Ferrum WANDLA DAC Review - Thinking Outside the Box

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Answering the question “how do you measure if a DA converter is worth its asking price?” By its sound, its functionality, and its build quality. WANDLA sounds very good to me - however micro dynamics are just ok and timbre is on par with Chord but both have a coloration. Other than that, it is the best DAC I have listened to specially with Hypsos. If you use the XLR and the bi passed out put, prepare for having more headroom on your amp! It’s such a blessing to have more voltage! It’s pre-amplification functionality really adds to the sense of value - it is incredibly good. Rivaling the quality from a GS-X mini or an HPA4 (maybe even better than the mini) Its build quality is top notch with an intuitive and responsive interface. The best screen interaction I have seen on an audio product (including a Walkman NW-WM1AM2) I don’t have experience with higher end DACs like Chord Dave,TT2 or Mola Mola Tambaqui, so I can’t say that it is a bargain. It was a big investment for me and adding Hypsos was a sonic necessity once I was able to add it to the chain after two months. So close to $4000USD is not a bargain… a bargain is a Mojo 2 with its new asking price of $650. But when I uncouple the parts 1) a DAC without digital glare that is incredibly resolving 2) Outstanding pre amplification 3) best power supply in the business, then it is starting to look like WANDLA is the DAC to get in 2023 for those wanting a desktop DAC for many years to come but …it is not cheap.

[@danieldion1662]

@Soundnews: Good review but what do you mean by having big surprises and using the I2S input on the Wandla? Could you give us more details on what we may expect by adding an external DDC please? And which DDC did you use?

[@GS-nk5lb]

Great Review. Can you please compare with the Gold Note DS10? Would you consider an upgrade? Thanks

[@TheOneInYellow]

Incredible review, very insightful! I'd love to hear if you have any impressions of the Ferrum stack vs FiiO M17 digital desktop player (and external power supply) too. I use a Shargeek Storm2 battery power bank (with MCRU Pure Silver DC Power Cable) connected to my FiiO M17 for the ultimate small footprint and transportable high-end headphone setup. Yet, I'm intrigued by Ferrum products since the Oor/Erco + Hypos releases, and now the Wandla! One example for a potential usage is FiiO M17 as streamer/DAC and massive voltage output into a Ferrum Oor with Ferrum Hypos. I wonder if Hypos could power both M17 and Erco too...but I suppose Hypos can power Oor, and my Shargeek Storm2 can power M17. Anyway, wonderful review, love your channel and writing videos too!

[@jasonhilliker2266]

I'd love to see a review of the WEISS ENGINEERING DAC 204, your reviews are the gold standard!

[@Soundnews]

Thank you, always wondered about Weiss DACs, those are indeed quite special and Daniel is known to be a mastermind.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Weiss is not worth the money. I owned the £10K Weiss 501 MkII.

[@jc51373]

this DAC is a substantial step up from Weiss 204.

[@rafaelpfeifer1156]

Hi , Sandu; congrats for your review...excelent as always; in your opinion how is better: a combo GN DS-10 Plus + PSU10 EVO or a unit Ferro Wandla without Hypsos? thanks.

[@Soundnews]

Hi Rafael, that depends a lot on what you really need. Wandla is an awesome DAC and preamp - among the best I have tried. DS-10 Plus on the other hand besides DAC and preamp functionalities, has an outstanding wireless/wired streamer and a pretty good headphone amplifier section. DS-10 does so much more, but strictly as a DAC only unit, Wandla outperforms it.

[@rafaelpfeifer1156]

I didn’t find! 🫤 maybe Instagram

[@CedricRachmad]

Got a great deal on ebay from a dealer! Can’t wait to audition. Would XLR to amp be better than RCA? Borressen of Aavik seemed to explain in a video that RCA is better, with regards to his new brand Axxess. Was in doubt to go for a Forte all-in-one amp…

[@danielguderian4649]

nice review, thanks for the effort and dedication! 2 questions if I may: 1. You said you powered both with the hypsos, so using the splitter. this will disable the feedback option over the 4pin - did you notice any decrease in performance? I guess 2 hypsos would be overkill 2. is it possible to control the volume of the wandla in Roon?

