Proprietary Technology

Industry leading technology is applied. All digital ports are optimised for audio, MQA decoding and rendering is optimised for use with internal ARM chip. This filter is part of a suite of digital management strategies here: the team has written its own code, running on an ARM processor, to optimise the performance of all the digital ports (USB, coaxial and optical S/PDIF) and handle the MQA functions – after all, the HEM team was involved with the manufacture of Mytek DACs. Meanwhile, the audio path is fully balanced from the DAC to the modified IC amplification used for the outputs, which is rated at 300mW/300ohm and 1.7W/50ohm at the unbalanced outputs, and 1.2W and 6.1W into the same impedances via the balanced feed.

Inputs – digital and analogue – are selected by a simple control on a very easy-to-understand front panel. Aside from a large volume control, the only other setting is for headphone amplifier gain, to help you match the ERCO to your chosen headgear. A choice of –5.8dB, +6dB and +17.8dB is provided for the balanced (4.4mm Pentaconn) output and –11.8dB, 0dB and +11.8dB for the unbalanced 6.35mm socket. There's also a brightness setting, for the panel's illuminated logo, located on the rear along with two power inputs – standard coaxial for the plug-top PSU, plus a Power Link connection for use with Ferrum's Hypsos.