Ferrum Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 introduces expanded sound tuning features.
Polish audio manufacturer Ferrum Audio has announced the launch of the Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2, the latest iteration of its flagship digital-to-analog converter and preamplifier. Building on the existing Wandla platform, the new version focuses on expanded sound customization through updated processing features collectively described as Ferrum Sweet Spot Tuning.
According to the company, the original Wandla GoldenSound Edition added three processing tools—Impact+, Tube Mode and Spatial Enhancement—designed to tailor low-frequency response, harmonic character and perceived soundstage. In the Gen 2 model, these features have been reworked and given additional adjustment options.
Impact+ with seven profiles
Impact+ is aimed at shaping bass response and dynamics. While the earlier version applied a fixed enhancement, Gen 2 introduces seven selectable profiles: Reference, Ref+, Smooth, Kick+, DD-Comp, DD-Comp+, and Sub-Bass. Users can also adjust the overall effect level from 10 percent to 130 percent.
Ferrum states that this allows listeners to “perfectly tailor the output to your specific sound system, headphones, or soundtrack,” with signal processing handled at 64-bit precision. Some of the new profiles are designed to compensate for the characteristics of dynamic driver headphones.
Expanded Tube Mode options
Tube Mode, which previously focused on adding the “sweetness of the second harmonic,” has also been expanded. The Gen 2 version introduces selectable sound signatures based on five classic tube types: EL34, KT88, 300B, 2A3 and 7062. Processing now reproduces harmonics up to the seventh order, with adjustable intensity from 10 percent to 200 percent.
Ferrum describes the feature as a way to “Experience the tube sound, without the associated negatives like big and bulky components, excessive heat production, not to mention the costs of tubes.” As with the other enhancements, the company characterizes the implementation as subtle but customizable.
Spatial Enhancement and transient control
The Spatial Enhancement function, originally offered in separate modes for speakers and headphones, now includes Transient Compensation (T-Comp). This addition is intended to refine high-frequency transient processing and stereo imaging. Users can independently toggle the spatial effect, select headphone or speaker output mode, and activate T-Comp to adjust staging characteristics.
Ferrum claims the update results in “a vastly more realistic three-dimensional staging without unwanted shifts in imaging often caused by traditional crossfeed.”
Core features and specifications
Aside from the new tuning tools, the Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 retains most features of the original Wandla platform, excluding MQA support. It continues to use the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chip and supports resolutions up to 768 kHz / 32 bit PCM and DSD 512. Connectivity includes USB-C, I2S, ARC, AES, coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs, along with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs.
The unit offers both analog and digital volume control modes, a touchscreen interface, and compatibility with Ferrum’s Hypsos power supply via its proprietary Power Link.
Ferrum Wandla GoldenSound Edition availability and Pricing
The Ferrum Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 DAC/Preamp is priced at 3,295 EUR/USD. Existing owners of the original GoldenSound Edition can download the Gen 2 firmware free of charge, while a separate Gen 2 Converting Plugin will be available for other Wandla users at 595 EUR/USD.
