Ferrum WANDLA HP Review: Flagship Audio Quality Without the Super-Flagship Price
Welcome to our Ferrum - WANDLA HP Review. We put the DAC-Preamp with Headphone Amplifier through its paces to see how it brings tomorrow’s high-end audio today. Whether you’re chasing detailed hi-res playback or dynamic headphone performance, the WANDLA HP stakes its claim at the sweet spot between entry and super-flagship.
Overview
Ferrum’s WANDLA HP is the latest member of the celebrated WANDLA family, incorporating the flagship DAC’s acclaimed digital conversion with a fully balanced, composite IC headphone amplifier that rivals stand-alone designs. It bridges the gap between the entry-level ERCO and the super-flagship WANDLA + OOR combination, offering audiophiles a one-box solution at an unprecedented price point.
Filters & Decoding: MQA decoder/renderer, HQ Player-tuned digital filters
Power Link: Proprietary Ferrum Power Link with HYPSOS compatibility
Controls: Hi-res touchscreen with intuitive UX, full remote control
Performance and Sound Quality
The combination of the ES9038PRO DAC and Ferrum’s advanced current-to-voltage stage yields a noise floor so low you’ll rediscover the nuance in your favourite recordings. Tonally, the WANDLA HP delivers a neutral, transparent sound signature with exceptional clarity, articulate mids and a deep, controlled bass. The headphone amplifier’s low output impedance (0.5 Ω unbalanced, 1 Ω balanced) ensures tight driver control across a wide range of headphones.
Design and Usability
The chassis measures just 21.7 × 20.6 × 5 cm and features a high-resolution touchscreen that makes navigating inputs, filters and MQA settings a breeze. The aluminium case exudes premium build quality, while the compact footprint fits seamlessly into any desktop setup.
On the rear panel, you’ll find an optimised suite of digital inputs—USB-C, I2S, AES/EBU, optical/coaxial S/PDIF and ARC—alongside balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. The proprietary FPL port allows direct power delivery from HYPSOS for peak performance.
Who Is the WANDLA HP For?
If you’re an audiophile who demands more than entry-level DAC-amp combos but isn’t quite ready to invest in a full super-flagship stack, the WANDLA HP is for you. It excels with high-sensitivity IEMs, full-size dynamic and planar headphones, and integrates effortlessly into both dedicated listening rooms and multimedia setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Truly balanced signal path from input to headphone output
Powerful 3.5 W balanced headphone amplifier with 122 dB dynamic range
State-of-the-art ES9038PRO DAC with custom I/V stage rivalling pricier solutions
Intuitive hi-res touchscreen and comprehensive remote control
Expandable with HYPSOS via Ferrum Power Link for ultimate performance
Cons:
HYPSOS required to unlock maximum power potential (sold separately)
Compact footprint may limit heat dissipation under sustained heavy loads
No battery operation; mains-dependent
Elevate Your Audio Journey with The Audio Tailor
Ready to experience the Ferrum - WANDLA HP difference? Speak with our expert team at The Audio Tailor on 1300 308 711 or email sales@theaudiotailor.com.au. Explore the product page for full specifications and pricing. Let us tailor the perfect high-end audio solution for your listening setup.
Ferrum - WANDLA HP - DAC-Preamp with Headphone Amplifier
