The Wandla GSE DAC introduces three standout features: Spatial Enhancement, Tube Mode, and Impact+, developed in collaboration with Cameron Oatley of GoldenSound, giving the edition its name.
In July 2023, I published an article titled "The Wonder Trio" on Hificlube discussing the Ferrum Hypsos (PSU), Oor (Headphone Amplifier), and Wandla (DAC/Preamplifier). A year later, this wonder trio returned to my humble abode, now with the Wandla GSE as the bandleader.
Readers can thus refer to my previous work for insights on the trio’s performance, allowing me to focus solely on the new features of the Wandla GSE this time around. Notably, the hardware remains unchanged; only the software has been updated. The new software (Converting Plugin) is also available for the original Wandla at approximately €600 (contact Ajasom or your local dealer for details).
Ferrum in High-End 2024
During my visit to the Ferrum Audio booth at High-End 2024 (see more on Ajasom in Munich here), I was introduced to three exciting new products: the Erco Gen II, the Hypsos Gen II Double Output, and the Wandla GoldenSound Edition (€3,295). Maksymilian Matuszak enthusiastically showcased the new features of the Wandla (see video below).
Watch the video for an overview of the Wandla GSE’s five new features, alongside its existing digital filter options. Note, however, that MQA decoding has been removed.
Ferrum collaborated with audio influencer and reviewer Cameron Oatley of the GoldenSound blog to implement features 3, 4, and 5 and remove feature 6, leading to the special GoldenSound branding and its distinctive horn symbol.
New Features
- Elevated Digital Headroom: Reduces inter-sample distortion caused by excessive recording compression, commonly referred to as the 'Loudness Wars.' By increasing the dynamic ceiling, Ferrum effectively eliminates distortion from digital peak clipping, resulting in cleaner playback. I’ve covered this topic in detail in my review of the NAD M66.
- Hardware Voltage Adjustment: Provides user-adjustable output levels for better compatibility with various equipment. The Wandla GSE can drive active speakers or an external amplifier with a 10Vrms (PRO) output, or it can be reduced to 4Vrms (RED) to prevent overloading preamplifiers or headphone amplifiers.
- Spatial Enhancement: Enhances the soundstage with separate modes for headphones and speakers. This feature utilizes the processing power of the SERCE (Polish for 'heart') module to expand the soundstage without the need for crossfeed or artificial reverb.
- Tube Mode: Introduces 2nd harmonic distortion to mimic the warmth and richness of valve amplifiers without the noise and other drawbacks typically associated with them. I’ve discussed the allure of tube sound in a previous article titled 'BB Tubes - Beauty and the Beast.'
- Impact+: This feature applies a tailored two-band EQ to enhance low frequencies, adding depth and dynamic impact. It’s more refined than typical bass boost features, gently enhancing frequencies below 100Hz by 2dB with a peak of 2.8 dB at 80Hz.
- No MQA: The GoldenSound Edition does not support MQA decoding, maintaining audio in pure PCM format. According to Cameron Oatley, all SERCE processing power is needed for Spatial Enhancement. Besides, his technical study suggested that MQA encoding isn’t truly lossless, leading to its gradual phase-out by platforms like Tidal in favour of Flac.
I think it was a shame to remove MQA decoding. It’s true that when I want to listen to high-resolution music, I always turn to my collection of DSD and DXD files. However, I still believe that MQA, when fully decoded, is better than Flac. Of course, the ‘woke’ audiophiles are quick to criticise, claiming MQA is worse than MP3!
But it’s not just me who thinks this way: Peter McGrath is a proponent of MQA, using it in his presentations worldwide. And I’m not just talking about streaming, but about audio files encoded in MQA. And in Japan MQA/CDs are still striving.
Goodbye MQA?
While the Wandla GSE doesn’t support MQA decoding, the original Wandla retains this capability, even with the new software (Converting Plugin) installed. According to Ferrum, it is possible to activate and deactivate it to switch between original WANDLA and WANDLA GoldenSound Edition. And I quote: ‘This is a unique feature, which WANDLA GoldenSound Edition itself does not offer and makes your original WANDLA even more desirable than it already is.’
In my tests, the GSE version offers a richer, more textured sound even with the new features turned off. You can easily switch between On/Off to compare the effects on the fly. This distinction is best heard with high-resolution headphones, such as my modified Hifiman HE1000 and the new Austrian Audio The Composer.
Ferrum’s CEO, Marcin Hamerla, explained the subtlety of these enhancements is deliberate, the goal being for the changes to be tasteful, not overwhelming with genuine improvements, not typical DSP effects that shock the listener.
The Tube Mode effect, for example, is so nuanced it feels more like a subtle warmth rather than a noticeable effect, although technical measurements show significant differences. The Wandla GSE has a SINAD of 118dB, which drops to 52dB in Tube Mode. Despite this, the difference is difficult to perceive by ear.
Nota: On this topic read also: Why Sinad is not important
Final Thoughts
These enhancements contribute to a more immersive listening experience. For example, in Sara Bareilles' live album Brave Enough: Live at the Variety Playhouse, Tube Mode adds warmth to her piercing voice; Spatial Enhancement clarifies audience sounds; and Impact+ enhances the piano’s bass resonance. Listen to her incredible renditions of ‘ Otis Redding's 'The Dock of The Bay’ and Elton John’s ‘Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road’ with all three modes engaged.
The original Wandla (€2,795) was already a top choice among DACs. If you already own it, installing the GSE software for €600 offers subtle but meaningful sound quality improvements while maintaining MQA decoding. If you’re considering purchasing the new Wandla GSE (€3,295), you’ll benefit from the enhanced texture and body in the sound, though MQA decoding will not be available.
For more information, please visit AJASOM.