis – DAC, Preamp & Headphone Amp The WANDLA HP is not just a DAC with a headphone stage – it is also a complete preamplifier: one analog input (RCA), routed entirely without digital processing analog or digital volume control, depending on application balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs configurable trigger output fully balanced internal signal paths, even when fed via RCA This versatility makes the WANDLA HP a flexible centerpiece for setups ranging from dedicated headphone rigs to active speakers or power amplifiers. Thoughtful Design, Intuitive Operation Ferrum remains consistent in its approach to usability: high-resolution color touchscreen clean, responsive user interface fast navigation via touch, rotary control, and buttons high-quality remote control included The clarity of the software and the efficiency of the navigation are recurring strengths of the WANDLA platform. Optimized Power – and Ready for HYPSOS The WANDLA HP ships with a premium 24 V power supply. As is typical for Ferrum, the internal supply uses a hybrid architecture inspired by the flagship HYPSOS, with separate rails for digital and analog circuits. Using Ferrum Power Link (FPL), the WANDLA HP can be elevated to an even higher level: deeper black backgrounds more precise bass control improved micro- and macrodynamics greater spatial openness Within Ferrum, the combination WANDLA HP HYPSOS is considered the “sweet spot” for demanding headphone systems. Aesthetic Simplicity, Engineering Depth The WANDLA HP follows Ferrum’s signature design language: clean geometry, refined materials, and a distinctly technical identity. While the exterior remains understated, the interior reveals a sophisticated, modern, and highly engineered layout. Who Is the WANDLA HP For? The WANDLA HP is designed for: audiophile headphone users seeking a premium all-in-one source listeners who switch between speakers and headphones fans of modern, compact high-end audio architectures users who do not require a dedicated amplifier like the OOR owners of high-quality sources who appreciate digital filters and flexible inputs Positioned between the ERCO and the WANDLA OOR stack, the WANDLA HP forms the “mid-level reference” within the Ferrum ecosystem – with a clear upgrade path via HYPSOS. Key Features at a Glance Fully balanced headphone amplifier – 3.5 W at 50 Ω ESS Sabre ES9038PRO with advanced I/V conversion SERCE ARM-based digital architecture HQPlayer-based Dynamic Digital Filtering Optimized USB-C, ARC, I²S & S/PDIF implementation Analog or digital volume control Balanced XLR & unbalanced RCA outputs RCA analog input (pure analog path) High-resolution touchscreen interface HYPSOS-ready via Ferrum Power Link Specifications Headphone Section Output power (balanced): 3.5 W / 50 Ω Output power (single-ended): 1 W / 50 Ω THD (balanced): 0.00016 % @10 mW / 50 Ω THD (unbalanced): 0.00022 % @10 mW / 50 Ω Dynamic Range: 122 dB Output impedance: 1 Ω (balanced), 0.5 Ω (unbalanced) DAC & Digital DAC chip: ESS Sabre ES9038PRO Resolution: 768 kHz / 32 bit, DSD512 Digital inputs: USB-C, AES/EBU, Coax, Optical, I²S, ARC MQA: Decoder Renderer Analog Input: RCA Output: XLR (balanced), RCA Volume control: analog (bypass option) or digital Line output level: 10 V RMS (balanced), 5 V RMS (unbalanced) General Power consumption: 13–35 W Power input: 22–30 VDC, FPL or 5.5/2.5 mm Dimensions: 217 × 206 × 50 mm Weight: 1.9 kg In the box 1x Ferrum Wandla HP dac/preamp 1x power cord 1x remote control 1x USB cable 1x AC/DC power adapter 1x 4.4mm to 6.35mm headphone adapter