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Wattson Audio Madison Key Features
· Proprietary streaming solution by engineered SA, bit perfect and asynchronous
· Support for PCM and DSD high-definition formats
· New up-sampling process with time-domain optimization, legacy of the famous Anagram Technology up-samplers
· Lossless LEEDH Processing volume control for direct connection to power amplifiers
· Adjustable bass response to compensate for speaker placement near walls
· Ultra-low phase noise oscillators
· One D/A converter chip per channel in dual differential mode
· Full-symmetric analogue output stagesVery low-noise power supply circuits
· CNC-machined out of a solid aluminium block
· Design, manufacturing and assembling entirely made in Switzerland
Product Highlights
An Emotional Instrument of Precision
The Madison is a true concentrate of technology dedicated to music reproduction. Built in the spirit of Swiss watchmaking, its casing takes up the line of the Emerson and hosts a streamer/DAC designed in the pure tradition of High-End devices.
With no unnecessary features, no compromise on quality and the ease of use that contributed to the reputation of Wattson Audio products, the Madison invites you to spend many hours in its musical world.
Madison always within Reach
In addition to the multi-function front panel button, the Wattson Music app for IOS and the Wattson Remote app for Android handle all the settings on your Madison, from the bass EQ to the various interactions with the volume of the device.
You'll also find the entire Hi-Res catalog of TIDAL and Qobuz services, as well as the many radio stations offered by Airable in the Wattson Music app.
Complex and Versatile
The Madison's on-board digital signal processor is extremely advanced, featuring its new proprietary oversampling algorithm. From LEEDH Processing digital volume control, to calculation of low-frequency correction filters and DSD to PCM conversion, this DSP is a key element in the design and operation of the Madison.
Inside the Technology
The apparent simplicity of our streamers actually hides a complexity and a finesse far greater than it seems. From the choice of the internal components to the embedded software and circuit topologies, each step of the development process has been essential to enhance the listening experience.
Concept
Two different strategies have been used in our range of streamers.
The philosophy implemented in the Emerson is that of the straight wire: no sampling frequency conversion or data processing is applied, apart from volume control when used. The flow of data from the network interface is transmitted directly to the S/PDIF and AES/EBU modulators of the Emerson DIGITAL, or respectively to the digital-to-analog conversion chip in the case of the Emerson ANALOG. When properly implemented, this solution guarantees a transparent and coloration-free reproduction.
The Madison features a more complex architecture as it incorporates a signal processing unit (DSP) that hosts our proprietary oversampling process for optimizing input signals. This new interpolation algorithm benefits from the heritage of the iconic modules developed by Anagram Technologies. It significantly improves the digital-to-analogue conversion process in the time domain, without modifying the samples of the incoming data stream.
Network Interface
The Madison, as well as both Emerson models leverage Engineered's streaming engine, a proprietary solution based on a Sitara processor from Texas Instruments. The embedded software, which handles the various network communication protocols and audio stream decoding, has been under continuous development for many years. Internal processes have been optimized to ensure audio data integrity, transmission reliability, support for Hi-Res file formats (PCM and DSD) without transcoding, and a smooth and responsive user experience at the same time.
Clocks
Two clock generators are used alternately, depending on whether the track being played back is sampled at a base frequency of 44.1kHz or 48kHz (as well as any multiples thereof). Our streamers do not include a variable oscillator or a synchronization loop. The stream of audio data is therefore directly cadenced by the active clock.
Additionally, the selected oscillators offer superlative performances, with extremely low phase noise in the audible bandwidth. The distribution of the clock signals has been carefully designed to minimize jitter throughout the digital audio signal path.
DAC and Output Stages
Each channel of the Madison has its own separately powered, dual-differential digital-to-analog conversion chip. We chose the same Cirrus Logic DAC used in the Emerson ANALOG. The analogue filters are differential and calculated to minimise phase rotation while providing optimum attenuation of residual DAC switching noise.
The output stages, based on the latest generation of operational amplifiers, are fully balanced and differential to achieve identical performance at both RCA and XLR outputs.
Power Supply
The quality of the power supply for sensitive electronic circuits is a decisive factor for a device of this type. Once again, a close attention has been paid to the selection of the components and topologies. The choice of using an external adapter offers the advantage of keeping the mains voltage away from the core of the device. The DC voltage supplied by the external power adapter is smoothed by a series of common and differential mode filters and then delivered to the various components of the electronic board. Each critical section of the circuits benefits from a dedicated filtering and voltage regulator to avoid undesirable interactions. In the case of the Madison, no less than 15 low-noise voltage regulators ensure optimal operation of each critical section.
Finally, the power supplies for the clock generators, the synchronization circuits and the analog section are particularly well performing, with an extremely low electrical noise, less than 1µV RMS (measured in a frequency bandwidth from 10Hz to 100kHz).
