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Streamers — Ferrum BROEN
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Ferrum BROEN
Image source — © Ferrum
The BROEN is a network streaming transport from Ferrum Audio, the Polish company known for its WANDLA DAC and HYPSOS power supply. It contains no DAC and delivers the digital signal to an external converter. It was shown at the Audio Video Show in Warsaw and launched at GBP 1,995, EUR 1,995 or USD 2,275.
Key specs that matter
Digital outputs are I2S, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical and USB-C, galvanically isolated. The core is Ferrum's SERCE DDC module. Networking is Wi-Fi and a modular SFP port that accepts an optical module or, with the supplied RJ45 module, an Ethernet cable. An internal SSD slot adds storage. The software is Volumio OS, with Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, UPnP/DLNA, internet radio, multi-room and CD playback from a connected drive. Supported formats include MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WAV and DSD.
Engineering and use context
SERCE, Ferrum's new digital-to-digital converter, handles the signal entirely in the digital domain and keeps the input and output sides fully separate, while ultra-low-jitter clocks time the outputs. Galvanic isolation of the outputs prevents noise from the network and processor from reaching the DAC along the cable. The SFP port allows an optical fibre connection to a compatible network switch, which carries no electrical noise. Ferrum Streaming Control Technology, FSCT, is a USB-based open protocol that lets the WANDLA DAC show track, artist and progress information from the BROEN and control playback from its touchscreen and remote, so the BROEN and WANDLA work as one streaming DAC and preamplifier. With the HYPSOS power supply connected through Ferrum Power Link and its 4TSD voltage sensing, the components coordinate to optimise their power. Volumio is an Italian platform with more than half a million users, providing iOS and Android apps, a web interface, plug-ins and over-the-air updates. The front panel is kept simple for quick operation. In Australia it was priced at AUD 3,999. Ferrum developed its reputation with power supplies and headphone electronics, including the ERCO and OOR, before moving into streaming.
Pairing
The BROEN pairs with Ferrum's WANDLA DAC over USB and HYPSOS power supply for a complete system. Although designed around the Ferrum system, it works with any DAC that has a matching digital input.
Alternatives
Ferrum's WANDLA is the brand's DAC and preamplifier designed to be controlled with the BROEN.
Key specs that matter
Digital outputs are I2S, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical and USB-C, galvanically isolated. The core is Ferrum's SERCE DDC module. Networking is Wi-Fi and a modular SFP port that accepts an optical module or, with the supplied RJ45 module, an Ethernet cable. An internal SSD slot adds storage. The software is Volumio OS, with Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, UPnP/DLNA, internet radio, multi-room and CD playback from a connected drive. Supported formats include MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WAV and DSD.
Engineering and use context
SERCE, Ferrum's new digital-to-digital converter, handles the signal entirely in the digital domain and keeps the input and output sides fully separate, while ultra-low-jitter clocks time the outputs. Galvanic isolation of the outputs prevents noise from the network and processor from reaching the DAC along the cable. The SFP port allows an optical fibre connection to a compatible network switch, which carries no electrical noise. Ferrum Streaming Control Technology, FSCT, is a USB-based open protocol that lets the WANDLA DAC show track, artist and progress information from the BROEN and control playback from its touchscreen and remote, so the BROEN and WANDLA work as one streaming DAC and preamplifier. With the HYPSOS power supply connected through Ferrum Power Link and its 4TSD voltage sensing, the components coordinate to optimise their power. Volumio is an Italian platform with more than half a million users, providing iOS and Android apps, a web interface, plug-ins and over-the-air updates. The front panel is kept simple for quick operation. In Australia it was priced at AUD 3,999. Ferrum developed its reputation with power supplies and headphone electronics, including the ERCO and OOR, before moving into streaming.
Pairing
The BROEN pairs with Ferrum's WANDLA DAC over USB and HYPSOS power supply for a complete system. Although designed around the Ferrum system, it works with any DAC that has a matching digital input.
Alternatives
Ferrum's WANDLA is the brand's DAC and preamplifier designed to be controlled with the BROEN.
Specifications
Model name
BROEN
Has internal DAC
N/A
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
N/A
DSP processing
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Analog outputs level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (kg)
N/A
Official link