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Streamers — SVS Sound Emerson ANALOG
Description, images, technical data and specifications
SVS Sound Emerson ANALOG
Image source — © SVS Sound
The Emerson ANALOG is a small network player that converts to analogue itself, made by Wattson Audio, a Swiss company that builds minimalist CNC-machined aluminium components with its own streaming platform and clock circuits. Wattson's current products are grouped into the Emerson line, with the Emerson ANALOG and Emerson DIGITAL, and the Madison line, which includes a streamer, a phono stage, an amplifier and a power supply. The Emerson ANALOG is the entry streaming DAC of the range and costs USD 1,750, with an optional power supply upgrade at USD 55.
Key specs that matter
The only input is Ethernet at 100 Mbit/s. PCM is handled up to 24 bit and 384 kHz, and DSD64 at 2.8224 MHz. The converter chip is the Cirrus Logic (Wolfson) WM8742. The single output is a pair of RCA sockets delivering 2.0 V RMS. THD+N stays below 0.001% at full scale, and signal to noise ratio exceeds 120 dB A-weighted. Power comes from an external 5 V DC, 18 W universal supply through a 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel jack, and the streamer draws 2.5 W in use and less than 0.5 W in standby. The dark grey case is 104 mm wide, 87 mm deep and 38 mm high, with a weight of 0.40 kg.
Engineering and use context
Timing comes from two ultra-low-noise oscillators, dedicated respectively to multiples of 44.1 kHz and of 48 kHz, and only the one needed for the current rate is powered. Wattson's own streaming platform is built around a Sitara processor from Texas Instruments, and its software can be updated. Phase noise is below -135 dBc/√Hz at 100 Hz, and jitter is below 50 fs RMS. Volume is controlled digitally with Wattson's LEEDH processing from -80.0 dB to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps, a method designed to change level without losing resolution, which allows the Emerson ANALOG to drive a power amplifier without a preamplifier. The output carries no additional analogue filtering. Supported formats are WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis and WMA. Playback runs through UPnP and DLNA, AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Audirvana and airable internet radio, controlled from an iPhone or iPad with Wattson Music, or from Android with Wattson Remote.
Pairing
Its RCA pair goes into a line input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier, or, with the LEEDH level control in use, straight into a power amplifier or powered monitors. There is no Wi-Fi, so a router or network switch must be within cable reach.
Alternatives
The Wattson Emerson DIGITAL uses the same chassis with a digital output for listeners who already own an external DAC.
Key specs that matter
The only input is Ethernet at 100 Mbit/s. PCM is handled up to 24 bit and 384 kHz, and DSD64 at 2.8224 MHz. The converter chip is the Cirrus Logic (Wolfson) WM8742. The single output is a pair of RCA sockets delivering 2.0 V RMS. THD+N stays below 0.001% at full scale, and signal to noise ratio exceeds 120 dB A-weighted. Power comes from an external 5 V DC, 18 W universal supply through a 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel jack, and the streamer draws 2.5 W in use and less than 0.5 W in standby. The dark grey case is 104 mm wide, 87 mm deep and 38 mm high, with a weight of 0.40 kg.
Engineering and use context
Timing comes from two ultra-low-noise oscillators, dedicated respectively to multiples of 44.1 kHz and of 48 kHz, and only the one needed for the current rate is powered. Wattson's own streaming platform is built around a Sitara processor from Texas Instruments, and its software can be updated. Phase noise is below -135 dBc/√Hz at 100 Hz, and jitter is below 50 fs RMS. Volume is controlled digitally with Wattson's LEEDH processing from -80.0 dB to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps, a method designed to change level without losing resolution, which allows the Emerson ANALOG to drive a power amplifier without a preamplifier. The output carries no additional analogue filtering. Supported formats are WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis and WMA. Playback runs through UPnP and DLNA, AirPlay, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Audirvana and airable internet radio, controlled from an iPhone or iPad with Wattson Music, or from Android with Wattson Remote.
Pairing
Its RCA pair goes into a line input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier, or, with the LEEDH level control in use, straight into a power amplifier or powered monitors. There is no Wi-Fi, so a router or network switch must be within cable reach.
Alternatives
The Wattson Emerson DIGITAL uses the same chassis with a digital output for listeners who already own an external DAC.
Specifications
Model name
Emerson ANALOG
Has internal DAC
Yes
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 24-bit 384 kHz, DSD64
DSP processing
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Analog outputs level (single-ended) (V)
2
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
>120
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
< 0,001
Dimensions (mm)
104 x 87 x 38
Weight (kg)
0.387
Official link