Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 – an Updated DAC

Polish manufacturer of high-end audio equipment Ferrum Audio has announced the second generation of the Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 – an updated version of its DAC/preamplifier based on the original Wandla model and the special GoldenSound Edition variant. The new model develops the ideas of its predecessors and places even greater emphasis on flexible sound tailoring to match a specific system and the owner’s preferences.

The key refinements affect three of the device’s proprietary functions: Impact+, Tube Mode, and Spatial Enhancement. All of them have been reworked using Ferrum Sweet Spot Tuning technology. According to the manufacturer, this has made sound tuning more precise and versatile while preserving the platform’s core qualities – transparency, accuracy, and musical expressiveness.

The Impact+ system, responsible for low-frequency performance, now offers not just one but seven different sound profiles. The available options include Reference, Smooth, Kick+, and Sub-Bass. In addition, the user can adjust the intensity of the effect within a range from 10 to 130%, while the signal processing itself is carried out with 64-bit precision.

The Tube Mode has also been significantly reworked. It is no longer limited to the conventional addition of tube-like warmth, but instead simulates the sonic character of five classic tubes: EL34, KT88, 300B, 2A3, and 7062. The intensity of the effect can be adjusted from 10 to 200%, allowing for anything from a barely noticeable softening of the presentation to a distinctly pronounced tube-like character in the sound.

The Spatial Enhancement function, designed to improve the scale and depth of the soundstage, has also received an important update. It now incorporates Transient Compensation (T-Comp) technology, which enhances the handling of high-frequency transients. This helps create a more clearly defined and convincing three-dimensional space while avoiding the side effects often associated with traditional crossfeed solutions.

At the same time, the Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 retains the strengths of the core platform. The model still features SERCE DSP, is built around a fully balanced architecture, employs proprietary circuit design solutions, optimized digital inputs, and a touch display. When used with the external Ferrum Hypsos power supply, the unit also benefits from the company’s proprietary 4TSD technology.

Owners of the previous Wandla GoldenSound Edition version will receive a welcome bonus: upgrading to Gen 2 will be possible by installing a free system firmware update. In addition, Ferrum Audio plans to release a separate Gen 2 Converting Plugin for all owners of the standard Wandla model. The cost of this upgrade will be 599 euros.

The recommended retail price of the Wandla GoldenSound Edition Gen 2 in Europe is 3,295 euros.