Ferrum Audio has announced its first network player, the Broen. The new Broen lacks a built-in DAC, but according to its designers, it pairs seamlessly with the Wandla headphone amplifier. The Broen will make its public debut at this year’s Audio Video Show Warsaw and Paris.
Ferrum Audio Broen
Ferrum Audio says it spent a long time thinking about how its first streaming product could best stand out. It all starts with the name. “Broen” is the Danish word for bridge. The Broen is a pure network player without an onboard DAC.
Ferrum Audio’s streaming adventure began with the recent Wandla 2.0.0 firmware update, which included Ferrum Streaming Control Technology. This technology transformed our Wandla family of DACs into streaming partners for a wide range of streamers. Broen then became a leader by combining its features with Wandla. According to the designers, both devices have been elevated to a higher level.
The design process is similar to that of the first product, the Hypsos. First, Ferrum Audio created a brand-new core, the SERCE Digital to Digital module, designed to operate exclusively in the digital domain, ensuring all digital processes could be performed with incredible perfection. Furthermore, there is perfect separation between the input and output domains and isolation of the audio outputs. Although Broen can be connected to the outside world via Wi-Fi, an SFP port has also been installed, which can accommodate either an Ethernet or an optical module, for optimal connection to a suitable switch.
The best thing about Broen lies in its intuitive operation, a prime example of which is the front of the unit. But Broen can do even more, as it supports our Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT) for seamless integration with Wandla, our industry-leading converters. The Wandla’s information display shows information about the music playing on Broen. This allows Broen to be controlled via the Wandla’s touchscreen and IR remote control, resulting in a powerful combination of streaming DAC and preamplifier, perfectly matched to each other.
Finally, the Broen can be further enhanced by adding Hypsos for Ferrum’s ultimate streaming solution. And the software? It comes from Volumio, known for its reliability, and is included free of charge.
The Broen is expected to be released in the first half of 2026.