[@Soundnews]

My pleasure, as always. 1. No degradation whatsoever, I used the 24V setting for both units and didn't notice anything off. OOR and WANDLA are consuming around 30 to 32 Watts together, HYPSOS can offer up to 80 Watts of power, so in truth those two units aren't pushing the HYPSOS to its limits. 2) WANDLA isn't a streaming DAC, you will need a dedicated streamer for that to happen, but once you have that, you can control its volume via Roon.

[@dansisternas9158]

Hi Sandu, Did you test the Holo Audio Cyan 2? If yes how it performs versus the Ferrum Wandla ? Thanks in advance 😉

[@suryapratamak1690]

Hi sandu, i have followed your review for years. I always pay attention when you say under 3k and so forth as there are price tiers. This unit is a very interesting and innovative design. I would like to ask about your review whether its better always in bypass mode as it can output almost 10V or is it better to set the ouput voltage manually, sort of trial and eror? My amp is audioGD HE9mk2 and wells audio dragon.

[@Flavius7]

You say Ferrum...you say quality, practically synonyms! Same design language, same quality components, same musical, thick, impactful sound everyone learned to appreciate. You just take a look inside the unit and understand why some companies are successful. Pretty sure Ferrum will never stop developing, advancing, innovating! That's the way of the future!

[@Hakku1403]

It seems you´re an payed actor.Ferrum units are mediocre overprized trash, only the wandla is good

[@Flavius7]

@@Hakku1403 Jealous they pay me more than you?

[@Hakku1403]

@@Flavius7 nothing to do with money, only with the truth.

[@pauldavis5967]

Great review. I am seriously considering the Wandla. Could you give your thoughts on the Wandla vs the Goldnote DS10?

[@AVICK_22]

OOR + HYSOS is a good combo for Susvara. Wandla improve it? Or just can swap OOR with Wandla?

[@nikolaciganovic8448]

Could you please just comment how woul you compare it with the sound of Audiobyte Hydra Stack? Many thanks

[@frederf69]

quality is there i think, but no remote & usb c; usb B is more stable/ robust; only expect this conection on portable devices. good review, thank you.

[@Soundnews]

There is a remote in the package and USB-C works with desktop PCs as well

[@frederf69]

@@Soundnews ok thanks about the remote

[@freelancer1499]

Hi u mentioned Gustard A26's soundstage. How is the Gustard R26 for the depth in soundstage? Thanks!

[@Soundnews]

Exactly like this: soundnews.net/sources/dacs/a-new-point-of-reference-gustard-r26-discrete-r-2r-ladder-dac-review/ - check chapter 4.

[@jaybrodnax]

I don't think it makes sense to compare this to other DACs without setting the same output voltage. It's like when people think and amp is better because the volume is turned up. I would have added a same voltage comparison to the review.

[@brianwoonhyungcho3381]

How would you compare the Wandla + Oor vs. the Erco? Is it a worthwhile upgrade? Thank you.

[@tomwalker7629]

Is the USB connection as good as that on the HOLO May? I need an excellent USB connection as I have invested significantly in a USB connected Innuos source. TIA

[@briancampbell7712]

please help me decide on these two standmounts Totem element fire V2 or Dali Epicon 2 ???

[@Soundnews]

Never tried any of them, you should go and check them out in a showroom and pick the one you like. However, I was very impressed by Totem acoustics speakers at the Munich High-End Show this year, I even included them in my detailed report.

[@damirzarko5934]

How does the Ferrum Wandla compare to Denafrips' Venus 2 in terms of soundstage, detail retrieval, bass, mids and highs, and overall sound quality?

[@aceofspades6667]

Dacs are tricky to evaluate.. so much has to do with source, chain synergy, and listening preferences. I’m finding dacs that I love with my desktop and headphone rig aren’t exactly what I want for my 2 channel.

[@tomwalker7629]

Hi, thinking of pairing the HEDDphone 2 with the Ferrum stack. Good idea?

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Good good

[@briancampbell7712]

is your favorite DAC still Gustard R26?...I enjoy the R26 everyday...a keeper!!

[@Soundnews]

My all time favorite DAC (at any price) wasn't the R26, it was my favorite R2R below ~$3K.

[@briancampbell7712]

@@Soundnews what R2R make & model and do you use it with your personal setup? i thought you said in your Gustard R26 - A26 that your favorite DAC was the Gustard R26...?

