Schaumberg, IL, 14 April, 2023: VANA LTD, Importer and Distributor of Luxury Audio Products, will introduce WANDLA: the first “stand-alone” DAC from Ferrum. Ferrum’s complete range of award-winning products will be on display in Ear Gear booth # 1205 and room #8208 of the Renaissance Schaumberg Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, 14-16 April. During their short history, the Ferrum brand has developed a strong following. Our first two products, HYPSOS and OOR, were honored with coveted EISA awards, which has created very high expectations for our latest statement product.
WANDLA—derived from the German word Wandler, for converter—was, from its inception, designed to set a new standard among D-to-A Converters, regardless of price. WANDLA has at its heart our proprietary ARM-based platform, SERCE. Utilizing Ferrum's software, SERCE processes all incoming digital data streams. Our ARM processor performs the work of five chips and creates the shortest possible signal path for the audio-optimized USB, HDMI, I2S, coaxial, and optical S/PDIF ports. Behind the conversion stage, Ferrum’s engineering team implemented an advanced new current-to-voltage converter and an output stage that benefited from experience in developing the acclaimed OOR and ERCO. Based on our HYPSOS' (Linear Power Supply) revolutionary hybrid design, multiple internal supplies power both analog and digital sections to minimize interference and noise while maximizing channel separation.
Ferrum’s powerful dual-core ARM chip does much more than manage WANDLA's functions. In order to give consumers meaningful choices, all seven digital filters in the DAC are user-accessible. The SERCE platform also enabled us to create Dynamic Digital Filtering (DFF) to bypass the filters of the ESS DAC; additionally, Ferrum has included their customers in the process of evolving WANDLA. Initial units will include three unique filter options and we will challenge our user community to vote for their favorites. Subsequent firmware updates will replace the least favorite filter options with new alternatives. After five rounds, we will proclaim a winning digital filter and create a new community of digital filter specialists: people interacting with us and their WANDLAs in search of the best possible, custom-tailored sound. This “crowd-sourcing” collaboration between the manufacturer and its users is unique to Ferrum, the DA converter category, and the audiophile community. Ferrum will release an auto-updater application for Mac and PC to facilitate firmware updates.
In addition to being a top-notch DA converter, WANDLA doubles as a premium preamplifier including a full-function IR remote handset. We've implemented two new digitally controlled attenuators for volume control, with user-selectable analogue or digital. WANDLA has a truly balanced topology which builds upon our modified IC amplifier and power section designs. In addition to the six digital (USB-C, coax, optical, AES, HDMI, and I2S) inputs, we’ve included a “Direct Path” RCA analogue input that bypasses all digital processing to remain faithful to the highest-fidelity analog sources. Both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs and a configurable trigger are provided. As one would expect from Ferrum, two DC power inputs (FPL and 5.5 x 2.5mm DC pin) enable WANDLA to connect either to the standard power supply or, for ultimate performance, our HYPSOS Linear Power Supply.
Ferrum's engineering artistry is complemented by an aesthetically stunning chassis. Distinguished by a hi-res touchscreen with an intuitive user interface (UI), WANDLA features a “Distance Mode” which, when operated via remote, adapts its display for superior legibility regardless of user location. Impressive as its performance credentials are, perhaps this DAC’s most remarkable feature is its price. Ferrum and VANA are confident that no other DAC available for under $3,000 MSRP can match WANDLA’s sound quality or features set. We invite you to visit us at AXPONA Ear Gear booth # 1205 and room #8208 and learn more.
WANDLA is currently available at an MSRP of $2,795 USD. Please contact [email protected]
ABOUT VANA : Founded in 2010, VANA Ltd is a full-service importer/distributor of fine audio products, including Atlas Cables from Scotland, European Audio Team (E.A.T.) turntable products from Austria, Ferrum electronics from Poland, and Marten loudspeakers from Sweden. Based in Nesconset, NY, VANA offers sales and marketing services to specialty manufacturers around the world. VANA provides dealer support and sales channel management at the highest level and maintains relationships with North America’s most respected high-end audio retailers.
ABOUT FERRUM: Looking at the competencies of HEM and the rich local history of quality craftsmanship in the Warsaw region of Poland inspired the idea of creating a new brand of quality hifi products. The Ferrum brand was created in early 2020 and set out to combine sustainability, durability and quality into compact yet attractive packages, focused on one thing only: delivering the best possible audio experience at an affordable price level. The second Ferrum product, OOR, redefines the form and functionality of headphone amplifiers while keeping a focus on the very foundations of each audio product. Exciting future products will follow suit in unique, exciting and new ways. All Ferrum products are forged from love by HEM.
ABOUT HEM: Founded more than 20 years ago in Warsaw, Poland by Marcin Hamerla, HEM set out to operate at the forefront of audio technology. Having done several projects for the Polish government, HEM’s focus shifted to industry leading digital technology in collaborating with Mytek Digital. Experimenting with hi-res audio and Master Quality Authenticated files in particular, HEM manufactured the finest Digital to Analogue converters in the world under the Mytek brand. Apart from being responsible for manufacturing Mytek, HEM distributed the brand in European and Far Eastern markets. Another brand in HEM distribution is Clarus Cable. HEM recently introduced a new and completely in-house developed brand of hifi products under the name Ferrum. Because of HEM’s in-house Research & Development and Software Programming Division, fields of expertise also include the manufacturing of original electronic equipment (OEM) and electronic designs (ODM).
