Ferrum, a respected Polish audio company, is known for crafting high-quality audio gear. Their WANDLA series has earned a strong reputation in the audiophile community, and their latest release, the WANDLA HP, is no exception. Priced at $3,295, this balanced DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier made waves at the NYC CanJam show. But is it the right upgrade for you? Let’s dive in and find out.
What’s in the Box?
- WANDLA HP DAC/Preamp with Headphone Amplifier
- 4.4mm to 6.35mm Adapter
- Remote Control
- DC Power Adapter
Design & Build
Ferrum keeps a clean, modern look across its products, and the WANDLA HP follows suit. It has a sleek, rectangular shape with a brown accent panel featuring a glowing Ferrum logo. Despite packing in high-end tech, the unit remains lightweight and compact.
A touchscreen display keeps the interface minimalist and user-friendly, with just a volume dial and 4.4mm headphone output on the front. The WANDLA HP pairs perfectly with Ferrum’s HYPSOS power system, both visually and sonically, making it an easy fit in any high-end setup.
Connections & Usability
The WANDLA HP is packed with versatile input and output options to work with a variety of setups:
- Digital Inputs: USB-C, coaxial, optical, ARC TV
- Analog Inputs: RCA for legacy sources
- Balanced Outputs: XLR for home speaker systems
- Headphone Output: 4.4mm balanced port (with a 6.35mm adapter included)
The volume dial is smooth, and the touchscreen is easy to navigate. I tested this amp with several high-impedance headphones—Dan Clark E3, Sennheiser HD 600, Final Audio D8000 DC Pro, and Abyss JOAL. Initially, I had to increase the volume, but after adjusting the gain settings, I had plenty of power to drive all of them with ease.
Key Features
The “HP” in WANDLA HP stands for “headphone”, making it clear that this unit is designed with personal listening in mind. But it’s not just a headphone amp—it’s also a DAC and preamp, making it a powerful all-in-one solution for serious listeners.
Customization & Sound Tweaks
While it doesn’t have a built-in EQ, the WANDLA HP offers four proprietary Signalyst filters, channel balance adjustments, and a theater mode for enhanced speaker performance.
Ease of Use
A remote control allows for quick adjustments from a distance, making it more convenient for home setups.
Technical Specs
Headphone Amp
- THD (Balanced): 0.00016% / -116dB (10mW into 50Ω)
- Power Output (Balanced): 3.5W into 50Ω
- Dynamic Range: 122 dB
- Output Impedance: 0.5Ω (unbalanced), 1Ω (balanced)
DAC & Inputs
- DAC Chip: ESS Sabre ES9038PRO
- Resolution: Up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD 512
- Inputs: AES/EBU, Optical, Coaxial, USB-C, ARC, I2S
- MQA Support: Decoder and renderer (on all digital inputs)
Power & Build
- Power Use: 13W (idle, amp off) / 18W (idle, amp on) / 35W (max)
- Size: 21.7 x 20.6 x 5 cm (8.6 x 8.1 x 2.0 in)
- Weight: 1.9 kg (4.19 lbs)
Listening Experience
I tested the WANDLA HP with Dan Clark E3, Abyss JOAL, Sennheiser HD 600, and Final Audio D8000 DC Pro, and the results were impressive. Each headphone maintained its core sound signature, but the amplifier enhanced certain qualities, making for a refined and enjoyable listening experience.
- Sennheiser HD 600: Gained warmth and fullness in the midrange, making vocals richer and instruments more engaging.
- Abyss JOAL: Retained its crisp detail but gained extra bass depth, adding more body to the lower frequencies.
- Dan Clark E3: Delivered a tight, punchy low end with smooth mids, providing an engaging and lively sound.
- Final Audio D8000 DC Pro: Showcased its signature wide soundstage, with improved separation and a pristine level of detail.
Regardless of the headphones used, the WANDLA HP maintained a smooth, refined presentation. The bass gained warmth, mids stayed rich and well-defined, and highs remained clear without harshness. Even at high volumes, the sound remained controlled, with no distortion or congestion. The amp’s ability to scale with different headphone impedances made it a versatile option for various listening needs.
Final Thoughts
The Ferrum WANDLA HP is a powerful, clean-sounding, and versatile amplifier that delivers exceptional sound quality. With multiple inputs, balanced outputs, and customization options, it works well for both headphone and speaker setups. The default gain settings may need tweaking, but once adjusted, it provides plenty of power and clarity.
Pros:
- Elegant, minimalist design
- DAC, preamp, and headphone amp in one
- Customizable filters and gain settings
- Powerful, balanced sound
- Remote control included
Cons:
- Single 4.4mm headphone output (requires adapter for 6.35mm)
- No built-in EQ
If you’re an audiophile looking for a high-performance all-in-one amp with balanced outputs and advanced features, the Ferrum WANDLA HP is a fantastic investment. While it’s on the premium end, its top-tier sound, build quality, and connectivity make it a worthy addition to any high-end audio system.
The Ferrum WANDLA HP is available at Audio46.
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