Wattson Madison
Madison - the ultra-compact streaming DAC
The Madison stands out with its refined, minimalist aesthetic, leveraging advanced technology to achieve superior Hi-Res audio performance.
This exceptionally compact streamer/DAC features a unique proprietary oversampling technique, dual mono DAC architecture, headphone output, and LEEDH Processing for volume control.
The Madison epitomizes a fusion of technology, meticulously crafted for the sole purpose of music reproduction. Its construction mirrors the precision and elegance of Swiss watchmaking, adopting the aesthetic lineage of the Emerson while housing a streamer/DAC that adheres to the high standards of High-End audio equipment.
Stripping away all superfluous elements, it focuses solely on uncompromised quality and the user-friendly experience synonymous with Wattson Audio's reputation. The Madison beckons you to immerse yourself in its rich musical landscape for hours on end.
Key features
Proprietary streaming solution by engineered SA, bit perfect and asynchronous
Support for PCM and DSD high-definition formats
New up-sampling process with time-domain optimization, legacy of the famous Anagram Technology up-samplers
Lossless LEEDH Processing volume control for direct connection to power amplifiers
Adjustable bass response to compensate for speaker placement near walls
Ultra-low phase noise oscillators
One D/A converter chip per channel in dual differential mode
Full-symmetric analogue output stages
Very low-noise power supply circuits
CNC-machined out of a solid aluminium block
Design, manufacturing and assembling entirely made in Switzerland
Connectivity
Network input: 100Mbit/s Ethernet
Digital inputs: 1x S/PDIF on RCA connector, PCM and 1x S/PDIF on TOSLink
Analog outputs: 1x unbalanced on RCA connectors and 1x balanced on XLR
Headphone output: 6.35mm Jack connector
Restitution
Supported compression formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
Control protocols: UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay, TIDAL connect, Roon Ready, Audirvāna
Streaming services brought by the Wattson Music app: TIDAL¹, Qobuz², airable radios
Performances
Network streaming resolution: PCM up to 32-bit 384kHz, DSD up to 256x (11,2896MHz)
S/PDIF input resolution: PCM up to 24-bit 192kHz
RCA output level (0dB FS): 2,1V RMS
XLR output level (0dB FS): 4,2V RMS
Signal-to-noise, weighted (SNR-A): typ. 124dB
Harmonic distortion (THD+N, 0dB FS): typ. 0,001%
Headphone output: 2x 150mW on 32 ohms, 2x 50mW on 150 ohms, 2x 10mW on 600 ohms
Mechanical and electrical characteristics
Dimensions (W x D x H): 6,9 x 7,3 x 1,9in (174 x 185 x 47mm)
Weight: 2,31lb (1050g)
Power supply: 5V DC, external, medical grade
Power consumption: 50mW (idle), 4,5 W (playing)
Madison LE - the Madison revisited
Without aiming to supplant the Madison, yet originating from the same foundation, the Madison Lounge Edition explores the utmost possibilities for refinement and enhancement within this streamer DAC.
Distinguished by its fresh, luminous matte finish for immediate recognition, the Madison Lounge Edition introduces a series of technical advancements. These improvements render it distinct and further elevate its performance beyond that of its "Classic" counterpart.
Notable changes:
New output stages topology
A global optimization of the circuit diagram
Adaptation of the internal voltage regulators, as well as a more robust power supply
A choice of exclusive and very high quality components for the analog section
Enhanced filtering to improve high frequency noise rejection
The quest for perfection in electronics, and in audio in particular, may be endless. However, taking the time to invest in it yields results that fulfill expectations.