In this Ferrum - WANDLA GoldenSound - DAC/PreAmp Review, we dive deep into Ferrum’s latest DSP-driven masterpiece. The WANDLA GoldenSound Edition doesn’t just decode—you’ll experience Elevated Digital Headroom, Spatial Enhancement, Tube Mode and Impact+ all within a single chassis. Whether you’re a vinyl convert or a pure-digital disciple, you’ll appreciate what happens when cutting-edge computing power meets audiophile refinement.

Design & Build Quality

Ferrum’s industrial design philosophy carries through with the WANDLA GoldenSound: a low-profile, 5cm-tall chassis that slots effortlessly into any hi-fi rack. From the milled-aluminium faceplate to the reassuring weight of the remote control, every tactile detail speaks to premium construction. The gold-toned SERCE module vents and subtle engraving reinforce that this is more than a mere DAC—it’s a precision instrument.

Core Features & Sound Performance

• Elevated Digital Headroom: Even in bypass mode the WANDLA handles intersample overs with aplomb, ensuring a distortion-free replay of high-level peaks.
• Tube Mode: Engage Tube Mode for a subtle infusion of even-order harmonics. The warmth you love from classic valve amplifiers is now accessible without tweaking EQ curves.
• Spatial Enhancement: Two tailor-made DSP algorithms—one for speakers, one for headphones—expand the soundstage and improve instrument separation without phasing artefacts.
• Impact+: Custom two-band EQ for those who crave deeper, more punchy bass. Perfect for electronic, hip-hop or orchestral crescendos that demand weight and drive.

Switching between modes is intuitive via the front-panel buttons or remote, and there’s no compromise to linearity—just pure, dynamic musicality.

Technical Deep Dive

At the heart of WANDLA GoldenSound is the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chip, delivering up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 resolution. Ferrum’s proprietary SERCE module leverages an ARM-based DSP to eliminate superfluous chips, shortening the signal path and lowering jitter. Add Ferrum Power Link (FPL) for a regulated voltage rail and you’ll unlock the full transient response potential—especially when paired with HYPSOS (ask our team for details).

Users can choose from three ESS digital filters plus two bespoke Signalyst models. This world-first collaboration brings selectable timbral character to your listening sessions without any firmware hacks.

Who Should Consider the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition?

If you’re an audiophile seeking a single box that handles DAC duties, pre-amplification and DSP roles at the highest level, the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition is your candidate. It’s ideal for:

• Owners of neutral monitors or headphones who want modular warmth.
• Digital-only enthusiasts craving Hegel-like slam with Swiss-style control.
• Home theatre aficionados needing ARC/TV integration for immersive soundscapes.
• Anyone who values future-proof firmware updates and expanded filter choices.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Unmatched DSP flexibility with GoldenSound features.
  • Exceptional distortion floors (THD+N down to –115dB unweighted).
  • Hardware voltage adjustment for seamless amp matching.
  • Clean, modular design that seats perfectly in any rack.
• Cons:
  • Advanced feature set may require a short learning curve.
  • No built-in headphone amplifier (pair with a quality amp or monitor).

Final Thoughts: Shaping the Future of Digital Audio

The Ferrum - WANDLA GoldenSound - DAC/PreAmp is a watershed device that proves digital signal processing done properly can elevate your system’s resolution, warmth and impact. From the silent precision of its ESS Sabre implementation to the coarse-grain control offered by Tube Mode and Impact+, every bass line, vocal inflection and orchestral swell is delivered with conviction.

Ready to experience this level of finesse? Visit the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition product page or speak with our team at The Audio Tailor on 1300 308 711. For email enquiries, drop us a line at sales@theaudiotailor.com.au. Your next leap in digital audio awaits.