Ferrum Audio ERCO Gen 2

Name: ERCO Gen 2
Brand: Ferrum Audio
SKU: 5903900676113
Price: 1795.0 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

(1 customer review)

Specifications and features

Overview

The Ferrum Audio ERCO Gen 2 is the second generation of the Polish brand’s entry-level DAC/headphone amplifier. This version features a complete software overhaul and changes to the analog circuit. The device retains a compact desktop form factor and incorporates the in‑house‑developed SERCE digital platform, as well as a redesigned current‑to‑voltage conversion stage. It is offered with an upgrade program for owners of the original ERCO. This fully balanced DAC/headphone amplifier can be used for headphone listening or to drive active speakers.

Black hi-fi headphone amplifier with rusted Corten steel front panel and close-up of front jack sockets

Gen 2 upgrades: from software to circuitry

The second generation of the ERCO is more than a simple firmware update. The complete reprogramming involves implementing a new bootloader in the deep memory layers, going far beyond a conventional update.

Digital improvements

Since the ERCO’s digital hardware is very similar to that of the SERCE board, Ferrum was able to port the entire SERCE software stack to the ERCO. The Gen 2 unit therefore behaves exactly as if it were based on SERCE.

The HQ Apodizing digital filter has been added, identical to the one available on the WANDLA and preferred by its users. The ESS filters have been bypassed, including MQA processing for non‑MQA signals. This apodizing filter, developed by Jussi Laako of Signalyst (creator of the HQPlayer software), corrects certain artifacts introduced during recording or mastering, in particular intermodulation and intersample distortion.

Intermodulation and intersample distortion have been reduced, and output levels have been adjusted to comply with the Red Book standard on line output while achieving maximum output power on the headphone outputs.

Maximum resolution now reaches PCM 768 kHz and DSD 512, versus PCM 384 kHz and DSD 256 on the original model.

Analog improvements

After designing the new current‑to‑voltage (I/V) converter for the WANDLA, Ferrum acquired extensive experience in this field. The ESS DAC chip in the ERCO Gen 2 is a more compact version of the one used in the WANDLA (ES9028PRO vs ES9038PRO), but the original ERCO used an I/V converter designed in the “pre‑WANDLA” style.

The ERCO Gen 2 benefits from major updates to the I/V converter based on this expertise, delivering a more detailed, natural, and engaging sound signature.

Ferrum Power Link: optimized power with HYPSOS

The ERCO works properly straight out of the box with the supplied power adapter, but it is designed to go beyond this level when paired with the HYPSOS power supply via the proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) cable.

Ferrum Power Link uses four conductors: two to deliver DC power and two to provide feedback, keeping the voltage perfectly stable at every moment. This technique eliminates the detrimental effects of cable resistance and improves transient response.

This connection allows HYPSOS to measure the voltage directly at the powered device rather than at the power supply output, ensuring more accurate regulation.

Design and ergonomics: functional simplicity

The ERCO Gen 2 retains the same dimensions as the HYPSOS, OOR, and the original ERCO: 21.7 × 20.6 × 5 cm. Weighing 1.8 kg, the unit remains stable on a desktop or when stacked on top of the HYPSOS.

The front panel has a minimalist layout: the backlit Ferrum logo (with adjustable brightness or switchable off), the 6.35 mm jack output, the balanced 4.4 mm output, the input selector with a status LED color‑coded to the detected format, the gain selector, and the analog volume potentiometer.

The indicator light next to the input selector changes color depending on the format and resolution of the digital file being played.

The rear panel houses the XLR and RCA outputs, the analog RCA inputs, the digital inputs (optical, coaxial, USB‑C), the bypass switch, the logo brightness control, a trigger output, and the two power inputs (5.5/2.5 mm DC connector and 4‑pin FPL).

Black ERCO headphone DAC, close-up of the front panel with gold-plated coaxial input, USB-C port, brightness control, and XLR headphone output

Upgrade program for original ERCO owners

Ferrum has set up a program allowing owners of the original ERCO to upgrade their unit to Gen 2 specifications. This upgrade requires complete reprogramming and circuit modifications, which must be carried out by Ferrum‑certified technicians.

