Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 Announced: Major Improvements to Award-Winning DAC/PREAMP
Ferrum has officially launched the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2, the latest evolution of its popular DAC/Preamplifier platform. Building on the success of the original WANDLA, an EISA award-winning DAC—and the first GoldenSound Edition, the new Gen 2 model introduces significant improvements to its three signature technologies: Impact+ bass shaping, Tube Mode valve modeling, and Spatial Enhancement processing.
Enhanced with Ferrum’s Sweet Spot Tuning, the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 aims to give listeners greater flexibility in shaping their sound without sacrificing the precision, transcendence, and musicality that defined the WANDLA platform.
Designed for audiophiles seeking a customizable listening experience, the new DAC allows users to fine-tune bass response, emulate classic tube amplifier characteristics, and expand surround presentation—all within a modern digital audio system.
Enhanced Effect+: Precision Bass Control
One of the standout enhancements to the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 DAC is the redesigned Impact+ low frequency boost system.
First introduced in the first GoldenSound Edition, the Impact+ has combined bass shelf and extra high end to deliver a tighter, more realistic presentation. The Gen 2 version greatly expands this functionality, offering seven selectable sound profiles:
- Reference
- Ref+
- It’s smooth
- Kick+
- DD-Comp
- DD-Comp+
- Sub-Bass
These profiles allow users to adjust the bass response to suit different headphones, speakers, or listening preferences.
Listeners can also adjust the intensity of Impact+ from 10% to 130%, providing granular control between subtle reinforcement and powerful low-end boost. All processing takes place internally with 64-bit precision, ensuring that editing remains smooth and confidential while maintaining the integrity of the original recording.
New Tube Mod with Classic Valve Model
Another major improvement in GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 is the redesigned Tube Mode, which now goes beyond simple harmonic colors.
The new program models the sonic characteristics of five legendary vacuum tube models, allowing users to emulate the tonal qualities of classic valve amplifiers:
Each tube model presents its own tonal flavor, from warm and raw to detailed and clear.
Users can also control the intensity of the effect from 10% to 200%, allowing for anything from a subtle touch of analog warmth to a more inspired sound signature. This feature provides an easy way to test valve-style sound color without requiring conventional tube hardware.
Enhanced Spatial Development with T-Comp Technology
Ferrum has also developed a Surround Enhancement feature, designed to expand the sound stage and improve three-dimensional imaging.
The original WANDLA offered two dedicated channels optimized for headphones and speakers. With the release of Gen 2, Ferrum is introducing Transient Compensation (T-Comp), a new processing layer that refines spatial sensitivity by improving how the system handles high-frequency transients.
This update helps create a clear sense of depth and tool orientation while avoiding unnatural image distortion sometimes caused by conventional feed systems or processing environment.
Users can independently adjust the surround processing, select the output mode (headphones or speakers), and enable T-Comp for additional enhancements.
WANDLA’s Key Features Remain The Same
Although new technology is the theme of the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2, Ferrum retains the core architecture that made the original unit so popular.
Key features include:
- SERCE DSP module advanced digital processing
- A limited circuit structure
- Design to increase ownership
- Powerful Digital Filtering to choose from
- Optimized digital input section
- High performance digital-to-analog conversion
The DAC also features a touch screen interface for intuitive operation and integrates seamlessly with modern digital setups with Ferrum Streaming Control Technology.
When paired with Ferrum’s HYPSOS power supply, the system also benefits from 4TSD voltage sensitivity, which helps improve performance and stability.
Improve the Approach of Existing WANDLA Owners
Ferrum designed the GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 with a flexible development approach.
Owners of the original WANDLA GoldenSound Edition or those who purchased the GoldenSound Converting Plugin will be able to upgrade their device with a free firmware update, converting their existing hardware to the Gen 2 version.
Additionally, Ferrum plans to release the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 Converting Plugin, which will allow standard WANDLA owners to access new features for $595.
Price and Availability
The Ferrum WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 DAC/PREAMP is priced at $3295.
With expanded DSP customization, tube modeling, and advanced spatial processing, the Gen 2 update positions the WANDLA as one of the most versatile DAC/preamplifiers available for audiophile systems.
You can find more from Ferrum at Audio46.
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