[@Soundnews]

@@briancampbell7712 below a certain price point R26 is indeed hard to beat and if you already own it, then you should settle down. Price no object, Rockna Wavedream Signature is currently the no.1 DAC I heard at my place, especially when connected to the Rockna Wavedream NET (Roon server / Music server / wired streamer)

[@orangemoon1708]

How would ferrum Oor+Hypsos combo with this over the Burson Voyager? Or even a lower combo with a dac around $1000-$1500(ex:Gustard R26/A26, Chrod qutest, etc.)

[@freeperjim]

@Soundnews - What is the integrated tube amp at 7:12?

[@Soundnews]

That is a 30-kilo headphone amp actually :) and it's called Trafomatic Primavera: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoLTqYKkn6yXnbs

[@user-fy8lq1nv4o]

only reason stop me buying it is the type c output which I can't find any proper cable for my music system

[@Soundnews]

Audioquest makes their Diamond USB cable terminated with USB-C: www.audioquest.com/cables/digital-cables/usb-a-to-usb-c/usb-a-to-c-diamond - They have cheaper variants as well.

[@steverino5054]

The Rockna wavelight is around 4 years old now, but still $5500 new. Does it still beat Wandla DAC?

[@Nightjar726]

How is the Wandla compared to the Benchmark DAC3 if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks !

[@briancampbell7712]

what model Kef do you use...pictured in the backround?...did you ever compare them to Dali Rubicon or Epicon?

[@Soundnews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGWxpHibnLOdhZo (I didn't compare them with Dali's)

[@zelareka]

How does it compare to a26?

[@Soundnews]

Wandla is denser, fuller-bodied, there is more texture all around, plus it has nicer dynamics, especially in the low-end. Wandla also images like crazy, but that mostly happens with the Hypsos PS in place.

[@calypsopiter]

​@@Soundnews is it a night and day difference?

[@bren4973]

​@@calypsopiterno, noticeable just not big

[@steinerikbhmer6073]

Its great

[@legendary82]

how many volts did you use with the hypsos?

[@Soundnews]

24V powering both the OOR and Wandla

[@legendary82]

@@Soundnewsthanks

[@rakdurrre]

hat are those headphones withe octogonal earcaps?

[@Soundnews]

Erzetich Phobos V2021: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4m4eXSAr6aWmac and if you're curious about their best headphones, here is another video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4POlZyEndmhq9k

[@dangerzone007]

The output voltage of the DAC is irrelevant as long as the amplifier has enough gain. These days almost every amplifier has enough gain

[@nonchalantd]

!

[@mounirehab]

Too high output voltage !!!

[@Soundnews]

You can always lower it if you want.

[@legendary82]

What voltage is better?

[@mounirehab]

@@legendary82 2 V for RCA , 4 V for XLR ...

[@wilfredroettger5906]

Hmm. This combo will cost you 6.200 Euros in the EU. Very over priced in my oppinion. One can have the T+A HP200 for 7.000, that seats in a different league. Not a great deal.

[@legendary82]

I have paid 3995 euro’s for it.

[@user-wr5nw7kp4v]

@@legendary82 I meant the combo. Everything on the table plus the splitter to be able to run two devices with one Hypsos. Even if you considere only the DAC, the Holo Spring 3 KTE is a better option for the same price, IMHO.

[@legendary82]

that is your opinion not fact.

[@wilfredroettger5906]

@@legendary82 That’s why I wrote IMHO.

[@yttean98]

Really even before SMELLING the DAC you should tell the viewers the more impt. info like Price, Where it is made, based which DAC chip, etc. Get down to the Nitty Gritty rather than smelling the DAC.

[@Soundnews]

All of that and more is already included in the review.

[@yttean98]

@@Soundnews Leave the Frills eg smelling the DAC till the end to those who enjoy them, I don't. Your channel provides useful info don't damage that image.

[@mikelanier5617]

It's a running joke. Sorry, you have no sense of humor. I bet you are fun at parties 🎉😂

[@eobet]

That list of recommended equipment... how much are the Chi-fi companies paying this guy??? XD

[@Soundnews]

Nobody pays of influences these reviews, I'm completely independent. Some links below might be affiliated links, meaning that I might get a small procent from the sale, just in case you want to support the channel. That is all.

[@alstonmaccow9386]

Don’t like the look

[@vivianvaldi7871]

I might see their Fe white logo somewhere (always on), but the real thing is the sound. Makes you forget about the already almost invisible little brick. How does it impact the product ? Makes price half ?