For ERCOS purchased after July 1, 2023, the upgrade is free of charge (excluding outbound shipping costs). For units acquired before this date. Owners must contact Ferrum via their website to obtain shipping instructions to their local distributor or to the European headquarters in Poland.

Technical specifications

Digital-to-analog conversion

DAC chip: ESS Sabre ES9028PRO
PCM sampling rates: 44.1 – 768 kHz
DSD sampling rates: 2.8224 – 24.576 MHz (maximum DSD512)
Maximum resolution: PCM up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD up to 512 kHz
High-quality digital filters optimized to fully exploit the DAC chip
Enhanced SERCE DSP with oversampling and HQ apodizing digital filter by DDF
Optimized current-to-voltage (I / V) conversion for better efficiency and increased linearity in the analog stage

Headphone amplification

Fully balanced proprietary headphone amplifier
Balanced headphone output power: 1.2 W into 300 Ω, 6.1 W into 50 Ω
Single-ended headphone output power: 300 mW into 300 Ω, 1.7 W into 50 Ω
Total harmonic distortion (THD) balanced headphone: < 0.00018% / -115 dB
Total harmonic distortion (THD) single-ended headphone: < 0.00032% / -110 dB
Input impedance: 47 kΩ
Headphone output impedance: < 0.3 Ω
Preamplifier output impedance: 22 – 44 Ω

Audio performance

Dynamic range: 129 dB in analog, 117 dB in digital (A-weighted)
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz (± 0.05 dB), 10 Hz – 200 kHz (± 1 dB)
Transparent sound signature to reduce listening fatigue
Performance close to WANDLA with improved MQA rendering and digital processing

Connectivity

Digital inputs
- USB-C: PCM 768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD512, DoP256
- Coaxial S / PDIF: PCM 24-bit / 192 kHz, DoP64
- Optical S / PDIF: PCM 24-bit / 96 kHz, extendable to 192 kHz depending on cable
- MQA support on all digital inputs
Analog input
- RCA: Red Book 2 V RMS recommended, PRO level supported
Headphone outputs
- Balanced 4.4 mm (TRRRS) jack
- Single-ended 6.35 mm (TRS) jack
Line outputs
- Balanced XLR
- Single-ended RCA

Power supply and physical dimensions

Power consumption in standby: < 15 W
Power supply: 100 – 240 VAC to 22 – 30 VDC
Power connectors: 5.5 / 2.5 mm and 4-pin FPL
Dimensions: 21.7 x 20.6 x 5 cm
Weight: 1.8 kg

Exclusive technologies

Fully balanced architecture: end-to-end balanced circuit, even after RCA inputs
Ferrum Power Link (FPL) for stable power and feedback
Hybrid discrete / IC design for the best possible analog quality
Digital inputs optimized for USB-C, coaxial and optical S / PDIF

Key improvements

Optimized current-to-voltage (I / V) conversion for better efficiency and increased linearity
Enhanced SERCE DSP with oversampling and HQ apodizing digital filter
Increased maximum resolution: PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD up to 512 kHz
High-quality digital filters optimized for the DAC chip
Performance close to WANDLA with improved MQA rendering and digital processing
Fully symmetrical end-to-end circuit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the original ERCO and the ERCO Gen 2?

The ERCO Gen 2 benefits from a complete software overhaul integrating the WANDLA’s SERCE platform, a redesigned I/V converter, and the HQ Apodizing digital filter. Maximum resolution increases to PCM 768 kHz and DSD 512 (vs 384 kHz and DSD 256 previously). These changes reduce intermodulation and intersample distortion while improving the linearity of the analog stage.

Can the ERCO Gen 2 drive high‑impedance headphones?

The unit delivers 1.2 W into 300 Ω from the balanced output, which is sufficient for most high‑impedance headphones. For particularly demanding models, Ferrum recommends its dedicated OOR amplifier, which offers higher power.

Is it necessary to purchase the HYPSOS power supply to enjoy the ERCO Gen 2?

No. The ERCO Gen 2 comes with a carefully selected power adapter and offers strong performance straight out of the box. However, pairing it with HYPSOS via the FPL cable allows you to fully exploit the unit’s potential, thanks to more precise voltage regulation and improved transient response.

Which audio formats can the ERCO Gen 2 decode?