Redefining the Essence of Musical Fidelity
The Madison Streamer combines musically accurate streaming with a sophisticated and upgradable DSP-driven DAC, complete with digital volume control. Connect the Madison directly to your power amp for a streamlined yet high-performance music system, or pair it with your favorite pre-amp or integrated amplifier. The Madison Streamer delivers a seamless blend of technical accuracy and musical beauty, offering a listening experience that is as emotionally engaging as it is technically accurate. It is not just a product—it is a statement of Wattson Audio’s dedication to engineering excellence and an evocative musical experience.
Purposeful Simplicity
The Madison unites cutting-edge, upgradable digital technology with purposefully designed, innovative circuitry to deliver an unparalleled musical experience at its price point. Every element of its elegant, compact form reflects a commitment to balance, refinement, and purity of design. Madison embodies Wattson Audio’s philosophy of achieving extraordinary performance with purposeful simplicity, offering a level of musicality and sophistication previously unavailable at this price.
Purpose-Driven Design, Uncompromising Performance
Like all Wattson Audio components, the Madison Streamer is engineered with one unwavering vision: to deliver a musically engaging experience. Its design is pure, purpose-driven, and stripped of anything unnecessary, leaving only what serves the highest standard of audio fidelity. The result is a digital streamer that redefines expectations in its category.
The Madison Streamer employs a pair of high-performance op-amps per channel, forming a robust, space-efficient, and cost-effective analog output stage. Designed with both versatility and fidelity, it offers balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections to integrate seamlessly into any high-performance system. Every circuit stage within Madison benefits from the substantial onboard power supply filtering and reservoir capacitance, ensuring pristine signal integrity and consistent performance.
An extraordinary musical performance at an accessible price requires a meticulous approach to engineering—an art of precision and purpose. It demands a relentless focus on what truly matters, selecting only the functions that serve the music and implementing them with absolute care. It's about knowing what to include, what to exclude, and how to achieve the highest level of performance. This is the essence of Wattson Audio's high-technology design philosophy: doing everything with intention and nothing without purpose.
Crafted to Endure, Engineered to Inspire
Wattson Audio's build quality reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, blending exceptional engineering with Swiss quality. Every detail is executed with precision, utilizing premium-grade materials to ensure both lasting durability and peak performance.
The Madison Streamer features high-precision machined casework milled from solid-billet aluminum. Though significantly more costly than alternative methods, this approach guarantees structural integrity while optimizing electromagnetic shielding as well as mechanical damping. First and foremost, Wattson products are engineered to deliver a believable musical experience. In turn, our Swiss craftsmanship instills confidence and a deep pride in ownership.
The Music You Love at Your Fingertips
Wattson Music is your dedicated companion for every step of your musical journey, offering effortless access to your personal library and preferred streaming platforms. The Wattson Music app for iOS and Wattson Remote for Android grant intuitive control over your device's advanced settings while seamlessly connecting you to the music you cherish. Designed with a singular focus on simplicity and precision, these apps ensure a refined and immersive listening experience, providing fluid navigation and complete mastery over your Wattson Audio system.
Engineered to adapt to the ever-expanding landscape of network communication protocols, Madison's streaming engine is the product of years of meticulous refinement and ongoing development. Its unwavering focus on signal purity and transmission reliability ensures nothing short of exceptional performance. With native support for Hi-Res audio formats—including PCM and DSD playback—it offers an unparalleled listening experience while maintaining a user interface that is as fluid as it is intuitive.
Specifications
Connectivity
Network input: 100Mbit/s Ethernet
Digital inputs: 1x S/PDIF on RCA connector, PCM and 1x S/PDIF on TOSLink
Analog outputs: 1x unbalanced on RCA connectors and 1x balanced on XLR
Headphone output: 6.35mm Jack connector
Restitution
Supported compression formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
Control protocols: UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay compatibility, Roon Ready
Streaming services brought by the Wattson Music app: TIDAL¹, Qobuz², airable radios
Performance
Network streaming resolution: PCM up to 32-bit 384kHz, DSD up to 256x (11,2896MHz)
S/PDIF input resolution: PCM up to 24-bit 192kHz
RCA output level (0dB FS): 2,0V RMS
XLR output level (0dB FS): 4,0V RMS
Signal-to-noise, weighted (SNR-A): > 120dB
Harmonic distortion (THD+N, 0dB FS): < 0,001%
Headphone output: 2x 150mW on 32Ω, 2x 50mW on 150Ω, 2x 10mW on 600Ω
Mechanical and electrical characteristics
Dimensions (W x D x H): 6,9 x 7,3 x 2,1in (174 x 185 x 52mm)
Weight: 2,37 lbs (1075g)
Power supply: 5V DC, external, medical grade
Power consumption: 50mW (idle), 3,5 W (playing)
Designed and Crafted in Switzerland
Every Wattson Audio product is designed and crafted in Switzerland, embodying the country's renowned precision and quality. From design to assembly, every detail is executed with care. Enclosures are milled in Switzerland from solid-billet aluminum for strength, durability, and thermal properties, providing a robust, resonance-free foundation critical to sonic excellence.
