Ferrum has officially introduced the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2, the latest evolution of its acclaimed high-end 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 upgrades to three of its signature technologies: Impact+ bass shaping, Tube Mode valve modeling, and Spatial Enhancement processing.
Developed with Ferrum’s Sweet Spot Tuning, the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 aims to provide listeners with greater flexibility in shaping their sound without sacrificing the precision, transparency, and musicality that have defined the WANDLA platform.
Designed for audiophiles seeking a highly customizable listening experience, the new DAC allows users to fine-tune bass response, emulate classic tube amplifier characteristics, and expand spatial presentation—all within a modern digital audio system.
Enhanced Impact+: Precision Bass Control
One of the standout upgrades in the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 DAC is the redesigned Impact+ low-frequency enhancement system.
Originally introduced in the first GoldenSound Edition, Impact+ combined a bass shelf and additional peak to deliver a stronger, more realistic low-end presentation. The Gen 2 version significantly expands this functionality, offering seven selectable sound profiles:
- Reference
- Ref+
- Smooth
- Kick+
- DD-Comp
- DD-Comp+
- Sub-Bass
These profiles allow users to tailor the bass response to match different headphones, speakers, or listening preferences.
Listeners can also adjust the Impact+ intensity from 10% to 130%, providing granular control between subtle reinforcement and powerful low-end enhancement. All processing occurs internally at 64-bit precision, ensuring the adjustments remain smooth and transparent while preserving the integrity of the original recording.
New Tube Mode with Classic Valve Modeling
Another major improvement in the GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 is the redesigned Tube Mode, which now goes beyond simple harmonic coloration.
The new system models the sonic characteristics of five legendary vacuum tube types, allowing users to emulate the tonal qualities of classic valve amplifiers:
- EL34
- KT88
- 300B
- 2A3
- 7062
Each tube model introduces its own tonal flavor, ranging from warm and lush to detailed and articulate.
Users can also control the intensity of the effect from 10% to 200%, enabling anything from a subtle touch of analog warmth to a more pronounced tube-inspired sound signature. This feature provides a convenient way to explore valve-style audio coloration without requiring traditional tube hardware.
Improved Spatial Enhancement with T-Comp Technology
Ferrum has also enhanced the Spatial Enhancement feature, designed to expand the soundstage and improve three-dimensional imaging.
The original WANDLA offered two dedicated spatial modes optimized for headphones and loudspeakers. With the Gen 2 release, Ferrum introduces Transient Compensation (T-Comp), a new processing layer that refines spatial imaging by improving how the system handles high-frequency transients.
This update helps create a clearer sense of depth and instrument positioning while avoiding the unnatural imaging shifts sometimes caused by traditional crossfeed or spatial processing systems.
Users can independently toggle spatial processing, select the output mode (headphones or speakers), and enable T-Comp for further refinement.
Core WANDLA Features Remain Intact
While the new technologies headline the WANDLA GoldenSound Edition Gen 2, Ferrum retains the core architecture that made the original unit so highly regarded.
Key features include:
- SERCE DSP module for advanced digital processing
- Balanced circuit architecture
- Proprietary amplification design
- Dynamic Digital Filtering options
- Optimized digital input stage
- High-performance digital-to-analog conversion
The DAC also features a touchscreen interface for intuitive operation and integrates seamlessly with modern digital setups through Ferrum Streaming Control Technology.
When paired with Ferrum’s HYPSOS power supply, the system also benefits from 4TSD voltage sensing, helping optimize performance and stability.
Upgrade Path for Existing WANDLA Owners
Ferrum has designed the GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 with a flexible upgrade path.
Owners of the original WANDLA GoldenSound Edition or those who purchased the GoldenSound Edition Converting Plugin will be able to upgrade their device via a free firmware update, transforming their existing hardware into 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 the 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 enhanced spatial processing, the Gen 2 update positions the WANDLA as one of the most versatile high-end DAC/preamplifiers available for audiophile systems.
You can find more from Ferrum at Audio46.
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