Via USB‑C, the unit supports PCM up to 768 kHz / 32‑bit, DSD512, and DoP256. MQA decoding and rendering are supported on all digital inputs. The coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs are limited to 192 kHz and 96 kHz respectively (extendable depending on the quality of the optical cable).

Can the ERCO Gen 2 be used as a preamplifier in a traditional Hi‑Fi system?

Yes. The balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs allow the ERCO Gen 2 to be connected to a power amplifier or active speakers. The rear bypass switch disables volume control for use as a fixed‑level DAC.

What is the HQ Apodizing filter and why is it useful?

This digital filter, developed by Signalyst (creator of HQPlayer software), bypasses the filters integrated into the ESS chip. It gently attenuates the signal before the Nyquist frequency, reducing certain “ringing” artifacts introduced during recording or mastering. It is generally the preferred filter among WANDLA users.

User reviews

Pascal

Hello,

I have owned a HIFIMAN HE1000SE headset for two years, and the sound is phenomenal!

Now, I bought the FERRUM Erco gen 2 + Hypsos combo, and I’m rediscovering a new headset and all of my music albums. Absolutely no comparison with all the amps/DACs I’ve been able to test.

The sound has incredible purity and clarity. The sound is precise, the soundstage is astounding!
On some tracks, it feels like you’re not wearing headphones on your ears, that the sounds are in space and circling around your head!

No noise, interference, or hiss, total silence, which brings out the slightest sound. All the frequencies are super well balanced.

No fatigue, even after several hours of listening; on the contrary, you want more. Honestly, it’s pure bliss!

And yet it’s an entry-level DAC-amp! It makes you wonder if it can get any better?

On top of that, these two devices are very well finished, of great modern quality and compact.

I absolutely do not regret my purchase, quite the opposite! If you’re still hesitating, you can buy with your eyes closed.

Now regarding the store: HOMECiné Solution: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (well deserved!)

The website is well designed, attractive, everything is well explained and illustrated. It makes you want to browse.
Deliveries are fast (even standard), the package is well protected and packed. The delivery condition is flawless. Nothing but happiness.

What’s more, with the three orders I placed, I received two wonderful gifts, worth almost €600! (Who does better??)

I’m not about to change stores. Bravo on your service.

Comment from June 30, 2026 — Experience from June 19, 2026

Automatically translated — Show original (French)

Bonjour,

Je possède un casque HIFIMAN HE1000SE depuis deux ans, et le son est phénoménal !

Là, j’ai acheté le combo FERRUM Erco gen 2+ le Hypsos, alors là, je redécouvre un nouveau casque et tous mes albums de musique. Absolument aucune comparaison avec tous les amplis/DAC que j’ai pu tester.

Le son est d’une pureté et clarté incroyable. Le son est précis, la spatialisation est bluffante !
Sur certains morceaux, on a l’impression de ne pas avoir de casque sur les oreilles, que les sons sont dans l’espace et qui tournent autour de la tête !

Aucun bruit, parasite ou souffle, le silence total, ce qui fait ressortir le moindre son. Toutes les fréquences sont super bien dosées.

Aucune fatigue, même après plusieurs heures d’écoute, au contraire, on en veut plus. Franchement c’est du vrai bonheur !

Pourtant c’est un convertisseur-amplificateur d’entrée de gamme ! À ce demander si on peut faire mieux ?

En plus, ces deux appareils sont très bien finis, de grande qualité moderne et compacts.

Je ne regrette absolument pas mon achat, bien au contraire ! Si vous êtes encore hésitant, vous pouvez acheter les yeux fermés.

Maintenant concernant l’enseigne : HOMECiné Solution : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (bien mérité !)

Le site web est bien fait, joli, tout est bien expliqué et illustré. On a envie de visiter.
Les livraisons sont rapides (même standard), le colis est bien protégé et emballé. L’état de livraison est nickel. Que du bonheur.

En plus, les trois commandes que j’ai passées, j’ai eu deux beaux cadeaux, d’une valeur de presque 600 € ! (Qui fait mieux ??)

Je ne suis pas près de changer d’enseigne. Bravo pour vos prestations.

Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
GTIN / EAN: 5903900676113