{"product_id":"ferrum-erco-gen-2-dac-preamp","title":"Ferrum Erco Gen 2 DAC\/Preamp","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFerrum ERCO Gen 2\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Complete Reimagining, Not Just an Update\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eERCO Gen 2 goes far beyond a standard firmware update. Ferrum's engineers ported the full \u003cstrong\u003eSERCE software stack\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAnalogue Improvements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDigital Improvements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSERCE-based firmware\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpdated I\/V converter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnalogue stage improvements informed by WANDLA development give ERCO Gen 2 a more detailed, natural, and engaging sound signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e768 kHz \u0026amp; DSD512 support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull high-resolution playback up to PCM 768 kHz \/ 32 bit and DSD512 via USB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMQA Decoder \u0026amp; Renderer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull MQA decoding and rendering on USB, Optical, and Coaxial inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHQ Apodizing digital filter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe same filter preferred by WANDLA users, now available in ERCO Gen 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone amplifier built in\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBalanced 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpgrade your existing ERCO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal 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.*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose ERCO Gen 2?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull SERCE software stack from WANDLA — flagship digital performance at an entry-level price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpdated I\/V converter for a more natural, detailed, and engaging sound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePCM 768 kHz \/ 32 bit and DSD512 support via USB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMQA decoding and rendering on all digital inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHQ Apodizing digital filter — WANDLA users' most preferred filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowerful built-in headphone amp with balanced and unbalanced outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalogue volume control with bypass option\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with Ferrum HYPSOS via proprietary FPL connection for elevated performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpgrade path available for original ERCO owners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Ferrum\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned and engineered by \u003cstrong\u003eFerrum \/ HEM\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAC chip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eESS Sabre ES9028PRO\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFully balanced, proprietary IC power amp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePCM sample rates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e44.1 \/ 48 \/ 88.2 \/ 96 \/ 176.4 \/ 192 \/ 352.8 \/ 384 \/ 705.6 \/ 768 kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDSD sample rates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.8224 \/ 3.072 \/ 5.6448 \/ 6.144 \/ 11.2896 \/ 12.288 \/ 22.5792 \/ 24.576 MHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB-C (MQA, up to PCM 32 bit \/ 768 kHz, DSD512, DoP256)\u003cbr\u003eS\/PDIF Coaxial (MQA, up to PCM 24 bit \/ 192 kHz, DoP64)\u003cbr\u003eS\/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)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMQA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDecoder and renderer (USB, Optical and Coaxial)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalog inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA (Red Book level 2V RMS recommended, PRO level supported)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e47 kΩ\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLine outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalanced XLR, unbalanced RCA (both Red Book level: 4V RMS bal. \/ 2V RMS unbal.)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone jack outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalanced 4.4 mm (TRRRS); unbalanced 6.35 mm (TRS)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone output gain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalanced: -5.8 dB, +6 dB, +17.8 dB\u003cbr\u003eSingle ended: -11.8 dB, 0 dB, +11.8 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput power (unbalanced)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 mW into 300 Ω; 1.7 W into 50 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput power (balanced)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.2 W into 300 Ω; 6.1 W into 50 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHD (balanced output)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt; 0.00018% \/ -115 dB, 1 mW into 16 Ω; \u0026lt; 0.00018% \/ -115 dB, 100 mW into 16 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHD (unbalanced output)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt; 0.00032% \/ -110 dB, 1 mW into 16 Ω; \u0026lt; 0.00057% \/ -105 dB, 100 mW into 16 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic range (analog)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e129 dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic range (digital)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e117 dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 Hz – 30 kHz (+\/- 0.05 dB); 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+\/- 1 dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVolume control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalogue with bypass option (bypass for line outputs only)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput impedance (unbalanced)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22 Ω on pre-amp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput impedance (balanced)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e44 Ω on pre-amp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput impedance (headphones)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt; 0.3 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower consumption\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIdle \u0026lt; 15 W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5\/2.5 mm DC connector, center positive\u003cbr\u003eProprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) 4-pin DC connector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower adapter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100–240 VAC to 22–30 VDC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.7 cm × 20.6 cm × 5 cm \/ 8.6″ × 8.1″ × 2.0″ (W × D × H)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.8 kg \/ 3.97 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Ferrum Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48560499556569,"sku":"Ferrum Erco Gen 2 DAC\/Preamp","price":225000.0,"currency_code":"BDT","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1337\/7789\/files\/FerrumERCOGen2frontDAC.webp?v=1776896734","url":"https:\/\/gearsforears.com\/products\/ferrum-erco-gen-2-dac-preamp","provider":"Gears For Ears","version":"1.0","type":"link"}