A bridge between your music and your DAC

The Ferrum BROEN is a network streaming transport that connects streaming services, local music libraries, and digital playback sources to an external DAC. Powered by Volumio OS 4, it combines Ferrum’s SERCE digital-to-digital conversion module, FPGA-based reclocking, and galvanically isolated audio outputs. Wi-Fi, modular Ethernet or fiber connectivity, and multiple digital outputs give BROEN a flexible role in a dedicated audio system.

Streaming services and local libraries together

The BROEN includes access to the full Volumio streaming ecosystem at no extra cost. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz Connect let you play music through their respective apps. AirPlay, Bluetooth A2DP playback, internet radio, and UPnP/DLNA expand your listening options. For locally stored music, BROEN supports USB drives, an optional internal M.2 NVMe SSD, and NAS libraries through DLNA.

SERCE handles the digital output stage

Ferrum’s SERCE module is tuned specifically for digital-to-digital conversion in BROEN. FPGA-based reclocking and ultra-low jitter audio clocks serve the coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, and I2S outputs. The architecture separates streaming and control processes from the audio output domain, giving each a dedicated role in the signal path.

Galvanic isolation across every audio output

All audio outputs sit behind a galvanic isolation barrier, including the dedicated USB DAC connections. This electrically separates the input and output domains to help limit noise transfer to the connected DAC. BROEN also provides a dedicated VBUS power supply for its USB DAC outputs.

Digital connections for a wide range of DACs

Connect your DAC through coaxial S/PDIF, optical S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2S over HDMI, or dedicated USB Type-A and Type-C outputs. The I2S connection offers a configurable pinout to accommodate compatible DACs. BROEN supports Ferrum WANDLA and ERCO DACs as well as third-party models.

WANDLA becomes part of the playback controls

Ferrum Streaming Control Technology integrates BROEN with the WANDLA family of DACs. Artist and track information appears on WANDLA’s display, with playback control available through its touchscreen or remote. The integration also supports automatic WANDLA configuration and synchronized logo brightness. You can control BROEN separately through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Choose Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or fiber

Dual-band Wi-Fi supports wireless network access, while the SFP socket accepts Ethernet or fiber-optic modules. An RJ45 Ethernet module is included. An optional optical module lets BROEN connect to a compatible SFP switch through fiber, providing electrical isolation along the network connection. Hotspot mode helps establish the initial connection.

Room for an internal music library

An internal M.2 NVMe slot accepts a user-supplied SSD, letting you store music inside BROEN. Separate USB 3.0 Type-A and Type-C ports accommodate external media drives and service functions. Volumio also supports CD playback and ripping, with files accessible alongside your streaming services and network library.

HYPSOS integration through Ferrum Power Link

BROEN supports connection to the Ferrum HYPSOS power supply through Ferrum Power Link. The connection uses 4TSD voltage sensing to monitor voltage at the powered component. This gives owners of a HYPSOS an additional power option within the Ferrum system.

Playback across rooms

Volumio supports multi-room playback across up to six synchronized zones, along with streaming to Sonos and Chromecast. AI-powered SuperSearch helps locate music, while Infinity Playback keeps listening going. Extended artist and album information adds context to your library.

Software that can grow with your system

Over-the-air firmware updates and access to the Volumio plug-in store allow BROEN’s software capabilities to expand. Available plug-ins include Roon Bridge. Front-panel buttons provide basic playback control, while the iOS and Android apps or a web browser provide full control.

Product highlights

• Network streaming transport powered by Volumio OS 4
  
• Full Volumio streaming ecosystem included at no extra cost
  
• SERCE digital-to-digital conversion module with FPGA-based reclocking
  
• Galvanic isolation across all audio outputs
  
• Coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, I2S, and dedicated USB DAC outputs
  
• Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz Connect
  
• Dual-band Wi-Fi and modular SFP network connectivity
  
• Ferrum Streaming Control Technology integration with WANDLA
  
• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot
  
• Ferrum Power Link support for HYPSOS
  
• Over-the-air firmware updates and Volumio plug-in support

Specs

• Product type: Network streaming transport for an external DAC
  
• Operating system: Volumio OS 4
  
• Digital output stage: SERCE DDC module with FPGA-based reclocking
  
• Clocking: Ultra-low jitter audio clocks on coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, and I2S outputs
  
• Audio isolation: Galvanic isolation on synchronous digital and USB DAC outputs
  
• Digital audio outputs: Coaxial S/PDIF, optical S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2S over HDMI with configurable pinout
  
• Dedicated USB DAC outputs: USB Type-A and USB Type-C
  
• Media and service ports: Two USB 3.0 ports, Type-A and Type-C
  
• Network connectivity: Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi and SFP socket for RJ45 Ethernet or fiber-optic modules
  
• Internal storage: M.2 NVMe SSD slot for 3.15-inch or 4.33-inch drives (80 or 110 mm), drive sold separately
  
• Supported formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WAV, DSD
  
• Streaming services: Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, and their Connect functions
  
• Additional playback: AirPlay via Shairport Sync, Bluetooth A2DP, UPnP/DLNA, internet radio, CD playback and ripping
  
• Local playback sources: USB drives, optional internal SSD, NAS through DLNA
  
• Multi-room playback: Up to six synchronized zones
  
• Additional streaming destinations: Sonos and Chromecast
  
• Control: iOS and Android apps, web browser, front-panel playback buttons, compatible WANDLA touchscreen and remote through FSCT
  
• Video output: HDMI for screen display and system interface
  
• System integration: Ferrum Streaming Control Technology, trigger input and output
  
• HYPSOS connection: Ferrum Power Link with 4TSD voltage sensing
  
• Software expansion: Volumio plug-in store, including Roon Bridge
  
• Firmware updates: Over the air
  
• Additional functions: SuperSearch, Infinity Playback, extended artist and album metadata, alarm, sleep function
  
• Language support: 29 languages

What’s included

• Ferrum BROEN network streaming transport
  
• RJ45 Ethernet SFP module