The Ferrum ERCO Gen 2 is a landmark evolution of Ferrum's entry-level DAC/Preamp — now rebuilt from the ground up with a completely new firmware architecture and crucial analogue circuitry upgrades. The result brings ERCO one giant step closer to WANDLA, Ferrum's flagship converter, at an unprecedented price point. If you want flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag, ERCO Gen 2 is the answer.
A Complete Reimagining, Not Just an Update
ERCO Gen 2 goes far beyond a standard firmware update. Ferrum's engineers ported the full SERCE software stack — the same platform powering the flagship WANDLA — directly to ERCO. This means ERCO Gen 2 behaves exactly as if it were built on SERCE, bringing 768 kHz support, DSD512 playback, improved DAC performance, and WANDLA's most-loved HQ Apodizing digital filter to an entry-level product. An extraordinary achievement at this price.
Analogue Improvements
After designing WANDLA's advanced current-to-voltage (I/V) converter, Ferrum's engineers applied everything they learned to ERCO Gen 2. The updated I/V stage delivers a more detailed, natural, and engaging sound signature — a fundamental improvement that goes well beyond what software alone can achieve.
Digital Improvements
With the full SERCE software stack now running on ERCO Gen 2, the digital improvements are substantial. The HQ Apodizing filter — WANDLA users' most preferred filter — is now included. ESS filters are bypassed for non-MQA signals, intermodulation and intersample distortions are reduced, and output levels are adjusted to meet Red Book standard on the line output and maximum output power on headphone outputs. USB playback of 768 kHz signals is fully implemented.
Key Features
SERCE-based firmware
The full SERCE software architecture from WANDLA runs natively on ERCO Gen 2, delivering a level of digital performance previously unheard of at this price point.
Updated I/V converter
Analogue stage improvements informed by WANDLA development give ERCO Gen 2 a more detailed, natural, and engaging sound signature.
768 kHz & DSD512 support
Full high-resolution playback up to PCM 768 kHz / 32 bit and DSD512 via USB.
MQA Decoder & Renderer
Full MQA decoding and rendering on USB, Optical, and Coaxial inputs.
HQ Apodizing digital filter
The same filter preferred by WANDLA users, now available in ERCO Gen 2.
Headphone amplifier built in
Balanced 4.4 mm and unbalanced 6.35 mm headphone outputs with three gain settings each, delivering serious power into a wide range of headphone impedances.
Upgrade your existing ERCO
Original ERCO owners can upgrade their unit to Gen 2 specifications through Ferrum's certified upgrade programme — in most cases at no extra cost beyond one-way shipping.*
*ERCOs purchased after July 1st, 2023 qualify for the upgrade free of charge (excluding one-way shipping). ERCOs purchased before July 1st, 2023 can be upgraded for 195 EUR/USD. Units must be sent to your local distributor or Ferrum's European headquarters. Apply at www.ferrum.audio.
Why Choose ERCO Gen 2?
- Full SERCE software stack from WANDLA — flagship digital performance at an entry-level price
- Updated I/V converter for a more natural, detailed, and engaging sound
- PCM 768 kHz / 32 bit and DSD512 support via USB
- MQA decoding and rendering on all digital inputs
- HQ Apodizing digital filter — WANDLA users' most preferred filter
- Powerful built-in headphone amp with balanced and unbalanced outputs
- Analogue volume control with bypass option
- Compatible with Ferrum HYPSOS via proprietary FPL connection for elevated performance
- Upgrade path available for original ERCO owners
About Ferrum
Designed and engineered by Ferrum / HEM in Warsaw, Poland. Ferrum was founded in early 2020 with a clear mandate: combine sustainability, durability, and quality into compact, attractive packages — focused entirely on delivering the best possible audio experience at an affordable price. Built on over 20 years of digital audio expertise and a history of collaboration with Mytek Digital on world-class DAC technology, Ferrum brings unmatched engineering pedigree to every product. ERCO Gen 2 is the latest proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to get closer to the music than ever before.
Specifications
| DAC chip | ESS Sabre ES9028PRO |
| Operation | Fully balanced, proprietary IC power amp |
| PCM sample rates | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 / 705.6 / 768 kHz |
| DSD sample rates | 2.8224 / 3.072 / 5.6448 / 6.144 / 11.2896 / 12.288 / 22.5792 / 24.576 MHz |
| Digital inputs | USB-C (MQA, up to PCM 32 bit / 768 kHz, DSD512, DoP256) S/PDIF Coaxial (MQA, up to PCM 24 bit / 192 kHz, DoP64) S/PDIF Optical (MQA, up to PCM 24 bit / 96 kHz guaranteed; may work up to PCM 24 bit / 192 kHz and DoP64 — depends on optical cable and transmitter) |
| MQA | Decoder and renderer (USB, Optical and Coaxial) |
| Analog inputs | RCA (Red Book level 2V RMS recommended, PRO level supported) |
| Input impedance | 47 kΩ |
| Line outputs | Balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA (both Red Book level: 4V RMS bal. / 2V RMS unbal.) |
| Headphone jack outputs | Balanced 4.4 mm (TRRRS); unbalanced 6.35 mm (TRS) |
| Headphone output gain | Balanced: -5.8 dB, +6 dB, +17.8 dB Single ended: -11.8 dB, 0 dB, +11.8 dB |
| Output power (unbalanced) | 300 mW into 300 Ω; 1.7 W into 50 Ω |
| Output power (balanced) | 1.2 W into 300 Ω; 6.1 W into 50 Ω |
| THD (balanced output) | < 0.00018% / -115 dB, 1 mW into 16 Ω; < 0.00018% / -115 dB, 100 mW into 16 Ω |
| THD (unbalanced output) | < 0.00032% / -110 dB, 1 mW into 16 Ω; < 0.00057% / -105 dB, 100 mW into 16 Ω |
| Dynamic range (analog) | 129 dB (A-weighted) |
| Dynamic range (digital) | 117 dB (A-weighted) |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 30 kHz (+/- 0.05 dB); 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+/- 1 dB) |
| Volume control | Analogue with bypass option (bypass for line outputs only) |
| Output impedance (unbalanced) | 22 Ω on pre-amp |
| Output impedance (balanced) | 44 Ω on pre-amp |
| Output impedance (headphones) | < 0.3 Ω |
| Power consumption | Idle < 15 W |
| Power inputs | 5.5/2.5 mm DC connector, center positive Proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) 4-pin DC connector |
| Power adapter | 100–240 VAC to 22–30 VDC |
| Dimensions | 21.7 cm × 20.6 cm × 5 cm / 8.6″ × 8.1″ × 2.0″ (W × D × H) |
| Weight | 1.8 kg / 3.97 lbs |