Ferrum Audio Erco Gen 2

Ferrum Audio ERCO Gen 2

The ERCO Gen 2 from Ferrum Audio is a fully evolved all-in-one solution for high-end headphone setups and compact HiFi systems. Built as a fully balanced DAC with integrated preamplifier and powerful headphone amplifier, it combines technical precision, high output power, and modern digital architecture in a compact desktop chassis.

Fully Balanced Architecture & Precise Power Reserves

Inside, the ERCO Gen 2 operates fully balanced using a proprietary IC power amplifier design. Its extremely low headphone output impedance of under 0.3 Ω ensures excellent control—from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding high-end headphones.

Three gain stages are available for both balanced and single-ended outputs, allowing optimal matching to a wide range of headphone sensitivities. With up to 6.1 W into 50 Ω (balanced), the ERCO Gen 2 provides ample power reserves without sacrificing control or micro-dynamics. Extremely low distortion levels underscore the technical sophistication of the design.

High-Resolution Digital Platform

At the heart of the digital section is the ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC chip. The unit supports PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512. MQA decoding and rendering is available via USB, coaxial, and optical inputs.

Its frequency response is exceptionally linear, extending well beyond the audible range. Combined with a high dynamic range, the result is a sound characterized by clarity, stability, and precise detail.

Flexible Connectivity

The ERCO Gen 2 offers a practical selection of inputs and outputs:

• USB-C, coaxial, and optical S/PDIF for digital sources
• Analog RCA for classic line-level signals
• 4.4 mm Pentaconn (balanced) and 6.35 mm TRS (single-ended) headphone outputs
• XLR and RCA line outputs for use as DAC or preamplifier

The analog volume control is precise and can be bypassed for line outputs, making integration into existing setups seamless.

Thoughtful Power Supply

Alongside the standard 5.5/2.5 mm DC input (center positive), the ERCO Gen 2 features Ferrum’s proprietary FPL 4-pin DC connector. This makes it compatible with the optional HYPSOS power supply, which can further unlock its sonic potential.

Compact dimensions of 21.7 × 20.6 × 5 cm and a weight of 1.8 kg keep the ERCO Gen 2 desktop-friendly while maintaining substantial build quality.

Technical Specifications

Architecture & Design

• Fully balanced operation, proprietary IC power amplifier

DAC

• Chip: ESS Sabre ES9028PRO
• PCM: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 / 705.6 / 768 kHz
• DSD: 2.8224 / 3.072 / 5.6448 / 6.144 / 11.2896 / 12.288 / 22.5792 / 24.576 MHz
• Resolution: PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512
• MQA: Decoder & Renderer (USB, Coax, Optical)

Inputs

• USB-C (PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512, DoP256, MQA)
• S/PDIF coaxial (PCM up to 192 kHz, DoP64, MQA)
• S/PDIF optical (PCM up to 96 kHz guaranteed, up to 192 kHz depending on cable, DoP64, MQA)
• Analog RCA (2V RMS recommended, Pro-level supported)

Outputs

• Headphones balanced: 4.4 mm TRRRS
• Headphones single-ended: 6.35 mm TRS
• Line-Out balanced: XLR (4V RMS)
• Line-Out unbalanced: RCA (2V RMS)

Headphone Gain

• Balanced: -5.8 dB / +6 dB / +17.8 dB
• Single-ended: -11.8 dB / 0 dB / +11.8 dB

Output Power

• Balanced: 6.1 W @ 50 Ω / 1.2 W @ 300 Ω
• Single-ended: 1.7 W @ 50 Ω / 300 mW @ 300 Ω

Distortion (THD)

• Balanced: <0.00018 % (1 mW & 100 mW @ 16 Ω)
• Single-ended: <0.00032 % (1 mW @ 16 Ω), <0.00057 % (100 mW @ 16 Ω)

Dynamic Range

• Analog: 129 dB (A-weighted)
• Digital: 117 dB (A-weighted)

Frequency Response

• 10 Hz – 30 kHz (+/- 0.05 dB)
• 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+/- 1 dB)

Impedance

• Input: 47 kΩ
• Pre-out: 22 Ω (RCA), 44 Ω (XLR)
• Headphones: <0.3 Ω

Power Supply

• DC 5.5/2.5 mm (center positive)
• Proprietary FPL 4-pin DC
• Adapter: 100–240 VAC → 22–30 VDC
• Power consumption: <15 W (idle)

Dimensions & Weight

• 21.7 × 20.6 × 5 cm
• 1.8 kg

In the box

• 1x Ferrum ERCO Gen 2 desktop DAC
• 1x power cord
• 1x AC/DC power adapter
• 1x USB cable