Wattson Audio Madison Lounge Edition ultra-compact streaming/dac
In a new, revamped version, the Madison is the first Wattson Audio unit to join the "Lounge Edition" series. Featuring a reworked look and a number of technological enhancements, the Madison Lounge Edition takes audio reproduction to a new level of perfection.
In a new, revamped version, the Madison is the first Wattson Audio unit to join the "Lounge Edition" series. Featuring a reworked look and a number of technological enhancements, the Madison Lounge Edition takes audio reproduction to a new level of perfection.
The Madison revisited
While not trying to replace the Madison, but starting from the same basis, the Madison Lounge Edition ventures into the furthest reaches of what we think is possible to refine and perfect in this streamer DAC.
Underneath the new, bright, matte finish, which makes it instantly recognizable, are several technical improvements that make the Madison Lounge Edition unique and even more efficient than its "Classic" alter-ego.
In pursuit of audio perfection
Perfection is often found in the details. In the case of the Madison, the possibilities for improvement, while limited, were diverse. The outcome of these considerations is a Madison Lounge Edition with several notable changes:
New output stages topology
- A global optimization of the circuit diagram
- Adaptation of the internal voltage regulators, as well as a more robust power supply
- A choice of exclusive and very high quality components for the analog section
- Enhanced filtering to improve high frequency noise rejection
The quest for perfection in electronics, and in audio in particular, may be endless. However, taking the time to invest in it yields results that fulfill expectations.
An elegant and sleek design
Remaining consistent in size and proportions, the Madison Lounge Edition's new "White Sand" coating is elegantly illuminated and constantly changing under ambient light.
This change in style is highlighted by a new amber LED display and sleek silkscreen.
Finally, for the sake of stability, but also to assert the presence of the Madison Lounge Edition in its environment, it is now standing on four anti-vibration aluminum feet.
A dedicated power supply
As an essential accessory, the choice of external power supply has been revised for the occasion.
The Madison's switching power supply has been replaced by a hybrid power supply, developed in-house especially for the Madison Lounge Edition.
Concealed in an industrial anodized aluminum case, this concept ensures a silent, responsive power supply.
To complete the package, and to ensure stability and low noise levels, we entrusted Luna Cables with the task of providing the high-performance connection that the Madison Lounge Edition deserves.
Technical specifications
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 stages
Very low-noise power supply circuits
CNC-machined out of a solid aluminium block
Design, manufacturing and assembling entirely made in Switzerland and EU
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, TIDAL connect, Roon Ready, Audirvāna
Streaming services brought by the Wattson Music app: TIDAL¹, Qobuz², airable radios
Performances
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): 2,1V RMS
XLR output level (0dB FS): 4,2V RMS
Signal-to-noise, weighted (SNR-A): typ. 124dB
Harmonic distortion (THD+N, 0dB FS): typ. 0,001%
Headphone output: 2x 150mW on 32 ohms, 2x 50mW on 150 ohms, 2x 10mW on 600 ohms
Mechanical and electrical characteristics
Dimensions (W x D x H): 6,9 x 7,3 x 2,1in (174 x 185 x 52mm)
Weight: 2,37lb (1075g)
Power supply: 5V DC, Wattson Audio external hybrid adaptor
Power consumption: 50mW (idle), 4,5 W (playing)
Packaging
FSC cardboard 1,64oz/sq ft (500g/m²)
