Ferrum ERCO

Combining elements of Ferrum’s all-analogue OOR headphone amp, the ERCO can be upgraded with the Hypsos power supply, making it a complete ‘just-add computer-and-headphones’ solution for desktop audio, including a USB input and onboard DAC.

It will also function as an analogue headphone amp, having RCA line-ins, as well as offering variable-level analogue outs – via RCAs and balanced XLRs – for use as a preamp straight into a power amp or pair of active speakers. The ‘computer audio’ input is via a USB-C port, which can accept PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and up to DSD256, while there’s also MQA decoding. Use the coaxial or optical inputs and you’ll be limited to 24-bit/96kHz and DSD via-DoP.

Sound quality 

Using the ERCO as a DAC into a selection of preamps and integrateds, it gives a very good account of itself, with a wide-open, detailed sound possessing plenty of sparkle and heft. Playing a stupidly extended Carl Palmer drum solo from The Silent Choir Emerson, Lake and Palmer live set, the ERCO makes the most of the slightly murky live sound. Palmer’s drums thunder and cymbals sizzle, as they should, while switching to headphones realises a sound that is even gutsier and tightly paced.